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Paul Rader
General Paul Alexander Rader was commissioned on June 14, 1962. President of Asbury University after retiring as General from the Salvation Army. He earned a doctorate in Missiology from Fuller Seminary.
| General Paul Rader | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Rank | General |
| Session | Soldiers of Christ |
| Birth Date | March 14, 1934 |
| Death Date | January 18, 2025 |
| Relations | Commissioner Kay Rader (wife) |
Appointments
| Appointment | Rank | From | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet - College for Officers Training - Eastern Territory | Cadet | September 1960 | 1961 |
| Associate Officer - Newark, New Jersey | Cadet-Lieutenant | 1961 | January 1962 |
| Staff - College for Officers Training - Korean Territory | January 1962 | (1967) | |
| Vice Principal - College for Officers Training - Korean Territory | Captain | (1967) | 1971 |
| World Services Department - Southern California Division | Major | 1971 | August 1973 |
| Principal - College for Officers Training - Korean Territory | August 1973 | ||
| Territorial Education Secretary - Korean Territory | Major | ||
| Assistant Chief Secretary - Korean Territory | Major | October 1977 | |
| Chief Secretary - Korean Territory | Lt. Colonel | October 1977 | February 1984 |
| Principal - College for Officers Training - Eastern Territory | Lt. Colonel | February 1984 | January 1987 |
| Divisional Leader | Lt. Colonel | January 1987 | January 1989 |
| Chief Secretary - Eastern Territory | Lt. Colonel | January 1989 | October 1989 |
| Territorial Commander - Western Territory | Commissioner | October 1989 | July 23, 1994 |
| General - International Headquarters | General | July 23, 1994 | July 23, 1999 |
Raders, Watsons Celebrated On Eve of their Retirement
The Salvation Army salute to General Paul A. and Commissioner Kay F. Rader drew the largest audience ever to attend the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) since it opened just two years ago in Newark. The magnificent auditorium, which some say resembles the interior of St. Albert Hall in London, served as the venue for a spectacular stage presentation of music, drama, and ministry.
Prior to their own celebration, the Raders participated in the retirements of the national commander, Commissioner Robert A. Watson, and Commissioner Alice Watson the previous evening. Commissioner Joe Noland, USA East territorial commander, officiated at both events.
At the salute to the Raders, more than 3,000 spectators heard stirring melodies performed by the New York Staff Band, the Korean Children’s Home Band, Star Search Showcase participants, and congregational singing.
Broadway star and Salvationist Carol Dilley Jaudes (newly appointed director of Creative Ministries for the Eastern Territory) and company, presented an outstanding musical tribute, titled “Partnership in Mission,” that chronicled the lives and ministry of the Raders.
Commissioner Joe Noland presented the Raders with a substantial gift toward world services. He also announced that in honor of the Raders, an endowment would be established to fund the new Paul and Kay Rader Lectureship on Missiol-ogy at the School for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y.
General Rader touched hearts and stimulated minds with a thought-provoking message that was characterized by the slogan, “no reserve, no retreat, no regret!” Many years ago, a missionary, William Borden, who gave his life for the ministry, said those words before he died of meningitis. Rader used Borden’s example to challenge the audience to take action in their lives–now. “What then, does all of this mean to you?” he asked with outstretched arms. Rader said that they must take advantage of the day and not put off the mission God has called them to complete.
Commissioners Robert A. and Alice Watson entered honored retirement before a capacity crowd in New York’s Centennial Memorial Temple. The retirement salute, conducted by Rader, recognized the Watsons for more than 40 years of service as officers.
The General praised the Watsons for “staying the course” and for doing it with “remarkable distinction.” He saluted them for their constancy and devotion to God and for their national leadership. The General also thanked him for serving on the Advisory Council to the General.
The Watson children, Captain Robert A. Watson, Jr., Captain Carol Ditmer, and Charles Watson, along with members of the national advisory board praised the Watsons by way of a videotape prepared by the Office of Media Ministries.
In response, Commissioner Alice Watson gave witness to the grace of God in their lives during good and hard times. Commissioner Robert Watson challenged his audience to make a choice-between the “grave” of separation from God, and the “grace” one receives when he or she puts on the full armor of God and then stands for him on the “solid rock” of Salvation, sanctification, and service.
Colonels Bill and Gwen Luttrell represented the West. “The weekend was filled with countless moments of challenge and anticipation as God’s presence evidenced himself on each occasion,” Luttrell said. “We are confident that our great God will continue to do great things in our blessed Army, even as he has done down through the years as we stay yielded to his will and purpose.”
During the weekend, the Raders also participated in the retirements of former Western officers Lt. Colonels Albert and Ruth Avery.
Obituary
We want to join with the global community in celebrating the life and faithful service of General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader of Lexington, Kentucky who passed away peacefully at the age of 90 and was Promoted to Glory on January 18, 2025 at 6:10pm.
Born in the Bronx in 1934, and raised in a wholly committed legendary Salvation Army family, Rader spent his undergraduate years at Asbury University, then studied at Asbury Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary graduating with BA, BD and MTh degrees.
At Asbury, he met and married his wife, Kay (Fuller), who graduated with a BA degree in education. Together, they entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training in New York in September 1960 and were commissioned a year later.
Rader and his wife were missionaries in South Korea for 22 years serving in a variety of capacities including principal of the training college and administrative leaders. During his years in Korea (1961-1983), Rader rose in The Salvation Army ranks from Lieutenant to Colonel. It was also during this period that he received his Doctorate in Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary(1971-1973). In January 1989, Colonel Rader was appointed Chief Secretary of the USA Eastern Territory, and in October 1989 was promoted to the rank of Commissioner and became leader of the USA Western Territory.
In 1994, Rader was elected the first American-born General of The Salvation Army with an unprecedented unanimous vote and held this London-based role of international leader until 1999. Together, General (Dr.) Rader and his wife travelled to over 75 countries in order to bring encouragement, inspiration and growth to the work of The Salvation Army around the world. Upon retirement General (Dr.) Rader served as president of Asbury University from 2000 through 2006 and was Asbury's 15th president. General (Dr.) Rader retired as president in 2006 and lived his remaining years in Lexington, Kentucky with his beloved wife Kay.
General (Dr.) Rader was a Godly man who lived in service to others and, most of all, to Christ. He was a lifelong learner with a deep commitment to education, the power of prayer and holiness. He was the most devoted of husbands to his wife of 68 years, Kay, and her strongest supporter as they shared in ministry side by side. He was also the most devoted of fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers leaving a legacy of love, integrity, humility and conviction. General (Dr.) Rader is survived by his wife, Kay, and three children: Edie (Jack) Moon, JP (Helen) Rader, Jennie (Ray) Purvis; 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren along with countless extended family members and friends.
A memorial service celebrating the life of General (Dr.) Paul Alexander Rader will be held in Hughes Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University on Saturday February 1, 2025 at 1:00pm.
The greeting of the family will begin at 11:30am to 12:30pm in Hughes Auditorium. A reception is to be held after the service in the Shaw Collaborative Learning Center of Asbury University. 1 Macklem Dr., Wilmore, KY 40390.