Church Army worker awarded an MBE

26 June 2007

A Church Army worker who ran the organisation's centre at Sennelager with the British Forces in Germany for many years, has just been made an MBE.

Mrs Evelyn Paterson , hailed as a 'mother figure' by colleagues and described as "extraordinarily committed and totally dedicated," received honours in the Queen's birthday list for her service in Church Army and to the Armed Forces in Germany. Since 1987, Mrs Evelyn Paterson has been a leader at the Church Army centre responsible to the military command for the provision of a welfare centre for up to 3,500 soldiers and families.

Ian Browning, who worked with Mrs Paterson for many years, says, "Her contribution to the welfare of so many over a sustained period has been immeasurable. Prior to Mrs Paterson moving to Sennelager she worked with Church Army in Lippstadt from 1980, beginning as a centre assistant progressively being promoted through the years. Mrs Paterson has given wholehearted and selfless support and pastoral care to the families and was very much a beacon of sound advice and comfort, both to our young soldiers and to many family members in Sennelager.

"For nearly three decades, Mrs Paterson's life has been totally dedicated to the soldiers and their families through her work with the Church Army, with a commitment and contribution far in excess of that which can be expected."

On hearing news of the award, Mrs Paterson from Kirkcaldy, Fife, says "I am hugely honoured to have received this award. However the work that I did at the Church Army was because I enjoyed it. Everyday I looked forward to going to work. I will miss the work and all the many friends and acquaintances that came into the Church Army centre. When I found that I had been nominated for the MBE I was flabbergasted and could not believe it. When I received the letter confirming the honour I was deeply touched."

Notes: Mrs Evelyn Paterson is pictured in the centre.