Others Magazine

Major Noel King was Promoted to Glory on Thursday 3 December 2020, aged 80. 

Although originally from the Australia Eastern Territory, Noel and Melvie started ministry within The Salvation Army Southern Territory as candidates in 1967 when they took on the leadership of the Orbost Corps (Vic.) for six months. From here they served as divisional envoys for eight months at Carnegie (Vic.), and during this time Wesley was born.

Immediately after Wesley’s birth, they moved to Mordialloc (Vic.) for four months before returning to Carnegie Corps for another 10 months. Noel and Melvie then took a break from ministry because they continued to grow their immediate family, with the births of Andrew, Miriam and Rebekka.

In 1987, Noel and Melvie took up full-time ministry again by becoming corps officers of Swan Hill Corps (Vic.). From here they then moved to Rochester (Vic.), and over this time they completed the Mature Age Training Course (MATC) and became auxiliary-captains. In 1990, Noel took up an appointment as program director at Burnewang House (Vic.), followed by the director at The Bridge Centre, St Kilda (Vic.). After a couple of quick appointment changes, Noel and Melvie took up the appointment as corps officers of Fairfield Corps (Vic.) and stayed in this ministry for four years. They then moved to Adelaide (SA) and Noel became the Police Court officer/chaplain. In 1999, Noel and Melvie returned to Victoria to take up leadership of the Wangaratta Corps. It is from here that they entered retirement on 1 March 2005.

In retirement, Noel and Melvie lived in Swan Hill and Noel enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Noel got involved with the local Lions Club, he became the chaplain to the Swan Hill RSL sub-branch and the CFA. Noel was the secretary at each of these organisations for a period of time.

Our love, sympathy and prayers are with Wesley, Andrew, Miriam, Rebekka and their families, as well as the many friends honouring Noel’s life. May God bring comfort to those who mourn his passing, confident in the knowledge that Noel is now reunited with Melvie, and with his Lord and Master for whom he lived and served.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thess 3:16).

The funeral service for the life of Major Noel King will be held 10.30am, on Tuesday 15 December at the Swan Hill Grain Shed, Church of Christ, 2-8 King Street, Swan Hill, led by Major Andrew Walker.