General Bramwell Tillsley - Biography back to 'Generals Of The Salvation Army'
General Bramwell Tillsley - Biography
Bramwell Tillsley, a Canadian, became an officer from his hometown of Kitchener (Ontario), although his father had strong links with the Kettering Corps in the UK where the young Bramwell, for a brief period in 1938, played in the YP band. His service as an officer included terms as Provincial and Divisional Commander in Canada, as Principal of the International Training College, and as Chief Secretary in the USA Southern Territory.
The son of Salvationist parents, he was educated in Kitchener, Ontario and at the University of Western Ontario, where he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. Further studies were taken at Wycliffe College, Toronto.
After working for the Children's Aid Society he entered The Salvation Army Training College together his wife Maude (nee Pitcher) as a cadet in the
‘Swordbearers’ session  in 1955.
When once asked to recount a highlight in his life, General Tillsley responded, "the turning point in my personal life was when, as a bandsman of 19 years of age, I acknowledged the Lordship of Christ. That was the commencement of a real 'Adventure in Christ'.
That adventure continued when, upon their commissioning as officers in June 1956, the Tillsleys were appointed as corps officers, first to Windsor, Nova Scotia, and then Oakville, Ontario. Six years of service as members of staff at the William Booth Memorial Training College in Toronto followed, after which Captain Tillsley was appointed Divisional Youth Secretary in the Saskatchewan Division. This was followed by a fulfilling appointment as corps officers at North Toronto Corps. A return to the training college in Toronto as Education Officer preceded two appointments as Training Principal - first in Newfoundland, then in the USA Eastern Territory, based in New York.
With promotion to the rank of Lieut -Colonel, the Tillsleys returned to the Canada and Bermuda Territory where the Colonel assumed responsibility as Provincial Commander for Newfoundland, and then as Divisional Commander in the Metro Toronto Division.
In August 1981 Colonel Tillsley was appointed Principal of the William Booth Memorial Training College in London, where his scholarly knowledge of God’ s Word brought enrichment to staff and cadets alike. In February 1985 came his appointment as Chief Secretary, USA Southern Territory.
Mrs General Maude Tillsley (nee Pitcher) - worked as a Registered Nurse prior to training for Salvation Army officership, and was actively involved in Army service with her husband in all their appointments.
In March 1991 Commissioner Bramwell Tillsley was appointed Chief of the Staff and Mrs Tillsley became World Secretary for Women’s Organisations.
On 23 April 1993 the High Council elected Bramwell Tillsley as the 14th General of The Salvation Army and on taking office on 9th July 1993 Mrs Tillsley became World President of Women’s Organisations.
General and Mrs Tillsley as worldwide leaders of the Army, campaigned extensively in India, the Caribbean, Australia, the USA and many other parts of the world.
Sadly, the General’s health suffered under the continuing strain of high office and reluctantly he decided to retire early. He relinquished office as the Army’s worldwide leader on 18 May 1994, bringing an unexpected early end to many years of outstanding service as an officer.
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