National Leaders Dedicate Plaque Honoring The Salvation Army's First Leaders at Crestmont

Commissioners Kenneth G. and Jolene Hodder visited the College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT) in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on July 11 to dedicate a plaque honoring Commissioners Kenneth L. and Marjorie Hodder. These first leaders of Crestmont were also former U.S. national leaders of The Salvation Army and parents of Kenneth G. Hodder.

Commissioner Colleen Riley, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, introduced the Hodders, and Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley welcomed them. He spoke about the biblical significance of dedication, likening the process of setting something apart for sacred service to the Crestmont campus. He noted that 1,621 officers have trained at this campus since it opened.

“Commissioners Kenneth [L.] and Marjorie Hodder helped establish what is now considered a wonderful tradition, foundation, and training center for the officers in the continued growth of this territory,” Riley said.

Kenneth G. Hodder expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to place and dedicate the plaque commemorating his parents and their role in Western Territory history. He recounted key events leading up to the training school’s move to Southern California. In 1974, the Western Territory’s training facility was in San Francisco, at 1450 Laguna St., now home to the consulate for the People’s Republic of China.

One day in April of that year, two cadets were shot while walking from the training school to the Mayfair Market. One of them, Cadet Thomas Rainwater, died. Following this tragic incident, then-Territorial Commander Commissioner Richard E. Holtz decided to relocate the training and administrative facility. He found the Southern California location “through a series of miracles,” Hodder said. To ensure a smooth transition, Holtz appointed Kenneth L. and Marjorie J. Hodder to the campus a year before it opened.

“My parents established this place in 1975, and my mother suggested the name ‘Crestmont,’ which was approved by the Holtzes,” Hodder said.

Hodder discussed the lasting impact of patterns established in those early days. The Salvation Army committed itself to the educational development of cadets, ensuring they were well-prepared to lead in their communities.

“Through a relationship with Azusa Pacific College, The Salvation Army began offering an AA in Ministries,” Hodder said. “It wasn’t done with live professors but with videotapes, which cadets referred to as ‘sessions with Captain Video.’ This program has endured and grown into the educational programs we see today.”

One pattern that didn’t last was a weekly uniform inspection where male and female cadets lined up separately.

“There have been many changes, but history matters,” Hodder said. “We learn from history how to touch the human heart, change minds, and bring people to an understanding of Jesus Christ. We are inspired by history to do more. Our history doesn’t determine the future, but it guides us to ensure our actions align with God’s calling for The Salvation Army, bringing honor and glory to Him.”

With that, Hodder invited those present to join in singing the hymn “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine,” his parents’ favorite song.

“With the singing of that song, we dedicate this plaque in grateful remembrance of the first leaders for officer training at Crestmont, Commissioners Kenneth L. and Marjorie J. Hodder, who served here from 1975 to 1979,” Hodder said.

Jolene Hodder closed the ceremony in prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness through the years and praising Him for the kingdom victories to come.