Major Lydia Pearson

Major Lydia Pearson’s involvement with The Salvation Army began when she was about four years old and her family was invited to attend the local church in Geneva, New York.  Lydia, along with her mother and three siblings, participated in everything the church had to offer – worship services, women’s group, youth activities, summer camp, vacation Bible school, to name a few.  Lydia’s mother eventually became the manager of the thrift store and the Sunbeam leader (a group for young girls, similar to Brownies). 

As a teenager, Lydia felt God calling to serve Him as a pastor in The Salvation Army.  That calling was nurtured by her pastors, Captains William and Kathleen Bentley, who are currently retired, but still serve as Lydia’s mentors.  In 1985, Lydia was ordained as a pastor in The Salvation Army, with the rank of Lieutenant.  During the past 23 years, Lydia has served in Salvation Army churches from Springfield, Massachusetts to Cleveland, Ohio.  From 1991 to 2001, she served as an instructor at The Salvation Army’s School for Officer Training in Suffern, New York.

In August 2006, she was appointed as Albany County Coordinator, with responsibility for The Salvation Army’s work in Albany, Cohoes and throughout the county.  When asked about the mission of The Salvation Army, Major Pearson quickly responds, “Our purpose is to assist others in experiencing the transforming love of God.  People need to know that there is a God who loves them and has great plans for their lives.  I want to help deliver that message.”