Major changes
Much-travelled Salvation Army majors settling nicely into new surroundings
After two years of retirement Mildred Jennings was bored, so it was a relief when she and her husband got a call about returning to work.
Salvation Army Majors Mildred and Bruce Jennings have been based in Truro since Jan. 3.
“I wasn’t ready to retire; I was really bored,” said Mildred. “It’s nice to be in Truro, and I’ll be walking around to explore the area once it warms up.”
The Jennings both grew up in, and met through, the Salvation Army in Newfoundland.
Bruce held a variety of jobs before becoming an officer in the Salvation Army.
“I didn’t stay anywhere long because I would get bored,” he said. “I feel that was because I wasn’t in the right place.”
Mildred began working with the church early in life.
“I felt God was leading me to minister to other people,” she said. “Going into ministry is something I’ve never regretted.”
After they became officers, the Jennings’ first appointment was in Newfoundland, but they went on to serve in Ontario, Michigan and Bermuda.
“It was quite a change in weather to go from Kapuskasing to Bermuda,” said Bruce.
“Bermuda is included in the Canada-bermuda territory. Support and resources come from Canada but it is its own entity. We were there for two terms, six years and four years.”
They retired to Yarmouth a couple of years ago, but were asked if they’d like to fill in at Truro when Lieutenant Sarah Braye stepped down because of health issues.
Mildred fills much of her spare time with crafts, knitting and sewing, while Bruce’s hobbies involve music.
He writes and transposes music, and plays keyboard, and reed and brass instruments.
Although they were asked to step in on a temporary position, they’re now considering permanent work.
The Salvation Army makes any changes in leaders at the end of April.