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Released 17 May 2009
Salvation Army gets new leaders
By Brad Kadrich • OBSERVER STAFF WRITER • May 17, 2009
Not that they want to, because they are servants of God and go where they're called, but Jim and Pat Irvine can't seem to get out of the National Football League's North Division.
The Irvines, the corps officers for the Plymouth Salvation Army, have received orders to move to Green Bay, Wis., home of the Packers. Their new assignment follows three years in Plymouth and two in Pontiac (where the Detroit Lions are rumored to be an NFL team). Before that, the Irvines served in Bear country, having worked in suburban Chicago.
All they need next is an assignment in Minnesota.
The Irvines, who started in Plymouth July 1, 2006, head to Wisconsin July 1.
"It was very unexpected," Maj. Jim Irvine said of the orders. "We're just now getting to know the community, and they're getting to know us. Just last week, I stopped downtown for a cup of coffee and someone said to me, ‘Hey, Jim.' That was nice."
The Irvines will be followed in Plymouth by Capts. Dan and Jolene Hull, who move from the Salvation Army's Midland Division in St. Louis, where Dan Hull is finance secretary. Jolene Hull wore several hats, serving as secretary for women's ministries, moral and ethical issues and community care ministries.
Dan and Jolene Hull are no relation to Steve and Jacqueline Hull, who served in Plymouth several years ago.
The Irvines have been happy to serve in Plymouth, where programs continue to flourish.
The recent Letter Carriers Food Drive nearly doubled last year's total of donated food. The annual Red Kettle Drive generally has met or exceeded its goal, and the corps is continuing to assist ever-increasing numbers of families.
And, while there's a sense of unfinished business for them after only three years, the Irvines knew what they were signing up for when they joined.
"It's impossible to divorce the human feelings that go with any change like this," Jim Irvine said. "But at the same time there comes recognition of the fact when we were commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers and ministers, it was understood we go where God and the Salvation Army need us."