Brigadier Mary Nisiewicz (pronounced “Ne-shave-its”) spent her life serving those in need, embodying the core values of The Salvation Army through her leadership, compassion, and tireless commitment to the mission of helping people, especially those in marginalized communities. 

Mary’s parents immigrated from Poland to America. In 1916, Mary was born in Rome, NY. She first met The Salvation Army through an open-air meeting. With encouragement from her parents, she attended youth meetings at the Rome Corps. At age 20, Mary became a Salvation Army officer (pastor). 

In 1964, Salvation Army leadership appointed then-Major Mary Nisiewicz as corps officer of the Manhattan Citadel located in East Harlem, New York, where she served for 17 years prior to retirement. She was soon promoted to the highly respected rank of Brigadier. Known for her tough, no-nonsense love, she became the surrogate parent and role model for hundreds of homeless people, many of whom suffered from addiction.

In 1968, she launched the Corps Outreach Program (COP). The program focused on counseling and support for people with addictions. She funded the program by collecting a minimum of $500 a week on the streets of Harlem ($500 in 1968 had the purchasing power of about $4,500 today.)  The acronym “COP” carried a double meaning: for police officer and the popular phrase “to grab and hold on to something.” 

David Appleby, a soldier and well-known classical pianist, served as bandmaster, songster leader, corps cadet counselor and Sunday school teacher throughout Mary’s 17-year tenure at Manhattan Citadel. He recalls that “Brigadier Nisiewicz was all about service. ‘Get it done’ was her daily watchword. However, she did not do it alone. She trusted her local officers and employees. She trusted and supported leaders she had carefully and prayerfully put in place.”

In addition to her work within The Salvation Army, Mary became a role model for women in leadership in Christian ministries. Her success and commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army remain an inspiration to others, particularly women, who aspire to serve in ministry and leadership roles. 

In 1979, General Arnold Brown awarded Brigadier Mary Nisiewicz the Order of the Founder.

So What?

The enduring presence and commitment of ministry in a specific location holds significant spiritual value. Like Mary, how are you impacting your community for Christ?