Called to serve
In order to become an officer for the Salvation Army, a potential candidate must receive a calling from God.
This spring, Lt. Esther Wilson, 50, traveled from Ridgway to answer that call.
“It really wasn’t a decision to apply,” Wilson said of her request to be considered for the role of officer at the Salvation Army in Washington. “It was God’s calling on my life.”
The Salvation Army is a longstanding, worldwide movement to spread Christian ideals and perform charitable acts.
Upon accepting the officer’s position at the Salvation Army, Wilson’s primary responsibility is to serve as pastor and also administer community outreach programs.
The Portland, Maine, native and mother of two was notified of her acceptance in May and now resides near the Salvation Army building at 60 E. Maiden St.
Wilson was born embedded in the Army’s movement. With both her parents serving as Salvation Army officers, Wilson became a soldier at age 14.
In 2010, she engaged in two years of intensive study at the College for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y. The curriculum included classroom instruction and field training.
Post-graduation, Wilson became a corps officer in Ridgway before taking the position in Washington. Despite her few months in residence, she already wears a proud smile when discussing her new home.
“This is a beautiful community,” she said. “It has potential for the Army to do a lot of good and build on my predecessor’s projects.”
While Wilson predominantly intends to continue the “phenomenal” initiatives already under way at the Washington branch, she also plans to expand the church’s attendance.
“I will try to bring more people into the church – especially kids,” Wilson said.
Captains Michael and Amanda Jung served as officers of the Salvation Army in Washington for the past four years. Since Salvation Army officers are transferred on a need basis every four to seven years, Michael Jung now serves as officer in Sharon.
Although he was not involved in the selection process, Michael Jung is confident in his successor’s abilities.
“Esther Wilson is well-qualified.” he said. “She is a good leader, and I believe she will do extremely well in Washington.”