History of The Boys Brigade

The Boys Brigade: Overview

• Founded on October 4, 1883, by William Alexander Smith in Glasgow, Scotland, at the Free Church College Mission Hall.
• Smith was a businessman, part-time soldier, and Sunday School Teacher who aimed to provide boys with organizational structure based on religion and discipline.
• The Boys’ Brigade inspired the creation of several uniformed youth organizations, including the Church Lads’ Brigade (1890), Boys’ Life Brigade (1899), Jewish Lads’ Brigade (1900), Girls’ Life Brigade (1902), Boy Scouts (1908), and Girl Guides (1910).
• The original emblem featured an anchor, symbolizing hope, derived from Hebrews 6:19, to represent steadfastness.

Motto and Object

• The motto "Sure and Stedfast" is from Hebrews 6:19; it represents the organization's core beliefs and principles.
• The object of the Boys’ Brigade is to advance Christ’s Kingdom among boys while promoting habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and true Christian manliness.
• This text has remained unchanged since inception, with "obedience" added in 1893.

Method and Practices

• The Boys’ Brigade employs a program that includes educational, physical, social, and spiritual activities grounded in Christian education and discipline.
• Structured through uniforms, badges, and drill, the program fosters discipline, self-respect, grooming, and teamwork tailored to each boy's needs.

The Founder

• The Boys’ Brigade was established by Sir William Alexander Smith, who was knighted in July 1909 by King Edward VII for his contributions to the organization.
• Smith expressed a desire to be remembered for elevating the word "Boy" to a capital "B," highlighting his commitment to the young men's development.

The Girls Brigade: Overview

• Formed on June 10, 1968, through the union of various organizations: the Girls’ Life Brigade, the Girls’ Guildry, and the Girls’ Brigade of Ireland.
• The Girls’ Brigade was rooted in Dublin, Ireland in 1893, focusing on Bible class teachings and physical training.

Individual Organizations

• The Girls' Guildry was founded in 1900 in Scotland with an emphasis on interdenominational service, aimed at helping girls become mature Christian women.
• The Girls' Life Brigade was established in 1902 in England, seeking to encourage self-reliance and responsibility among girls, fostering their development into useful Christian women.

Aim and Principles

• The Girls’ Brigade aims to help girls become followers of Lord Jesus Christ, promoting self-control, reverence, and a responsible lifestyle for personal enrichment.
• The union of the three different girls' organizations emphasized the importance of service and spiritual growth in a structured environment.