John Gowans

John Gowans (13 November 1934 – 8 December 2012) was a Scottish clergyman and the 16th General of The Salvation Army from 1999 to 2002. Born in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Gowans was the third of five children to Salvation Army officers. After completing national service in the British Army's Royal Army Educational Corps, he entered the Salvation Army International Training College in 1954, where he met his wife Gisèle Bonhotal. Gowans is notable for his collaboration with General John Larsson in composing many songs and musicals. Throughout his career, Gowans made significant contributions to the Salvation Army and its mission.