New Zealand Missionary Honoured

A New Zealand Salvation Army missionary, the late Brigadier Laura Dutton, has been honoured in a ceremony at Zambia’s Chikankata High School where she served for sixteen years, including five years as principal and three years as vice principal.

Brigadier Laura Dutton served in Africa from 1946 to 1977. She was regarded as a gifted teacher with a willingness to learn from the wisdom of Africa and in 1975 she was awarded the Order of Distinguished Service by the first president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda. Brigadier Dutton was promoted to Glory in August 2003 and her ashes were returned to the school for burial in January this year.

Territorial Headquarters in Zambia advertised the ceremony through television and in the local paper, knowing those who had been at the school during her time of service would want to attend.

Many former students responded, travelling by hired bus from Lusaka for the occasion. They spoke highly of the late Brigadier and presented an item, a song they used to sing while students at Chikankata. Present pupils and staff from both the school and the Army’s Chikankata Hospital attended, as did a representative of Chief Mwenda and local headsmen.

Commissioner Margaret du Plessis (Director of Moral and Social Issues at International Headquarters) represented IHQ, and spoke at both the official ceremony and the graveside service. The Commissioner served at Chikankata Hospital from 1968 until 1980, during which time her husband Commissioner Paul du Plessis served as chief medical officer.

In a written tribute, Commissioner Paul du Plessis said that the simplicity of Brigadier Dutton’s faith ‘matched the beauty of her humble spirit, producing that near perfect blend of character that drew out of all who knew her the deepest admiration, love and respect.’

The Chikankata school hall was full for a moving tribute service of praise and thanksgiving to God, led by Territorial Commander Tadeous Shipe. Commissioner Shipe said the hall would be named after the late brigadier, ‘in memory of her wonderful service and love for the people.’

The congregation then followed the Salvation Army flag on a long march from the school hall down past the hospital and up Calvary Hill, where the Brigadier’s ashes were laid to rest.

Commissioner du Plessis said Brigadier Dutton had identified with the people of Zambia. ‘The large crowd who gathered to celebrate her life recognised that. At the funeral they received her back, placing her mortal remains in a simple grave in the place of honour—at the top of Kalvali, site of Easter morning sunrise services.

‘Future generations who gather there in celebration of the resurrection and new life will see her memorial and perhaps wonder who she was. We are among those privileged to have known her.’