Bandmaster Harry B. Stillwell, OF, 1914 - 2001

Bandmaster Harry B. Stillwell, Order of the Founder, was promoted to Glory on May 15, 2001, following a lengthy illness. A memorial service was conducted on June 3 at the Pasadena Tabernacle in Pasadena, California.

The eldest of six children of Salvation Army officers, Bandmaster Stillwell was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1914. By the age of eighteen he was an acknowledged virtuoso trumpet player. In 1934, he joined the band at the Los Angeles Congress Hall, and was appointed Bandmaster there in 1941. During the 31 years that the band was under his baton, it participated in many Salvation Army Congresses, performances in venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, and international tours. He also led the Salvation Army's Tournament of Roses Band for 20 years.

Following his retirement, Bandmaster Stillwell remained active in the Salvation Army in Southern California as a soldier and bandsman of the Hollywood Tabernacle (now Pasadena Tabernacle) Corps, until he moved to Florida in 1999.

At the USA Western Territory Centennial Congress, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1983, General Jarl Wahlstrom bestowed the Order of the Founder, the highest honor of the Salvation Army, on Bandmaster Stillwell, commending him for his great influence on the music ministry of the Western Territory over more than 50 years of service.

For those wishing to honor the life of Bandmaster Stillwell, the Stillwell family is accepting donations to be divided between the Harry Stillwell Music Camp Scholarship at Camp Homelani, Hawaii and the Western Music Institute Honor Camper Stillwell Family Award, which may be sent to Randy Stillwell, 1554 N. Ridge Lake Circle, Lakeland, Florida 32750-4556.

Sources:
New Frontier, May 30, 2001 (online version)
Pasadena Tabernacle

Posted by Webmaster 15 June 2001 00:00:00