Maritime Division welcomes new leaders

This is the time of year when The Salvation Army executes its annual change of appointments, transferring officers across the country to new postings.  The Maritime Division is celebrating the arrival of its newest leaders, Divisional Commander, Major Wade Budgell; and new Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Linda Budgell. 

We sat down with Major Wade Budgell to see how he’s settling into his new appointment.  Wade was born and raised in St. Anthony, NL and his wife, Linda in Stephenville, NL.  The Budgell’s have been partners in life and in ministry for 29 years and have three children: Jeremy (26), Stephen (24), and Amanda (21).  They served as corps officers for over twenty years before moving into divisional public relations (Wade) and long term care chaplaincy and director of volunteer services (Linda). 

Tell us about your last posting?

Wade Budgell:  Our last posting took us to Territorial Headquarters in Toronto.  Linda and I served as Assistant Chief Secretaries for three years.  In our roles we supported the Chief Secretary in the administrative function of the territory, and planned special events such as commissioning and congress. 

Have you been to the Maritimes before?

WB: This is our first time serving in the Maritimes, but being from Newfoundland, we’ve had the opportunity to drive through the Maritime Provinces on a number of occasions.  We haven’t yet taken a lot of time to experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the Maritime Provinces, but this appointment gives us the opportunity to get off the highway and come to a deeper appreciation of the scenery, culture and people. 

What are your first impressions?

WB:  Being from Newfoundland we appreciate the ability to look out our window and see the Atlantic Ocean, that’s a real treat.  When we drove to Peggy’s Cove and enjoyed a good meal of seafood and a great view of the lighthouse and ocean, we felt right at home. 

What are some of your goals and aspirations?

WB: Our primary focus is to learn how we can best support and encourage the people we will work with throughout the Maritime Division. We know that we have a wonderful group of officers, employees, volunteers, and congregational members.   Our first priority is to get to know these people and their personal stories, and to understand and support their vision in reaching out to their respective communities.  We want to assure people that we are committed to a shared vision.   

What are some of your hobbies?

WB:  Hobbies will have to wait for retirement.  I am a sports fan however.  It’s not as much a passion, as it is a diversion for me.  I enjoy following hockey and baseball.  My all-time favorite sport team is the Chicago Black Hawks.  I’ve been a fan since I was a child, when Bobby Hall, ‘the Golden Jet’ played for them, and have followed the team ever since.   Linda is a very practical, task-oriented person.  In terms of leisure time, she loves to sew and quilt. Linda and I place high value on family.  I’m the youngest of ten children and Linda is one of nine, so we’re very accustomed to large groups of people, and we enjoy entertaining.  My wife has the gift of hospitality and has trained me along the way.  So drop by sometime for a cup of tea! 

Fourteen other officers are new, or have transferred within the division. They are:

• Majors Wayne and Cavell Loveless, Area Commanders, Divisional Headquarters
• Lieutenant Shawna Goulding, Corps Officer, Westville, NS
• Lieutenant Sarah Braye, Corps Officer, Truro, NS
• Lieutenants Alexander and Rhonda MacDonald, Corps Officers, Spryfield, NS
• Captains Neil and Dolores Abbott, Corps Officers, Summerside, NS
• Majors Kirk and Sharon MacLeod, Corps Officers, Halifax Citadel, NS
• Captains Corey and Charlene Vincent, Corps Officers, Sydney, NS