Salvation Army Honours

Order of the Founder

The Order of the Founder is the highest Salvation Army honour for distinguished service.

In 1917, five years after the death of William Booth, his son, General Bramwell Booth, inaugurated the Order of the Founder ‘to mark outstanding service rendered by officers and soldiers such as would in spirit or achievement have been specially commended by the Founder’.

The first awards were made in 1920 to 15 officers and one soldier. To date, 182 officers and 108 soldiers have been recognised with the Army's highest honour.

Australia Territory

Lieut-Colonel Olive Lucas

For her Christlike service and her untiring heart and commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army, particularly in Australia and India.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 4 February 2024.

Lieut-Colonel Olive Lucas

The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory

Envoys Koos and Henny Tinga

For exceptional perseverance, commitment and significant contribution to the pioneering work within the Red Light district of Amsterdam and the Czech Republic.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 25 June 2023.

Envoys Koos and Henny Tinga

India South Eastern Territory

Major Dr Ruby Samuel

In recognition of many years of faithful medical and social work.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 17 January 2023.

Major Dr Ruby Samuel

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory

Major Dorothy Elphick

In recognition of over 25 years of selfless service and courageous leadership to the Highland peoples of Papua New Guinea.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 31 July 2022.

Major Dorothy Elphick

Canada and Bermuda Territory

Dr James Read

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, leadership and teaching in relation to theology and moral and ethical issues in the international Salvation Army.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 18 September 2021.

Dr James Read

USA Southern Territory

Major Norma Roberts

In recognition of her long and distinguished ministry, which has pioneered the advancement and leadership influence of officers of African descent, particularly in the USA Southern Territory.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 5 June 2021.

Major Norma Roberts

Australia Territory

Uncle Vince Ross

For outstanding commitment to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous Australia, both within The Salvation Army and in Australian society in general.

Admitted to the Order of the Founder on 1 December 2020.

Uncle Vince Ross

Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service

On 24 February 1941 General George Carpenter instituted this order to mark the Army’s appreciation of distinguished service rendered by non-Salvationists who have helped to further its work in various ways.

 

Certificate in Recognition of Exceptional Service

The certificate is awarded to Salvationists and friends who work in or for The Salvation Army, whose work, although not being considered for recommendation to the Order of the Founder or the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service, has been of such outstanding value that it should be placed on permanent record. The service being recognised is outstanding in length or quality, work of an unusual nature for the benefit of the Army not being overlooked.

The award was adopted internationally by General Arnold Brown in May 1980, having been in use in Canada since before 1971.