Origins of The Boys' Brigade

The Boys’ Brigade was originated in Scotland of United Kingdom, which was the world’s first uniformed organization for youth. It has a history of 130 years. Sir William Alexander Smith, our Founder, who was a Sunday school teacher of a church. He felt that traditional Sunday school approach was hard to satisfy the curiosity and energetic disposition of youths. Thus, he made good use of his background as a Volunteer of Military Force, integrated the elements of team spirit as well as military discipline into the existing religious activities. On 4th October 1883, he gathered about 60 youths at the College Free Church in Glasgow and started the first parade. Nowadays, The Boys’ Brigade has already become an international mission movement, with Companies established in over 60 countries worldwide.

The Boys’ Brigade was founded on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith at Free Church Mission Hall, North Woodside Road, Glasgow, Scotland.

It was called the 1st Glasgow Company with an initial membership of 59 Boys. The Boys wore simple uniform which consisted of a rosette, a forage cap, haversack and belt while some of the activities conducted were drill, gymnastics and games.

The Boys’ Brigade is the first uniformed youth organization in the world By the early 1890’s, The Boys’ Brigade grew to become a worldwide organization.

Among other organization formed based on the root idea of The Boys’ Brigade were:

The Boys’ Life Brigade became part of The Boys’ Brigade and was called `Life Boys’ in 1926. This resulted in the incorporation of the Red Cross from The Boys’ Life Brigade emblem into The Boys' Brigade Emblem.

The Boys’ and Girls' Christian Brigade Canada (mixed group) was formed in 2015.