'Thank you for permitting us to share in your pilgrimage,' said the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, as he gave the farewell message on behalf of International Headquarters during the Valedictory Meeting held in the Assembly Hall of William Booth College. 'You have given us a gift these past three years.' After moving to the college at Denmark Hill, London, in 2001, IHQ was on the point of returning to 101 Queen Victoria Street, to a brand-new building.
The Chief thanked the college staff for their welcoming and sometimes sacrificial accommodation of IHQ and exhorted them to 'be well in a demanding present and do well as you ready the leaders of the present'. He then picked up on Paul's valediction in his second letter to the Corinthians, saying to IHQ and college staff: 'Be well – as you aim for perfection. Be well – as you are in one mind. Be well – as you live in peace with one another.'
Earlier in the meeting the Training Principal, Major Melvyn Jones, prayed for three things for those departing the college, after reminiscing about some of the happenings over the three years. 'May God give you a safe and smooth transition,' he said. 'I pray God's blessing upon you as a fellowship and I pray for you all as individuals, that God will bless you greatly.'
The meeting also included a PowerPoint presentation by Major Rob Garrad (Private Secretary to the Chief of the Staff) of IHQ's journeyings over the years – in the 75 years of the college's history International Headquarters has shared its premises for a total of 25 years – a Bible reading by Kevin Sims, Editor of All the World, and a farewell song from the training college staff.
Opening worship was led by Major Alison Burns, IHQ Chaplain, and the meeting concluded with the singing of 'What a work the Lord has done' and prayers and a benediction from Commissioner Raymond Houghton, International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff.
International Headquarters Communications Section
