The BB is the pioneer uniformed voluntary organisation for Boys. It is a Christian movement with Companies in over 65 countries and a world membership of over 500,000. The BB Motto is “Sure and Steadfast” and our patron Her Majesty The Queen.
Aim
The aim of the Boys Brigade is “to advance the kingdom of Christ among Boys and to promote habits of obedience, reverence, discipline and all that tends towards true Christian manliness.”
A brief history of the Boys’ Brigade
The founder of the Boys’ Brigade movement was Sir William Alexander Smith. He was born on the 27th October 1854 in Pennyland House, Thurso, in the north of Scotland. He joined the volunteers and at the age of 19, while working in his uncle’s business in Glasgow became a Lance Corporal in the 1st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers.
By 1883 William Smith had become a Lieutenant and was teaching in the North Woodside Mission Sunday School. The boys in his Sunday School class were a challenge and they had no discipline. He was open to suggestions. Someone suggested that the methods used in the volunteers may be appropriate. He took this idea further and the BB was formed.
The Boys’ Brigade was officially formed on 4th October 1883 and was a tremendous success. Other youth organisations resulted from the formation Boys’ Brigade, most notably the Scout movement in 1908.
In July 1909 William Smith was knighted by King Edward VII for his services to boys. He died on May 10th 1914 after being taken ill at a Boys’ Brigade meeting in London.
The 1st Omagh Company
1st Omagh Boys Brigade was founded in 1892 and meets on a Tuesday night in First Omagh Presbyterian Church Halls (opposite Omagh Library). Our Anchor section meets from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, our Junior section meets from 7:00pm to 8:30pm and our Company section meets from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The Captain of our Company is Mr. Alan Duff.
1st Omagh Boys’ Brigade is connected with both First Omagh Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church, Omagh. The post of Chaplain is therefore shared between Rev. John. F. Murdoch and Rev. Robert Herron. If there are special matters of concern which you feel cannot be dealt with by a Company Officer you should contact one of the Chaplains.
