The Full History Of The Boys' Brigade And The Girls' Brigade
The Boys' Brigade and The Girls' Brigade share Christian roots and a similar language of faith, discipline and service, but they are not the same organisation.
Editorial Team
July 7, 2026
12 min read
A researched full read on two separate Christian youth organisations: The Boys' Brigade and The Girls' Brigade.
Boys' Brigade
The Boys' Brigade: A Separate Organisation
The Boys' Brigade is a Christian uniformed youth organisation founded in Glasgow, Scotland, on 4 October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith.
Its early company life combined church, Bible teaching, drill, recreation, physical exercise and organised duty.
Girls' Brigade
The Girls' Brigade: Its Own History
The Girls Brigade is also an international Christian youth organisation, but it has its own beginning and identity.
The movement began in Dublin in 1893 and later grew through related girls organisations that shared a concern for faith, character and service.
Local Company
How Both Legacies Meet Locally
The two organisations are different, but local church life can honour both through worship, training, service, enrolment, camps and leadership development.
Timeline
Key Brigade Milestones
The Boys' Brigade Is Founded
Sir William Alexander Smith founded The Boys Brigade in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Girls' Brigade Begins In Dublin
The Girls Brigade tradition began in Dublin as a Christian movement for girls and young women.
The Modern Girls' Brigade Is Formed
Three related girls movements joined to form the modern Girls Brigade.
