George Lyndon Carpenter (20 June 1872 – 9 April 1948) was the 5th

General A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, and marines or naval infantry. In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel."general, adj. and n.". OED ...

The Salvation Army The Salvation Army (TSA) is a Protestant church and an international charitable organisation headquartered in London, England. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7million, comprising soldiers, officers and adherents col ...

(1939–1946).

Biography

George Lyndon Carpenter was born in Millers Forest, New South Wales, on 20 June 1872. His father, Tristan de Acunha Carpenter, was a farmer and a Methodist. His mother, Hannah Carpenter, née Worboys, was English and a Salvationist. George was their only son; the couple had five daughters as well. Carpenter trained in

Raymond Terrace Raymond Terrace is a town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia, about by road north of Newcastle on the Pacific Highway. Established in 1837 it is situated at the confluence of the Hunter and Williams rivers. The town was nam ...

, Australia, and became an

officer An officer is a person who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization. The term derives from Old French ''oficier'' "officer, official" (early 14c., Modern French ''officier''), from Medieval Latin ''officiarius'' "an officer," f ...

of the Army in 1892. For the first 18 years of his officership, he worked in property, training and literary work in Australia. He and Ensign Minnie Rowell were married on 21 June 1899. She wrote such books as '' Commissioner Lawley'', '' Notable Officers of The Salvation Army'' and '' Women of the Flag'', among others. In 1911, George was called up to International Headquarters. He became the literary secretary of The Salvation Army under General

Bramwell Booth William Bramwell Booth, CH (8 March 1856 – 16 June 1929) was a Salvation Army officer, Christian and British charity worker who was the first Chief of Staff (1881–1912) and the second General of The Salvation Army (1912–1929), succeedin ...

. He served in this role until 1927. From 1927 to 1933, he was called back for further service in Australia, to take over the ranks as Chief Secretary of Australia Eastern Territory. In 1933, he became South America East Territorial Commander. In 1937, he became Territorial Commander of

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, and served at that post until he was elected General by the High Council in 1939. His term in office as the General of The Salvation Army was during some trying times.

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...

was going on in

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, but he was a strong leader. He retired as General 26 June 1946. His books include '' Keep the Trumpets Sounding'' and '' Banners and Adventures''. General George Carpenter died in

Earlwood, New South Wales Earlwood is a suburb in Southern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Earlwood is located 10 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district, and is part of the St George area. It is in the local government areas ...

, on 9 April 1948, at the age of 75. He is buried in the Rookwood Cemetery.

References

http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/history-and-heritage/generals/general-albert-orsborn.html?s=1001 http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/action/NOTEMPLATE?s=0,pURL=general-george-carpenter, {{DEFAULTSORT:Carpenter, George 1872 births 1948 deaths Australian Salvationists Christian writers Salvation Army officers