General Arnold Brown served as the 11th international leader of The Salvation Army from 1977 to 1981. Born to Salvation Army officer (pastor) parents on December 13, 1913, in London, England, he immigrated with his family to Bellville, Canada as a child.

Following his commissioning as a Salvation Army officer in 1935, Arnold served 10 years in the editorial department at the territorial headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. In 1939, he compiled a history of The Salvation Army in Canada, entitled “What Hath God Wrought?” He then married fellow officer Jean Barclay. Together, they gave 42 years of joint service before retiring from active officership in 1981. 

In 1964, Arnold was appointed to International Headquarters as secretary for public relations. He implemented a successful campaign known as “For God’s Sake Care.” Also under his leadership, advisory boards were set up throughout the United Kingdom.  

Arnold was then appointed chief of the staff (second-in-command internationally) in October 1969, serving for five years before returning to Canada as territorial commander in 1974. Three years later, the High Council elected him to become the 11th General of The Salvation Army. He took office on July 5, 1977. 

Following his election as General, Arnold encouraged Salvationists to reflect Jesus’ purpose. “Everything they can to make better known Jesus Christ,” he said, “and his saving power as the only hope for a sinning, suffering world; everything they can to demonstrate indisputably in what they say and do that the grace of God enables men and women to live clean and holy lives filled with the joy of service to God and their fellows; in short, everything they can to bring Heaven to earth.”

Retiring in 1981, Arnold continued to write, speak, and advocate for the values he had championed throughout his life. At the age of 88, General Arnold Brown was promoted to Glory on June 26, 2002, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission. 

His life serves as a powerful reminder of how faith, when coupled with compassion and creativity, can transform lives and communities around the world.

So What?

In what ways are your experiences with creative service and unwavering faith transforming lives and impacting your community?

This article was originally titled “General Arnold Brown” in the January 2026 issue of Peer. Illustration by Paul Ryding.