THE GIRLS' BRIGADE
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| A
Brief History. |
The
Girls' Brigade was formed in July 1965 by the coming together of the
following three organisations.
The Girls' Brigade (Ireland) was formed in Dublin in 1893 on twin
pillars, Bible Class and Physical Training, and had as its aim
"The extension of Christ's Kingdom among girls". Membership
at the time of union was 8,000.
The Girls' Guildry was a church-centered organisation, founded in
Scotland in 1900, providing programmes for four age groups. Its varied
activities were aimed at helping girls to become mature Christian
women. The movement was interdenominational and international, with a
strong emphasis on service to others. Membership at the time of union
was 35,000.
The Girls' Life Brigade which was founded in England in 1902 by the
National Sunday School Union (now known as the National Christian
Education Council) was a church-based international movement, with a
varied programme for four age groups. Its aim was "To help and
encourage girls to become responsible, self-reliant, useful Christian
women". International membership at the time of union was
120,000.
All these movements were designed to provide week-day activities for
members of Sunday Schools and Churches and an opportunity to develop
mind, body and spirit in preparation for a life of useful Christian
service and witness. Methods have been adapted over the years, and the
union of three organisations in The Girls' Brigade can be seen as a
strengthening of purpose in the face of the challenge of the present
day.
Overseas, the wide membership of the Brigade includes many races, with
a variety of language and dialect. In 1923, the first overseas Company
had been registered in Jamaica. Today, the Brigade is operating in
over fifty countries and islands throughout the world. It also has
affiliation with church youth work in Europe. Programmes of work have
to be modified and in some cases extensively amended to suit differing
environments. The varying climatic conditions have led to the
adaptation of the official uniform in different countries.
Nevertheless, the supreme aim, adhered to throughout the whole
movement, is to help girls to find true enrichment of life.
The steps towards Union. As early as 1928 The Girls' Life Brigade had
approached The Girls' Brigade of Ireland asking if representatives of
their governing body would be willing to meet representatives of The
Girls' Life Brigade to consider the possibility of a union of the two
organisations.
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| What
is The Girls' Brigade? |
The
Girls' Brigade (GB) is a Christian, international charity working
alongside girls and young women of every background, ability and
culture.
Since our foundation in 1893, Girls' Brigade has become known
world-wide as a fun, interesting, challenging and relevant provider of
activities, skills, care and Christian love for hundreds of thousands
of young people.
GB is lead by Christian women from local churches. These leaders are
trained volunteers who are committed to providing a regular meeting
time of activities and skills for girls and young women. GB groups
(companies) usually meet on a weekday evening based in a local church,
centre or school.
World-wide (GB operates in around 60 countries at present) the charity
seeks to enable girls and young women to develop in confidence,
ability, friendship and citizenship, and is committed to nurturing the
unique value of every girl in our care.
GB
Aim and Motto
The international Aim of Girls' Brigade is to help girls to become
followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through reverence, self
control and a sense of responsibility to find true enrichment of life.
The GB motto, known by girls all over the world reads:
Seek
Serve and Follow Christ
The way in which GB is led varies in different countries around the
world, reflecting the diverse cultures in which GB works.
This information has
been copied from the Official Web site of The Girls' Brigade of
England & Wales www.girlsbrigadeew.org.uk
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