THE BOYS’ BRIGADE HISTORY (B.B.

HISTORY)
The Boys’ Brigade is an inter-denominational Christian Youth organisation
concieved by Williams Alexander Smith. To combine drill, fun activities and
christian value following its conception in Glasgow, Scotland in 1883. The
Boys’ Brigade quickly spread across the United Kingdom and became a world
wide organisation by the early 1890’s. As at 2003, there were 500,000 Boys’
Brigade members in 60 countries.

The first Boys’ Brigade company was set up by Williams Alexandra Smith (who
later became Sir Williams Alexander Smith in 1909) on 4th October 1883. The
first set of Officers that joined Willliams A. Smith were John B. Hill and James
R. Hill. The first company was developed at Free Church Mission Hall, North-
Wood side Road Glasgow, Scotland to develop Christian manliness, by the use
semi-military discpline and order, gymnastic, summer camps, religious
Services and classes.

In the years/early years, following the establishment of the first Glasgow

company, others were rapidly formed through out Scotland and the rest of
United Kingdom.

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE HISTORY IN NIGERIA

The Boys’ Brigade was introduced to Nigeria in April 1908, by Mr. H. Wakeman
of C.M.S . bookshop who later became Canon H. Wakeman at Holy Trinity
Anglican Church, Ebutero, Lagos. A Company was registered on 5th Sept .
1908 as the first Lagos Company under the supervision of Revd. Canon T. A. J.
Ogunbiyi who was later venerable T.A.J. Ogunbiyi. So far so good, the Boys’
Brigade has gone far beyond expectation in Nigeria.

Sure and Steadfast.

The Objective of the Boys’ Brigade.

The Objective of the Boys’ Brigade is the advancement of Christ Kingdom among
boys and promotion of habits, obedience, reference, discipline, self respect and all that
tend towards a true Chirstian manliness.

Motto
Sure and Steadfast. Heb. 6v19