The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division Welcomes New Divisional Leaders

Jul 6, 2023

   
Left: Lt. Colonels Steve and Christine Merritt, Right: Major Toni E. Dorrell

The Salvation Great Lakes Division welcomed new leaders at its divisional headquarters in Southfield on June 28.

Lieutenant Colonel Steve Merritt is the new divisional commander of the Great Lakes Division. His wife, Lieutenant Colonel Christine Merritt is the new Divisional Leader for Officer Development, as well as Camp Administrator for Echo Grove Camp & Retreat Center. They are taking over for Lt. Colonels John and Teresa Turner, who were divisional leaders in the Great Lakes Division for 10 years.

The Salvation Army often moves officers to different locations every three to five years to bring new perspectives into a community.

Lt. Colonels Steven and Christine Merritt were previously appointed to the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Division 2016 onward. They were both born to Salvation Army officers.

They met as children while both families were stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, were married in 1986, and were commissioned and ordained in 1993 after attending The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Chicago.

Prior to the Merritt’s appointment to Milwaukee, they were appointed to the Rockford Temple as Corps Officers. The Merritt’s have three children Benjamin, Matthew, and Abigail.

The Great Lakes Division is also welcoming Major Toni Dorrell as General Secretary and Metro Detroit Area Commander, Major Andrew B. Shiels as divisional secretary, and Major Melissa M. Shiels as divisional secretary for program.


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