Promoted to Glory: Major Frank Swimm

Major Frank Swimm was Promoted To Glory on February 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Frank Carlton Swimm was born on January 19, 1937, in Everett, Massachusetts, to parents Maurice and Elizabeth Swimm.

Frank became involved with The Salvation Army at the age of six. When he was thirteen the family moved to Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended a technical school until age 16; working for a period of time before moving back to Massachusetts where he lived with his brother until he entered the military. In July 1955, he entered the U.S. Air Force, performing his training in Denver, Colorado. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal in November 1958 and was honorably discharged in July 1959.

While working in Massachusetts he worked with an elderly lady, Ruth Gregory, who spoke to him about the Lord. Frank did not take her seriously until one day she spoke of eternity—that stayed with him. While attending a revival meeting at The Salvation Army in Norfolk, Virginia, Frank truly repented and accepted Christ into his heart.

As time went by after his conversion, he found a closer walk with God. He did not know about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit until attending the National Seminar on Evangelism in Glen Erie, Colorado. It was at that time he felt the Lord's calling on his life to full-time service as a Salvation Army officer.

On December 30, 1960, Frank married Nellie Baker. He was very involved in the corps, served as YPSM for four years, and participated in Open-Air meetings.

In 1971, Frank and Nellie, accompanied by two daughters, Cheryl and Jacqulyn, entered the training college in Atlanta as members of the Blood and Fire Session. Cadets Frank and Nellie Swimm were commissioned with the rank of lieutenants on June 10, 1973. Every appointment during their illustrious career was spent in Adult Rehabilitation Centers across the Southern Territory: Houston, Texas (trainee); Atlanta, Georgia (assist); Tulsa, Oklahoma (director); Baltimore, Maryland (administrator); Orlando, Florida; and Alexandria, Virginia—their final appointment until honored retirement on June 30, 2002.

Together they served faithfully for over 30 years as active officers and even in their retirement continued doing the Lord's work.

Major Swimm is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Major Nellie Swimm; two daughters Cheryl (Klon) Kitchen, Jr., and Major Jacqulyn (Lewis) Reckline; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Waxahachie Corps, Texas.

—Major Frank Duracher