Captain Hilary Borthwick: ‘She helps people feel seen and valued’

Members of Kendal Corps celebrate the example set by their corps officer.

Captain Hilary Borthwick, the leader of The Salvation Army’s work in Kendal, exemplifies the Christian value of respect through a life of humility and servant leadership. Energetic yet steadfast, she has over the years become a pillar of support both within her congregation and across the town. Her ministry spans church unity, community care and inclusive outreach, each aspect marked by quiet acts of service that uphold the God-given dignity of others.

In recognition of her efforts to bring churches together, she was appointed an Honorary Ecumenical Canon of Carlisle Cathedral in June 2022 – a rare honour for a Salvationist. Hilary has been instrumental in uniting five Anglican churches and the local United Reformed Church in missional partnership. She preaches and leads worship in Anglican congregations during clergy vacancies and even assists at ordinations – she always focuses on what unites believers rather than what divides them. She also serves as secretary of Churches Together in Kendal and District, working behind the scenes to strengthen bonds between denominations, with a servant’s heart.

Hilary extends pastoral care beyond her own congregation to meet people where they are. In a chaplaincy role at Kendal Care Home and Holt House care home in Prestwich, she leads weekly worship and visits elderly residents, treating each person with warmth and dignity. She also supports a local running club, offering friendship and a listening ear to members dealing with bereavement or illness. In addition, she volunteers with a community singing group, With Singing in Mind, even collecting care home and sheltered housing residents so they can attend and join in the singing and fellowship.

In each of these ordinary settings, she helps people feel seen and valued, reflecting Christ’s love far beyond church walls.

Her commitment to those often overlooked is equally evident. She conducts council funerals for individuals who have no one else to make arrangements, providing dignified services at the Salvation Army hall free of charge and tailoring each ceremony to honour the family’s beliefs. Hilary also helps lead Open Table Cumbria, an inclusive worship community that welcomes LGBTQ+ people. Since 2012, she has supported The Salvation Army’s Enabled fellowship for people with disabilities, celebrating everyone’s God-given value and fostering strong relationships, including with her long-time friend, Liz.

Through all these avenues of ministry, Captain Hilary Borthwick demonstrates true servant leadership. She never seeks the spotlight – she would be mortified to know we had written this! – yet her humble, consistent service has had a profound impact in Kendal. It has strengthened bonds between churches, brought comfort to the vulnerable and extended welcome to those on the margins. By valuing every person and every partnership, she leads by serving with humility, dignity and respect. She echoes Christ’s example of humble service, showing that Christian respect is best demonstrated not in words, but in quietly loving action.