Meet Salisbury Salvation Army's newest Corps Officers, Capt. Angel and Lt. Shawn Simmons

Lt. Shawn Simmons and Capt. Angel Simmons are set on making a difference in the city of Salisbury.

The Salvation Army welcomed its two newest Corps Officers in June. The husband and wife shared they are looking forward to getting to know the surrounding community and continuing the work of the Salvation Army along the Lower Eastern Shore.

The Simmons, both 35, relocated to Salisbury from Suffolk, Virginia, where, for the last three years, they were responsible for the Salvation Army programs and services in that area. Typically, an officer's appointment will last from as few as three to as long as five years.

"We're looking to be (in Salisbury) between three to five years; maybe seven years," Shawn said with a smile. "You never know. We see a lot of good things going on at the Salvation Army here. We're excited to be here."

Together, the Simmons will serve the communities within Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties.

When the couple first moved to the Lower Shore, they were delighted to see the charitable organization — with its chapel and administration office located at 407 Oak Street — already had a Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army Senior Program, thrift store and thriving social services industry.

"All of those things are reasons why we're excited to become a part of the Salisbury community," Angel said.

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, ministers in 133 countries around the world and has14 office locations located throughout the United States. The organization was founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth in London, England, as a means to help the suffering souls throughout London who were not willing to attend or welcomed in a traditional church.

GOSPEL MUSIC: Get on 'The Gospel Train' with host Clifton Dennis, spreading the good word on WESM

SALISBURY: Downtown Salisbury getting big changes: Here's what's ahead for the vital area

Today, the Booths' legacy lives on through Corps Officers such as Salisbury's very own Angel and Shawn Simmons.

'The Salvation Army helped shape a lot of my life'

Capt. Angel, born and raised in a deeply religious family, developed a strong sense of spirituality at an early age. She pursued her theological studies at Evangeline Booth College for Officer’s Training and was ordained as a pastor at the age of 21. Angel has since devoted herself to wherever the Lord leads her in ministry, the Salvation Army said in a June 28 news release.

"The Salvation Army helped shape a lot of my life growing up," Angel said. "When I was maybe 5 or 6 years old, my family was going through a rough time."

Angel's family turned to The Salvation Army for help, and were met with open arms. Her mother received assistance for a utility bill and, after that, the organization invited Angel and her sister to attend youth activities.

"We just loved it and became a part of everything, started volunteering and attending church there," she said. "Then, when I graduated from high school and went to college, I felt God was leading me to ministry. So, I got ordained in the Salvation Army as a pastor and traveled all over the place, just sharing God's word and 'the good news.' "

Salisbury's newest Corps Officers deeply appreciate the opportunity offered through The Salvation Army to live, learn and preach in different places, then take with them those experiences to new cities, counties and communities.

Their overall goal, Angel said, is to show others God's love, and how God can use you no matter where you come from, what you look like or where you've been.

"Sometimes people will be hesitant about The Salvation Army because it's a church. But, I just remind them that all of us have the same goal and that's to meet the needs of human beings," she said.

BLACK BUSINESS: Meet the Black business owners 'bringing energy, options and opportunity' to Princess Anne

Experiencing 'everything that God has for us'

Lt. Shawn completed his theological studies at Evangeline Booth College for Officer’s Training and was ordained as a pastor in 2020. He has a passion for ministry to men, working with youth, seniors, multimedia presentations and engaging his congregation through various digital platforms, said the release.

"Every day, we get to experience full-time ministry from the time we get up to the time we lay down, and it's awesome," he said. "We meet a lot of different people, build relationships with a lot of different people, and just experience everything that God has for us."

Becoming a pastor has changed everything for Shawn, he shared. Now, as a pastor, he fulfills a myriad of roles.

"I've always been a hard worker and strong in my faith. I'm not just a pastor; I'm a teacher; I'm a counselor; I'm whatever is needed in that moment," said Shawn, who added that he and his wife will try their very best to meet those needs within the community.

"Oh my goodness," he added. "It's just been amazing."

Together, the Simmons are the proud parents of three daughters, who the couple refers to as the "Princess G's" - 9-year-old twins Glenda and Gabrielle, and Grace, who is 8. Their family life brings immense joy and fulfillment, providing a solid foundation for their pastoral journey.

The couple, who met on an online dating app, has been married for 10 years and together for 11.

"It's amazing, because I feel like God was in on it," Angel shared.

"And now we're here," Shawn added with a laugh.

SALISBURY: Did you know Muppets creator Jim Henson got married in Salisbury? Here's the story.

The Salvation Army operates on a military rank-based Chain of Command, hence Shawn and Angel's official titles of Lieutenant and Captain. The military rank is based on an individual's years of service within the organization. Angel, whose rank is higher, has 10 years of service. Combined, both officers have 13 years of service.

Now, the Simmons are eager to get started. Although the couple held a casual meet and greet earlier this month, they are waiting with bated breath to meet even more individuals, young and old, within the community.

“We invite everyone to join us for worship each Sunday at 11 a.m. at The Salvation Army, located at 407 Oak St., here in Salisbury," said Shawn. "We look forward to meeting you soon."

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Meet Angel and Shawn, Salisbury Salvation Army's new Corps Officers