Dr. Gordon Norton receives Salvation Army "Others Award"

Dr. Gordon Norton, a long-time member of St. Pete First UMC, has been awarded the Salvation Army’s prestigious "Others Award" in recognition of more than five decades of volunteer service. This honor celebrates Gordon’s exceptional dedication to the Salvation Army, where he has served as an Advisory Board member since 1973. The "Others Award" is among the organization’s highest national distinctions, presented to individuals and organizations that embody an “extraordinary spirit of service to others” and make significant contributions to advancing the Army’s mission.

“Dr. Norton’s decades of dedication, compassion, and leadership have left a lasting impact on our community,” said Major Gary Sturdivant of the Salvation Army, who presented the award. This recognition stands as a testament to Dr. Norton’s lifelong commitment to service, volunteerism, and civic leadership in St. Petersburg and beyond.

According to the Salvation Army, the “Others” Award is rooted in the history of The Salvation Army, dating back to the early 1900s when General William Booth, the Army’s founder, wanted to send a word of encouragement and direction to his officers around the world.  Wanting to be thrifty yet make his message clear, the general sent this one word telegram: “Others.”  Following that history, The Salvation Army honors an individual or organization exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to “others,” not only through support of The Salvation Army but the broader community as well. 

Congratulations, Gordon!