Listen to this article
MRS. MAJOR ELSIE GIBSON (R) was recently promoted to Glory from the Fresno Community Hospital, due to pneumonia.
Elsie Hogland was born in 1912 in Portland, Ore. Her parents were Salvationists and active local officers.
Elsie entered the Western Training College from the Portland #1 Corps and was commissioned in 1942 as part of the Steadfasts Session. After assignment as assistant Youth Officer at THQ, she served in corps appointments and then spent several years in the Men’s Social Service Department. In 1946 she took command of Seattle Citadel, followed by other corps assignments in the Northwest. While in that division as Youth Officer, she was appointed as a delegate and the first corps officer to attend the tenth session of the International College for Officers in London in 1953.
While Elsie was in the Education Department at THQ she met her future husband, Fred Gibson, and following his commissioning they were married. They had numerous corps and divisional appointments until being assigned to the Correctional Services Dept. in So. Calif. They entered retirement from this appointment in January 1981. Elsie continued to use her skills in music by serving as corps pianist. She also enjoyed the rich fellowship of other retired officers at the Fresno Corps.
She will be missed dearly by her husband, Fred, sons Bill and Ron of British Columbia, Canada, and her sister, Evelyn Hogland of Tennessee.
The funeral service was held at the Fresno Citadel with Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock (R) speaking, assisted by the corps officer, Captain Rafael Aspeitia. A graveside service followed immediately at the Mt. View Cemetery.
Cards and messages may be sent to Major Fred Gibson (R) at Carrington Pointe Assisted Living, 1715 E. Alluvial Ave., Apt. 152, Fresno CA 93730.
