Billy Cowgill, born in Town Lane in 1940, was one of 152 people chosen this year to receive Maundy Money at Durham Cathedral from King Charles.
The figure of 152 people – 76 men and 76 women – reflects the current age of the King.
Recipients are chosen for their service to the church and community.
Mr Cowgill has been a member of The Salvation Army in Idle since he was seven years old, and for the last 30 years he has been the Commanding Officer.
He said: “It is a great honour to be chosen to receive Maundy Money from King Charles, but all that I do is in service of the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Mr Cowgill still leads the church, which means conducting weekly meetings and weekly visits to those older members of the congregation who are now in nursing homes.