Farewelling a faithful servant
(Photos courtesy the Maxwell family)
A committal and thanksgiving service was held on 25 June at Carindale Corps in South Queensland to celebrate the life and ministry of Mrs Brigadier Maxwell.
Mrs Brigadier Maxwell’s grandson, Major Colin Maxwell, Capricorn Region Corps Officer, opened the service and shared about the great woman of God he knew affectionately as his nana.
After leading the congregation in I know Thee who Thou art, a song that was loved by Mrs Brigadier Maxwell, Commissioner Earle Maxwell (ret.) spoke of his mother’s godly example.
“It is a privilege for me this afternoon to join with my sister [Rosemarie] in paying tribute to mother because we both owe a sense of indebtedness to God for the wonderful legacy she left us.”
On behalf of the retired officers, Lieut-Colonel Brian Hood, President of Queensland Retired Officers Fellowship, offered condolences and a tribute to her officership. This was followed by a tribute on behalf of the Maxwell grandchildren from Colonel Wayne Maxwell, Territorial Commander for the Philippines Territory, grandson to Mrs Brigadier Maxwell.
“For us as grandchildren, we have seen the faith described in Hebrews 11:1-2 lived out in the life of our grandmother.”
Major Mark Watts, Under Secretary for International Personnel at International Headquarters, grandson to Mrs Brigadier Maxwell, spoke on behalf of the Watts’ grandchildren about his nana’s ability to connect with people and her exemplary Christian life example.
Commissioner Jan Condon, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries represented the Territorial Commander in delivering a tribute and expressed thanks to God for Mrs Brigadier Maxwell’s rich legacy spiritual responsiveness and service to God.
Born in Scotland on 28 November, 1910, Mrs Brigadier Maxwell moved to Australia with her family at a young age and eventually settled in Maitland, rural NSW.
Mrs Brigadier Maxwell was only 19 when she entered the Training College as a member of the Blazers session to become a Salvation Army Officer. Mrs Brigadier Maxwell
served in a number of corps before she met her belated husband, Brigadier Thomas Earle Maxwell who passed away in 1972.
Following their marriage, appointments included corps leadership at Cowra, Orange, Albion and West End and contrasting social work positions including Collaroy Men’s Home and Riverview Training Farm. In their final appointment they opened the “Mancare” project in Canberra.
Together they had five children, seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren, many of whom continue her legacy through their ongoing ministry with The Salvation Army.
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