This picture shows the founder of The Boys’ Brigade; Sir William Alexander Smith. Smith was born in Thurso on 27th October 1854 and started the first BB company in Glasgow on 4th October 1883. The object of the Boys’ Brigade is:
“The advancement of Christ’s kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness”
Key Dates
1854 – William Alexander Smith born (27th October)
1883 – BB Founded in Glasgow (4th October)
1886 – First BB Camp (Tignabruaich)
1908 – Scout Movement Formed (by Baden Powell, developed from the BB)
1909 – William Alexander Smith knighted (July)
1914 – Sir William Alexander Smith died (10th May)
1917 – Boy Reserves started
1924 – Founding of the 5th West Bromwich Boys’ Brigade Company
1926 – Amalgamation of The Boys’ Brigade with The Boys’ Life Brigade
1933 – Jubilee Celebrations
1976 – World Conference (of The Boys’ Brigade) formed
1983 – Centenary Celebrations
1993 – Junior Section 75th Anniversary (previously called ‘Life Boys’)
2002 – World Conference renamed to Global Fellowship of Christian Youth
2004 – 150th Anniversary of the Founder’s birth
2008 – 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade
2011 – 125th Anniversary of Camping in The Boys’ Brigade