Where we started
The Boys' Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith. From this one Company formed in Scotland the BB has grown in to a world wide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century. First for Boys You can also read more detail about the BB's history in "First for Boys", a book detailing the history of The Boys' Brigade. The book was prepared for the centenary in 1983. 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 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 About The Boys' Brigade in Belfast Our Battalion is the largest in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland – was established in 1890 following the formation in December 1888 of the 1st Irish (1st Belfast) BB Company in the Charlotte Street Mission Hall of St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church in the Donegall Pass, Belfast under the leadership of Mr. William McVicker. In this Session 2013/14, we celebrate 125 years since the formation of The Boys' Brigade in Ireland. Each local unit of The Boys’ Brigade is designated as a Company of which there are circa 100 in The Belfast Battalion representing one third of the total BB membership in Northern Ireland and comprising the whole of The Greater Belfast Area including the cities of Belfast and Lisburn and the County Borough areas of Castlereagh, Newtownabbey and North Down. |
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About The Boys' Brigade in Ballycraigy
1st Ballycraigy Boys' Brigade was founded in 1941 and its founder Captain was Jack McMillan. Known as the 98th Company of the Boys Brigade Belfast Battalion, until 1945 when it became 1st Ballycraigy Boys' Brigade. The Company was engaged in a wide range of activities including drill, Box work, badge work and annual camp. Central to its work was the weekly drill parade and the Bible Class.
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