UNITED BOYS' BRIGADE OF AMERICA

UNITED BOYS' BRIGADE OF AMERICA. Sir William Alexander Smith founded the Boys’ Brigade on October 4, 1883. He formed a company of thirty-five members at Free Church Mission Hall, North Woodside Road, Glasgow, Scotland. This was the first of all uniformed organizations for boys, which has since spread all over the world. (1)

Smith was a businessman, part-time soldier and Sunday School teacher. He developed a unique system of giving Boys an organization based on religion and discipline. Simple forms of drill, gymnastics and games were introduced and proved very popular. The uniform for the first year was a rosette; afterwards the forage cap, haversack and belt were introduced. Other activities were added and in 1886 the first Boys' Brigade camp was held in Tighnabruaich, Scotland. It was the start of camping for young people. (2)

In 1917, Boys' Reserves was started for boys between the ages of 9 and 12 years, but later changed to Life Members in 1926. In 1966, the Life Boys became part of the Boys’ Brigade organization known as the Junior Section. (3)

Boys' Brigade throughout the world celebrated the 100 years of its founding in 1983. (4)

In December 1895 a recognition service was held at the SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in honor of Dubuque's first company of the United Boys' Brigade of America. (5)

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Source:

1. Handbook for the Brigade Philippines. Online: https://thebrigadephilippines-bbph.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/6/6/12665978/bbph-senior_handbook_part_1-4_.pdf

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. "The Social World," The Dubuque Herald, December 15, 1895, p. 2