Passing of retired General Eva Burrows of The Salvation Army 'The People's General'

The message from the Founders’ Day evening session of Boundless 2015 was clear – William and Catherine Booth began The Salvation Army exactly 150 years ago, but the call to win the world for Christ must be answered by today’s Salvationists.

Highlights of the evening included the posthumous admitting of former General Eva Burrows to the Order of the Founder, The Salvation Army’s highest honour, and the launching of the new song book.

The programme began with a drama showing a group of missioners outside the Blind Beggar public house in east London on 2 July 1865. When they asked a young William Booth to ‘have a word’, his reply was clear and loud: SALVATION!

General André Cox strode onto the stage and asked: ‘What better day than today to renew our commitment to salvation and the fight?’

Tribute was paid to Catherine Booth, who was recognised as equal partner in her husband’s work. Never commissioned, the congregation heard, she never held a rank – except for Mother of The Salvation Army.

The recognition of one remarkable woman led to the honouring of another, with the admittance to the Order of the Founder of former General Eva Burrows, who was promoted to Glory earlier this year. A video from General Eva’s thanksgiving service showed her at her passionate best, declaring: ‘I never wanted to live my way, I always wanted to live [God’s] way.’

Presenting the award to Australia Southern Territorial Commander Commissioner Floyd Tidd, on behalf of General Eva’s family, the General said that the life and service of Eva Burrows ‘would have recommended itself to our Founder. She inspired countless people around the world.’

21st May 2015
It is with a great degree of sadness that The Salvation Army in Australia announces the passing of General Eva Burrows in Melbourne late last night (11.30 pm 20 March 2015). She was 85 years old.

“General Eva” was world leader of The Salvation Army from 1986 until 1993 and the second woman in history to act as General. The current General, Andre Cox has stated, “We give thanks to God for the life, inspiration and leadership of General Eva Burrows. Her life influenced the lives of countless people to shape The Salvation Army … across the world. I salute a true servant of God!”

Eva Evelyn Burrows AC was born in Newcastle on the 15th of September 1929 as one of nine children. She completed High School at Brisbane State High and went on to study a Bachelor of Arts (with majors in English and History) at The University of Qld, graduating in 1950. A year later she began training as a Salvation Army Officer, which she continued for the rest of her life with appointments all around the world including Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Great Britain and Australia.

General Eva was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) on Australia Day 1986 “In recognition of service to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the community and to social justice as the world leader of The Salvation Army”. In 1994 the AO was upgraded to Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). On January 1 2001 General Burrows received a Centenary Medal “for service to the Australian community”.

Commissioner Floyd Tidd from Australia Southern Territory says, “General Eva Burrows was an inspiring, respected and loved colleague with an exemplary record of international service for The Salvation Army. She was universally recognised as a very strong leader with a unique spiritual authority. She will be sorely missed.”

In retirement she was an active, “hands on” worker at The Salvation Army 614 Project in Bourke Street Melbourne which caters specifically for the homeless and marginalised people of Melbourne city.

Commanding Officer Major Brendan Nottle says “General Eva Burrows was the absolute epitome of what it means to be a true Salvation Army Officer. She was deeply interested & passionate about every aspect of people's being, no matter what level of society they were from. Anyone that met her always felt valued, respected & deeply appreciated. On meeting her, they were always filled with hope & reminded that they are never forgotten & always loved.”

A Facebook page called “General Eva Burrows tributes” has been setup for everyone to share their thoughts.

For further information or media comment please contact: 
Dr Bruce Redman– Territorial Media Director 
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory (Vic., SA, Tas., WA & NT) 
Tel: 03 8878 2448 Mob: 0417 537 950 Email: bruce.redman@aus.salvationarmy.org

Image: General Eva Burrows with Girl Guides

Image: General Eva Burrows with President Reagan

Image: General Eva Burrows with Street Outreach Team

Image: General Eva Burrows with Bob Hawke