The 4th of October is very important day, not only in the 214th’s eyes but the whole of the BB organisation.

140 years ago today in 1883

The Boys Brigade was founded in Glasgow by Sir William Alexander Smith.

From this one Company formed in Scotland the BB has grown in to a worldwide movement.

99 years ago in 1924

In 6 days time (10th Oct 2023) it is the 99th Anniversary of the formation of the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys Brigade.

In 1 years time from today in 2024

We will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary (4th October 2024) on founders day at our Centenary Civic Reception in Glasgow City Chambers.

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Where the Boys Brigade was founded

The first meeting took place in the Free Church Mission Hall on North Woodside Road, shown here. Only 28 boys attended. The movement expanded rapidly in the following decades, but Glasgow remained at its heart.

(This was also the building that our Treasurer (Stephen McQuillan) held his Company Offices, prior to them being turned into flats by The Woodside Club.)

In 1933 it celebrated its jubilee with an assembly at Hampden in front of 130,000 spectators. Members from across the globe again gathered in Glasgow to celebrate the Brigade’s centenary in 1983 with a series of events, including a service at Ibrox Park.

Key Timeline

1854 – William Alexander Smith born (27th October)

1883 – BB Founded in Glasgow (4th October)

1886 – First BB Camp (Tighnabruiach)

1897 – First Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of York

1908 – Scout Movement Formed (by Baden Powell, developed from the BB)

1909 – William Alexander Smith knighted (July)

1913 – The King’s Badge introduced

1914 – Sir William Alexander Smith died (10th May)

1917 – Boy Reserves started for 8 to 11 year olds

1924 – 214th GCBB founded -Whiteinch

1926 – Amalgamation of The Boys’ Brigade with The Boys’ Life Brigade

1933 – Jubilee Celebrations

1955 – BB involved in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award pilot scheme

1963 – World Conference (of The Boys’ Brigade) formed

1974 – 214th GCBB – Golden Jubilee, Glasgow City Halls

1977 – Pre-Junior Section formed (now known as Anchors)

1982 – Royal Mail issue 1st Class stamp celebrating The Boys’ Brigade

1983 – Centenary Celebrations

1985 – 214th GCBB merge with the 135th Glasgow Company

1993 – Junior Section 75th Anniversary (previously called ‘Life Boys’)

1994 – Royal Review by HM The Queen at Windsor Castle

214th GCBB Ex Members parade at 70th Anniversary Scotstoun Parish Church.

2002 – World Conference renamed Global Fellowship of Christian Youth

2008 – 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade

214th GCBB – Ex Members parade at Braehead Arena

2008 – Girls’ Association formed

2011 – 125th Anniversary of Camping

2012 – HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Baton Run

2017 – Centenary of Juniors age group

2022 – HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

2023 – Celebrations of the Coronation of King Charles III

2023 – 140th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade (Today)

Looking ahead……….

2024 – 214th GCBB – Centenary Civic Reception Glasgow City Chambers (4th Oct)