The History Of Correctional and Justice Services In London, Ontario Canada

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The motivation of the organization is the love of God and, from that love, a practical concern for the needs of humanity. This is expressed both in a spiritual ministry, through Salvation Army churches (Corps), and in a vital social service work, of which the Correctional and Justice Services is a significant part.

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Correctional and Justice Services In London, Ontario 1883 - 1990

• February 09, 1882 - First chapel service in Canada was held in the local county jail here in London. It was published in the Advertiser newspaper. Regular weekly visits and chapel services are still being held.
• 1948 - Major Hobbins becomes the first probation officer in Ontario. He had a case load of 75 and was paid a $125.00 per month salary.
• 1958 - Bible study correspondence course begins for inmates. Adapted by Territorial Headquarters and available across the territory. It is still in effect today.
• 1958 - A prisoner letter at Christmas was established and distributed across Canada to inmates.
• 1974 - A new court building was erected for the City Of London. Major and Mrs. Brightwell secured the use of an office in the Provincial Court Building, second floor for Salvation Army Correctional and Justice Services. It is still there today.
• 1974 - A new office was established for Correctional and Justice Services at 120 Carling Street, London, Ontario.
• 1974 - A new detention centre - Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, 711 Exeter Road - officially opened. Major and Mrs. Brightwell took part in the official opening and dedication in chapel. Mrs. Brightwell played the organ.
• September 01, 1980 - Volunteer Program began. Volunteers were placed in the court office, community support group, EMDC and Victim/Witness Program.
• September 01, 1980 - Community support began at Y.M.C.A. and First. St. Andrews Church.
• December 23, 1980 - Christmas carolling and Sunshine Bags (a bag of treats and fresh fruit) with the London Citadel Band Ensemble at E.M.D.C.. Becomes an annual event.
• April 01, 1981 - Victim/Witness Assistance Program officially began. Miss Janet Lee was first worker. Office provided in the court building and funded by the Attorney General.
• April 01, 1981 - London Advisory Council began. Meeting quarterly.
• September 01, 1981 - Student placement at Kings College commenced.
• September 01, 1981 - Court Worker, full-time lay court worker hired, Garry Johnson.
• January 01, 1982 - Parole work commenced with Correctional Services of Canada.
• December 17, 1982 - Christmas carol sing at court building with London Citadel Band and songsters - commenced an annual event.
• April 01, 1983 - Alcohol Awareness Program launched. Bernadine Bechard first worker.
• January 1984 - Regionalization commenced. London established as the centre for Ontario West Region.
• September 01, 1985 - Community Service Order Program commenced in St. Thomas. David Welsch first coordinator. Program established in co-operation with St. Thomas Corps and funded by M.C.S.S., London East Office.
• January 01, 1986 - Drinking and Driving Countermeasure Program commenced. Three week education program.
• October 11, 1989 - Positive Lifestyle Program had it's first group meeting.
• November 29, 1989 - Official opening of London Youth Resource Centre (Harmony House), 1340 Dundas Street and dedication of new administrative offices in Unit 2.

Correctional and Justice Services 1990 - Present

• November 04, 1990 - Correctional Sunday services conducted at Woodstock Corps by Major's Bruce and Claudette Guthrie. Advisory Council member Paul Carter shared his testimony during the service.
• March 31, 1991 - Youth Addiction Education Services Program discontinued.
• April 24, 1992 - Lieutenant Colonel Meakings (Correctional and Justice Services Secretary - THQ) visited London's CRC, Harmony House (YRC) and Wycliffe Booth House. He was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Meakings (Coordinator of Personnel).
• May 17, 1993 - Correctional and Justice Services moved their administrative offices from Dundas Street to 757 Richmond Street.
• June 1994 - Plaque presented by Major Claudette Guthrie to London Citadel Bandmaster Bram Gregson for years of dedicated service at EMDC and the courthouse.
• July 01, 1994 - Reorganization of The Salvation Army - Directors of Wyclifee Booth House and Harmony House now report to Executive Director, London CRC.
• November 01, 1995 - Correctional and Justice Services moved their administration offices from 757 Richmond Street to the new DHQ (Divisional Headquarters) building on 371 King Street.
• March 31, 1998 - Termination by MCSS of CSO/AMP Programs in Simcoe.
• October 1998 - Choices and Justice Circle Programs (CSO) begin in St. Thomas with Brian Cooper as Coordinator.
• November 1998 - Addiction Program expanded into Wycliffe Booth House.
• February 1999 - New chaplaincy services provided to Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, Wycliffe Booth House and Harmony House.
• August 30, 1999 - Correctional and Justice Services website in operation.
• June 01, 2001 - CSO/AMP Contract Awarded for the Stratford Area
• August 2001 - Brigadier Vic Greenwood, Promoted to Glory
• January 2002 - Adult Diversion Program Begins in St. Thomas
• December 2002 - Bear Hugs From Mom Program Begins
• December 2002 - Creative Expressions Program Begins With Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre Women's Unit
• January 2003 - Expansion of the Positive Lifestyle Program into St. Thomas in conjunction with the YWCA
• August 2003 - Correctional and Justice Services Moves To 100 Wellington Street
• August 2003 - Youth Worker in Elgin County Hired
• November 2003 - Expansion of the Positive Lifestyle Program into the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre
• December 2004 - 30th Anniversary of Court Office in London Middlesex Courthouse

Officers Appointed and Farewelled From Correctional and Justice Services

• 1944 - 1965 Major and Mrs. Hobbins
• 1965 - 1975 Retired Service Major and Mrs. Hobbins
• 1970 - 1975 - Major and Mrs. Rawlins
• 1975 - 1977 - Major and Mrs. Brightwell
• 1977 - 1980 - Brigadier Vic and Mrs. Lillian Greenwood
• 1980 - Present - Retired Service Mrs. Lillian Greenwood (Vic)
• 1979 - 1984 - Brigadier and Mrs. Titcombe
• 1980 - 1986 - Captain David and Mrs. Moulton
• 1985 - Major and Mrs. Bell
• 1986 - 1990 - Major M.Joan Lawlor (Mrs. Major K. Wagar)
• 1990 - 1996 - Majors Bruce and Claudette Guthrie
• 1996 - 1998 - Majors Bryn and Janet Jones
• 1998 - 2000 - Majors David and Norma Thorburne
• 2000 - Lieutenant Colonel John Wilder (Interim Executive Director)
• 2000 - 2001 Major Beverly Hamilton
• 2001 - Julia Parker, Operational Executive Director