History
Download Timeline of Girls' Brigade History
Roots:
The organisation that is now the Girls' Brigade was originally three separate organizations. These three organizations, each with a similar aim, all came into being at the turn of the 19th /20th century in different places around the United Kingdom. Miss Margaret Lytle formed The Girls' Brigade in Sandymount, Ireland in 1893, with the aim of "the extension of Christ's Kingdom among girls"; The Girls' Guildry was formed in Scotland in 1900 with the aim of helping girls to become mature Christian women and the Girls' Life Brigade was formed in England with the motto "to save life" and the aim "to help girls become responsible, self-reliant Christian women"
Growth:
All three organisations developed into uniformed organisations with programmes designed to meet the needs of girls and young women in Victorian Britain. Over the course of the next 60 years, the three organisations developed and adapted to meet the needs of the changing cultures around the country. They all saw much growth including, in 1923, the opening of the first overseas groups in Jamaica. Work also developed in Capetown, South Africa, Riga and Lativia (all in 1925) and then gradually work spread to the 60 countries GB serves today.
Amalgamation:
Over the years there were many conversations between the three organizations, but probably the most crucial and historic decision was the one made in 1964 when the three groups agreed to amalgamate. As a result of this amalgamation the inaugural meeting of The Brigade International Council, was held on 10th June 1968 in a meeting attended by 19 countries. The meeting appointed Miss Joan Chenhalls MBE as the first International President. At this time two committees were established to oversee the developing work in the Atlantic and Pacific areas of the world. From this time on The International Council met every five years in different locations, around the world.
Structure:
In 1993 the international Family celebrated its centenary with celebrations around the world. This culminated with the sixth Brigade International Conference in Dublin, Ireland. The next Brigade International Conference in 1998, held in Brisbane, Australia saw a reorganization of the international structure. As a result of this meeting the Atlantic and Pacific committees ceased to exist, and instead five fellowships were formed - Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Americas, Europe and Pacific. Each Fellowship was, and still is, responsible for the development and administration of GB in its own geographical area. Representatives from each fellowship, together with the International President and Treasurer form The International Presidents Committee, who have the responsibility of the work of The Girls’ Brigade International between International Council meetings. These meetings are now held once every four years.
Reach:
Worldwide there are now over 3,000 GB companies with over 126,000 girls and young women meeting Jesus week by week through the work of The Girls’ Brigade.