BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22956, 13 May 1938, Page 3

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

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" The Object of the Brigade shall bo the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among Boys, and tho promotion of habite of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and all that tends towards a tetsa Christian Manliness-

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK. “ He said unto his servants, occupy till I come,” Luke xix., 13. Faithfulness rates highest in God’s school. We have different abilities and gifts. Some can do things others cannot do, and some can do things better than we can. The highest marks in God’s school at examination time are not given to ability, but to faithfulness. Faithfulness does not mean being full of faith. It means that God can have faith in you that you will bo true to Him—persistently, consistently true to Him. (Remember that “ diamonds are just lumps of coal that stuck to their job.” THE 8.8. COMES TO HOLLAND. “ llijst op, rijst op voor Jezus ” was the opening hymn sung heartily by the 40 officers and boys of the “ Ist Amsterdamsche Groep ” at its 1 enrolment service on Sunday afternoon, November 17, 1935, in the English Reformed Church, Amsterdam. Before his sermon from the text, Philippians iii., 12-14, Mr Hock (the preacher) referred to several letters of freetings to the new company from rigade headquarters and some of the captain’s 8.8. friends in England. The service concluded with the Dutch version of ‘ Onward, Christian Soldiers.’ On account of its many associations with Great Britain, it was very appropriate that this service was held in this fine old church, built about 1400 and used as a place of worship “for the English people dwelling in Amstrebredamme ” since 1607. It has seen man Interesting happenings during its long history, and who knows but that this first introduction into Holland of the (Boys’ Brigade may not be another historic date? From the beginning, may the 8.8. do much for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom among the boys of Holland. How did all this come about? Some time ago a keen worker for boys in the Sunday school and outside it, Mr H. G. Capelle, during a holiday visit to England, became interested in the 8.8. On a subsequent visit to London, through a messenger boy who happened to he a keen 8.8. boy, Mr Capelle was introduced to his company and its captain. He saw something of the parade and the (Bible class, and later spent a few days in camp. Feeling sure that in the 8.8. he had found what he wanted for his Dutch boys, he set to work to get the boys together, and to explain the new idea to them. Recruiting leaflets and application forms were produced in Dutch, and through a duplicated monthly magazine, much information was conveyed to the boys by translations of the handbook for boys. Enthusiasm grew slowly and steadily, and in the development Mr Capelle was ably backed by a number of young men. As a result the company was officially enrolled in October, 1935. Mr Capelle writes: “We are very grateful indeed that God gave us strength to take this work on, and we are praying that He may guide our doings in future as He did until now.” We are sure that their B.'B. brothers in New Zealand join in the same prayer. Good luck to them. Bth DUNEDIN COMPANY (Sunshine). On Saturday night the weekly parade of the company was held, with a good, attendance. Although ambulance has been the instructional work lately, a change was made, signalling practice being held. Drill was taken by the lance-corporal, and the recruit squad ■was awarded the points for the month s inspection. An exciting gam© of scrag took place, and a good game of Soccer finished up the parade. 6th DUNEDIN COMPANY. (Central Mission.) In the absence of our chaplain, Rev. B. M. Tasker, parades have been held every Tuesday under Mr Sneddon, late 12th Dunedin boy, whose assistance is greatly appreciated. A cheery letter has been received from Mr Tasker, whose health is improving slowly, and he hopes to be back with the company in June. Numbers are gradually in* creasing, and we would welcome new members between the ages of 12 and 17. On Tuesday, April 26. the company visited the Dundas Street Methodist Sunday School, where a demonstration was given and a new company has now been formed. We regret that our signalling instructor, Mr Smallman, has been transferred to Christchurch. 11th DUNEDIN COMPANY. There were only 23 on parade last Monday. The fall-in and inspection was followed 1 by a quarter of an hour’s drill. Lieutenant Dovvnio then took tho boys for some tumbling work on. the mat, a good start being made. We have to thank both Lieutenant and Corporal Downie for their good work in fixing up the mat. Signalling, ambulance, and bugling instruction were then given, followed by several games. Captain Hislop then dismissed the parade. The boys were asked for orders for wood for the stall which, will bo in charge of the company at the church bazaar.

16th DUNEDIN COMPANY. (Caversham Presbyterian.) Parades continue to be well attendad and the new gymnastic class promises to progress well, senior boys working on the parallels and two junior squads on horizontal bar and the horse. The company magazine, ‘ The Brigadier, made its appearance at last night s parade. This year it is to appear every month instead of one big number at the end of the session. Two church parades are to be held shortly with 11th Dunedin Company, and officers are arranging for a camp on the Kings Birthday week-end.