After a lifetime of service for God through ministry as a Salvation Army officer, and following a short illness and hospitalization, Colonel Henry Gariepy, OF, was Promoted to Glory from Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on Saturday 3 April 2010. We join with Salvationist comrades and friends in honoring the life and legacy of Colonel Henry Gariepy and offer our deep condolences to his family.
Salvationists around the world have had a special relationship with the Colonel as he shared his passion for teaching and his partnership in the ministry to his family, Officers, future Officers, and soldiers and friends from all walks of life. We are most appreciative of the model of excellence in witness and work as an Officer in The Salvation Army. His influence will be felt for many years to come.
Born in January 1930, Henry Gariepy became a prolific author of 29 books — dealing with theology, biographies, and history, including 100 Portraits of Christ — published in nine editions and in several languages, General of God’s Army - the authorized biography of General Eva Burrows (Ret), and most recently, Christianity in Action, a one volume International History of The Salvation Army. In addition to his own published works, the Colonel contributed to many other books and wrote numerous articles for The War Cry and other periodicals. His writings grew out of his personal Bible study and prayer times. He attributed all of his writings to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Having written more books than any other author in the Army’s history, he has humbly continued through the years of both active and retired service to teach, mentor and influence others for Christ. His words had power to uplift and transform others. In 2008, Colonel Gariepy was awarded the Order of the Founder for his rich and influential writings.
Marriage to Lieutenant Marjorie Ramsdell in 1952 brought Henry Gariepy into a beautiful partnership of ministry that was to continue for 58 years. The Gariepys served in corps appointments in their first 16 years as corps officers, and then served for three years as Divisional Youth Secretary in NEOSA. From 1969 to 1974 the Colonel and his wife pioneered the work at the Army’s Multi-Purpose Centre in the riot-scarred Hough ghetto of Cleveland, Ohio. More than 10,000 members were associated with the various programs at the center, with close to 1,000 people coming through its doors every day. When Dr. Billy Graham visited the centre, he referred to it as ‘Christianity in action’.
General Shaw Clifton writes, ’Colonel Gariepy’s craftsmanship with words was later to become the area of ministry that was his main focus, as he undertook editorial appointments, culminating in his last 15 years of active officer service being spent as National Editor in Chief and Literary Secretary at the Army’s National Headquarters in the USA.
Ever an encourager, Colonel Gariepy coordinated the Army’s first ever International Literary Conference and, just prior to his retirement from active service, initiated a format and proposal for the Army’s National Book Plan for the USA and the Word & Deed journal. Among his many published works, one which has brought benefit to aspiring Army writers around the world was his Guidebook for Writers and Editors.”
Following retirement the colonel continued to travel extensively as a speaker at conferences and seminars, as a literary consultant and as a teacher for twenty years at the School for Officer Training in the USA Eastern Territory. He also enjoyed various hobbies, including reading, jogging and outdoor sports. He completed three full marathon races.
It is not surprising that a prolific writer was also a keen student. Colonel Gariepy lovedto learn. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the Cleveland State University and, in 1994, was honored by his alma mater with its Alumni Lifetime Leadership Award.
His multi-faceted ministry in youth and community work, as well as in corps and divisional leadership, have borne their own rich fruit in changed lives through the years. It was his tireless efforts through the ministry of the written word, however, that were specially recognized as being worthy of The Salvation Army’s highest recognition, and on 10 June 2007 Colonel Henry Gariepy was admitted to the Order of the Founder. The citation on the certificate that was awarded to the colonel included the following observations: ‘Colonel Henry Gariepy has devoted himself to his sacred calling as an officer and through a notable, tireless ministry of writing has inspired and blessed countless others around the world. With more book titles to his name than any other writer in the Army’s history, he has humbly continued through the years of both active and retired service to teach, mentor and influence others for ChristThis selfless, creative and unique contribution to the life of the Army would commend itself to the Founder.’
Colonel Gariepy was God's mighty soldier of the cross, saintly disciple of Jesus Christ, follower of William Booth, devoted student and teacher of the Bible, true author in the art of letters, compassionate lover for souls, gentle caregiver of the poor, lonely and sick, friend of friends throughout the world, above all, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
The Colonel did not believe in wasted moments and this intentionality continued to his earthly death. He took time with each family member and visitor even in his last weeks to have significant and meaningful conversations. He has been a towering influence, and his passing casts a great shadow over our Army today.
Colonel Gariepy once wrote of the 'sound of the distant trumpet' quoted from Ecclesiastes. He wrote that eternity beckons, and stated along with St. Augustine that 'God has made us for Himself and our hearts are restless until they find our rest in Him'. Colonel Gariepy is now at rest with the God whom He loved and served with all of his being.
Those who visit the SFOT will be reminded of his devotion as they meditate in his beloved cathedral of the great outdoors and the prayer garden which was his gift to the campus. ...
Hear the proclamation of the Resurrected Lord, "Because I live, you shall live also." (John 14:19 ) "Well done, you good and faithful servant! " (Matthew 25:21 )
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" (Ps. 116:15).
