Bassetts began Army journey nearly 40 years ago

Listen to this article

1964 PROCLAIMERS OF FAITH SESSION



Commissioners W. Todd and Carol Bassett


As Commissioners W. Todd and Carol Bassett returned to the United States from London to take up their appointments as national leaders, they expressed as their primary concern that “Christ be supreme in all that is done during our time of leadership.” Both find the unique hallmark of The Salvation Army to be its integrated mission of indivisible spiritual and social ministry.

The new National Commander and National President of Women’s Ministries were commissioned as officers in 1964 in the Proclaimers of Faith session in the USA Eastern territory. They have enjoyed 38 years of team ministry. Their last appointments were as international secretary to the Chief of the Staff and mission resource secretary. They succeed Commissioners John and Elsie Busby, who entered retirement November 1.

Todd’s parents, Joe and Thelma Bassett, were Salvation Army officers in charge of the Army’s ministry on an Indian reservation in Salamanca, New York, where Todd was born. Carol grew up in an agricultural community in midwest Illinois and attended a rural Methodist church. She gave her heart to the Lord as a child during a tent revival meeting.

Todd and Carol entered Asbury College after graduating from high school and were married in June 1960, while still students at the college. After graduation, Todd taught ninth grade history while Carol finished her BA in Art Education with a teaching certificate. The Bassetts served as corps officers, training school officers, territorial youth secretaries and, for nearly 13 years, as divisional leaders, first in Northern New England, then in the Empire State and Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware divisions.

The Bassetts have three children and nine grandchildren. Their eldest son, Jeffery, and his wife are Salvation Army officers in Pennsylvania and have four children. Their daughter, Jill, is a homemaker and mother of two in upstate Pennsylvania. Their youngest son, Jonathan, lives in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada with his wife and three children, where he operates his own business.

Christian education, teaching and youth ministry have always held a high degree of importance for both Todd and Carol.

More than ever, their greatest desire is to be used by God in service and ministry that will extend God’s kingdom­building here on earth through the Army. They are firmly committed to the fact that God uniquely raised up The Salvation Army as a mission to the disadvantaged of society.

–The War Cry

Prev
Bell reports on farewell, welcomes in New York City

Bell reports on farewell, welcomes in New York City

BY DEBORA BELL, LT

Next
Gowans retire on high note

Gowans retire on high note

General John Gowans November 2 was a very special day as over 2,000

You May Also Like