120 Years of the Boys' Brigade

THE Boys’ Brigade has just held a celebration marking 120 years of Brigade work in churches in the Oxford Diocese.

The Boys’ Brigade is the oldest and the largest uniformed Christian youth organisation in the UK. With a new modern uniform and an up-to-date awards programme the Boys’ Brigade continues to offer a challenging range of activities for boys aged from 5 to 18. Every company is a part of a Church or Benefice. Several new Boys’ Brigade companies will be opening in the Diocese in 2008.

It all started in November 1887 when James Hill, a young student from Glasgow encouraged the local vicar to open a Boys’ Brigade Company at St Peter’s-Le-Bailey Church in Oxford. James Hill was a student at St John’s College and before coming up to Oxford had previously served as an officer in the 1st Glasgow Company under the founder of the organisation, Sir William Alexander Smith.

In 1887 and 1888 a further six Boys’ Brigade companies were opened across the city of Oxford including two at the recently opened Holy Trinity Church.

Since 1887 Boys’ Brigade companies (together with Girls’ Brigade companies and Church Lads’ Brigade companies) have been active in Churches throughout the Diocese.

One notable company (the 1st Oxford) was opened at St Matthew’s Church in Grandpont, Oxford, by Canon David Stather-Hunt in 1929. For over 70 years thousands of young men growing up in South Oxford passed through the ranks. Canon Stather-Hunt was later awarded the OBE for his service and his colleague Miss Marjorie Cowley who ran the 1st Oxford Life Boys was awarded the MBE.

Boys’ Brigade Oxfordshire is organising a special thanksgiving service to be held at the chapel of St Peter’s College (former parish church of St Peter’s-Le-Bailey) on 13 April to celebrate 120 years of work in the Diocese and 125 years of the movement. All former members, officers and chaplains are invited to join them.

If your PCC is interested in operating a Boys’ Brigade company then more information can be obtained at www.boys-brigade.org.uk or you could contact Nick Westbury, the local development officer on (01869) 338230.