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Ken and Phyllis Bricknell are honored at THQ for volunteer service.
by EDIE JENKINS –
Lifelong Salvationists and volunteers at Territorial Headquarters for 15 years, Ken and Phyllis Bricknell, were honored recently with the prestigious Certificate in Recognition of Exceptional Service. The certificate, presented by Lt. Colonel Donald Bell, chief secretary, was signed by Territorial Commander, Commissioner Philip Swyers, and National Commander, Commissioner W. Todd Bassett. The certificate is awarded to those who have had significant achievements in quality and length of service in or for The Salvation Army.
The THQ chapel was filled as officers, employees and friends gathered to pay tribute to the Bricknells. Major Ralph Hood, secretary for Personnel, led the service of appreciation, and Major Ivy Hood offered prayer and read the scripture from Psalm 89.
Coworkers had opportunity to speak of their association with the Bricknells. Cheryl Brown spoke of the dedicated service of Phyllis in Officer Records and her commitment to ensure that records are accurate and complete. She expressed gratitude for Phyllis’s willingness to take on any needed task, as well as her creativity in decorating the department for Christmas. Phyllis is also noted for her promotion of world services and excellent missionary displays.
Robert Bearchell, retired THQ employee, told of his association with Ken in Community Relations and Development. He especially cited Ken’s organization of audio-visual material. The West is known for the excellence and availability of its audio-visual material thanks to Ken’s fine work. Bearchell calculated that over the years the Bricknells have driven approximately 140,000 miles to and from THQ, and they have accrued 15,000 hours in donated services, worth about $600,000. However, in the words of the television commercial, their contribution is “priceless!”
Ken and Phyllis share a marvelous Army heritage. His parents were Salvationists in Oxford, England, and hers were officers with roots that go back to the days of the Christian Mission. They have both actively supported their local corps throughout the years, willingly assuming and faithfully fulfilling leadership responsibilities.
Major Ralph Hood presented a book-of-letters and read a letter from the Chief of the Staff expressing appreciation for their service on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army.
A highlight of the gathering was a first-ever recognition given to Ken. Commissioner Patricia Swyers presented him with a certificate of membership in the Order of the Silver Star. He is the first father of an officer in the Western Territory to receive this honor retroactively, as formerly it was given only to the mothers of officers. Daughter, Major Rosalyn Mahr, was privileged to pin the silver star on her father’s lapel. Major Rosalyn and her husband, Major Ted Mahr, have just returned from 27 years of service in India and are now on homeland furlough.
Commissioner Bill Luttrell, a longtime friend, associate and former corps officer, led the final song, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” followed by the benediction by Commissioner Gwen Luttrell in which she expressed gratitude to God for his faithfulness to Ken and Phyllis and their faithfulness to the Lord.
Following the service, their friends had opportunity to greet Ken and Phyllis and to join in a time of fellowship and refreshment. The Bricknells will long be remembered for their faithful and joyful service. They take with them the heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude of their friends and associates at THQ and prayers for God’s continued blessing on their lives.
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