15
The War Cry | SEPTEMBER 2013
A
pril 3, 2010, the day after Good
Friday, we learned of the promotion
to Glory of Colonel Henry F. Gariepy,
O.F., the prolifi c author and literary icon of
The Salvation Army. When I got the news,
I imagined him entering heaven on Easter
Sunday morning.
I also saw him crossing the threshold wearing, of all
things, his running shoes, because he's the only person
I know who fi nished the New York Marathon--three times.
His role as a pacesetter has extended far beyond the 26�mile course that
winds through New York neighborhoods. Since the day I met him in 1981,
I've known him to be a leader, trendsetter, innovator, and modernizer of
Salvation Army publications.
In my fi rst meeting with him, Colonel Gariepy convinced me that my
dream and calling--to use my professional skills full time for the glory of
God--could fi nally be realized through The Salvation Army. At that point,
I said goodbye to the world of secular publishing, gave myself totally to
ministry, and never looked back.
By upgrading the production quality and content of War Cry and by
streamlining its content to include only information of national interest,
he helped set the stage for the development of such publications as New
Frontier
, Southern Spirit, Central Connection and Good News!, all of which
now cover the news of their respective territories and beyond.
And I'm sure that Colonel Gariepy arrived in heaven on time. During
the 10 years I worked for him at National Headquarters, you could set
your clock by him. He was a runner, hunter, administrator, world traveler,
teacher, speaker, husband, father, mentor and friend, and he also found
time to write 29 books on theology, biography and history. For his prolifi c,
important contributions, he was inducted into the Order of the Founder
(O.F.), the Army's highest honor.
Several of his books are popular among readers in the broader
evangelical community because, as a master marketer, Colonel Gariepy
made sure his books were available in mainstream bookstores as well
E A S T
Colonel Henry F. Gariepy, O. F. � The Pacesetter
A Proli
fi c and
Faithful Servant
by
WARREN L. MAYE
as in Army trade stores.
He was a disciplined, determined
soldier of the Lord's Army. Relent-
less in his pursuit of excellence, he
rarely relaxed on the job.
But one day in 1990, during a
candid moment at a restaurant in
Verona, New Jersey, he said,
"Warren, if God were to promote me
to Glory this afternoon, I'd still be a
blessed man. I've already received
more than I deserve [from Him]."
It's hard to believe that that day
has, in fact, come. Colonel Henry F.
Gariepy, O.F., has fi nished the race;
he's kept the faith; and he's left an
unparalleled legacy.
Warren L. Maye is Assistant Literary
Secretary and Editor of Good News for
the Salvation Army Eastern Territory.
y,
l
n
imes
as in Army trade stores
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