a group of opinionated college students who required a lot of mentoring ! Many years later , it was my privilege to be Vernon and Dorothy ’ s corps officer , and during that time got a chance to appreciate Vernon in a whole different way than I had previously known . As a corps officer , Vernon became a friend , and a trusted advisor , particularly regarding what was being preached and taught . I was so grateful for his careful listening , and valuable encouraging feedback to Sharon and me . Vernon was not shy in engaging in a strong polemical debate about something he felt strongly about . That said , his desire was never to demean or embarrass , but was always respectful while encouraging his students , including me , to go deeper in study and preparation .
I was grateful for the steadiness , the self-control , the Fruit of the Spirit that was evidenced in Vernon ’ s life . I have heard from many people at his home corps of Montclair that in these more recent years during coffee break , Vernon would hold court , quietly sharing from his wealth of experience . This was a beautiful example of a respected elder exercising the spiritual gift of teaching right to the end .
Vernon knew sadness and sorrow . He had experienced a season of misunderstanding and sadness that could have created a break in his relationship with the Army , but didn ’ t because of Vernon ’ s love for the Army . Vernon then experienced the pain of loss in the Promotion to Glory of his wife Katy , daughter Cathy , and more recently Dorothy . Some perhaps believe Christianity should exempt one from pain and suffering , and the church should be a place of utopic fellowship free of conflict . But Vernon possessed a keen understanding of holiness and human nature , and the need for grace and forgiveness to be regularly practiced within the Body of Christ . Vernon possessed a “ sanctified sanity ” to borrow a phrase from Dr . David Rightmire .
Vernon ’ s will live on through his musical contributions . Just this past week , Sharon and I listened to the NYSB Male Chorus under the leadership of Vernon Post on Salvationist Radio , a streaming service of the UKI Territory . It was the amazing arrangement of Joshua , and this continues to be the gold standard of vocal performance . As we listened to tributes shared by Vernon ’ s students during the Celebration of Life Service , some who are now globally renowned and accomplished musicians , Vernon ’ s lasting and ultimate legacy will be the impact on those he generously gave himself to through his ministry of teaching . In honoring Vernon , let us pray that those who come behind us will also find us faithful .
— COMMISSIONER MARK TILLSLEY
In the late 1940s I joined in a lifelong friendship with and respect for Vernon and Kitty Post . We were all active members of the Cincinnati Citadel Band and benefited from Vernon ’ s Cincinnati Conservatory of Music studies and musical guidance for a short period of time . I always admired their enthusiasm and participation in many areas of Corps ministry .
While preparing for my own commitment to enter the Officers Training College in 1952 , I was pleased to hear that Vernon and Kitty had also committed to enter the Heralds Session of Cadets at the Bronx Officer Training College . During that year , I was pleased to again be under the musical influence of the Posts . Vernon was soon to be selected as Class President to lead us on !
Out of 61 Cadets in the Heralds Session , there were 20 men Cadets that made up the Men ’ s Cadet Band that was scheduled for a weekend ministry trip to Philadelphia . Our Session Bandmaster , the then Lieut . Stanley Ditmer wanted to include in the Saturday night concert “ The Heralds ” cornet trio . However , the trio originally included cornetists Russell Smalley , Vernon and
Catherine Post . In light of the fact that this was to be a “ Men ’ s Cadet Band ” engagement , Vernon bravely recruited me to fill in for Kitty ! He quickly gave me a “ first time ” stand up soloist lesson filling in for Kitty Post . It all went well , and I still have a treasured tape recording of this performance with me as “ Kitty ’ s stand in ”.
It wasn ’ t long before Vernon was anxious to form a Cadet ’ s Male Quartet and encouraged me to give it a try as it ’ s lst Tenor . The quartet was eventually requested to sing at the 1953 Territorial Music Congress in New York City . If my memory is correct , the quartet was requested to also sing an “ encore ” which I believe was very unusual in those days .
After our Officer Training days our path ’ s parted to various appointments . In 1956 , I received an appointment to the Territorial Finance Department in NYC ... and “ strangely enough ” to the NY Staff Band …. and Staff Band Male Chorus . At that time Captain Vernon Post was the Male Chorus Leader ...
.. and just might have played a part in my receiving an assignment to the Band and Male Chorus ..... with no audition required ! Vernon greatly encouraged my instrumental and vocal training in ministry with the Staff Band and Male Chorus and even beyond .
“ Singing I go along life ’ s road , Praising the Lord ”.... with thanks for Vernon Post ’ s influence and encouragement in my life .
— LT . COLONEL AL AVERY
THE SALVATION ARMY USA EAST
SUMMER 2023 NYSB BULLETIN 9