Boys Brigade

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE DIRECTORATE The Boys’ Brigade (BB) is an international and interdenominational Christian youth uniform organisation, founded to combine Christian instruction, character formation, discipline, and wholesome recreational activities for boys. It was conceived by Sir William Alexander Smith with the vision of training boys to grow into responsible, God-fearing, and disciplined Christian men. The Boys’ Brigade was founded in the United Kingdom on Thursday, 4th October 1883, at the Free College Mission Church, Glasgow, Scotland. Its emergence took place during the period of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain, a time marked by rapid social change and moral challenges among young people. This historical context significantly influenced the vision behind the establishment of the Brigade, as it sought to provide structure, moral guidance, and Christian values for boys during a transformative era. Aims and Objectives The aims and objectives of the Boys’ Brigade are clearly expressed in its Object, which includes: The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys. The promotion of habits of: Obedience Discipline Self-respect Reverence Loyalty Responsibility These core values are cultivated through a balanced programme of Christian education, drill, leadership training, teamwork, and purposeful activities, all designed to shape the total boy—spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically. Motto The Motto of the Boys’ Brigade is “Sure and Steadfast”, taken from the Epistle to the Hebrews: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” — Hebrews 6:19 This motto reflects the Brigade’s commitment to grounding boys firmly in faith, stability, and moral strength, with Christ as their anchor. The Boys’ Brigade in Ilesa South West Diocese In the Diocese of Ilesa South West, the Boys’ Brigade is committed to creating an enabling and supportive environment where the organisation can thrive and remain relevant to both the Church of God and the wider society. Through intentional mentoring, structured programmes, and active engagement, the Diocese seeks to raise boys who are spiritually sound, socially responsible, and prepared to serve God and humanity.