BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22974, 3 June 1938, Page 3

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

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The Object of the Brigade shall be the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among Boys, and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness.”

8.8. WEEK. 8.8. Week is celebrated annually during the-first week of July. To new members and others interested it might be explained that during 8.8. Week officers and boys throughout New Zealand are expected to do their utmost to advertise the Boys’ Brigade and to collect contributions from personal friends and acquaintances by means of collecting cards issued by headquarters. By this'means a substantial sum may be raised toward company expenses and the movement as a whole benefits materially. Two-thirds of the collection will be retained by the company, and the other third goes to headquarters. The sum of £6OO must be raised throughout the Dominion, so it is absolutely essential that every member should do his part. In making this appeal officers and boys should confine themselves to the circle of interest in their own church, and must avoid street and house-to-house collecting, which is out of harmony with the high Christian aims of our movement.

EARLY 8.8. DAYS. It is commonly supposed that Sir William Smith founded the Boys’ Brigade in Glasgow in the year 1883, and the Ist Glasgow Company proudly claims the honour of being the original company. Some folk dispute this claim, stating that in 1865 William Smith, then 11 years of age, formed a company of 20 boys for drill and discipline! However, it is in the year 1883 that Smith and his two original lieutenants met to discuss rules and other details of a movement which they little dreamt would spread throughout the world. At one of these meetings Smith said: “This is going to be a great thing, let us put it into God’s hands.’’ They knelt down and committed the future to God. asking His blessing on it. So the Boys’ Brigade had its baptism in prayer. They decided on the crest, an anchor with the words Sure and Stedfast, the mottol Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, and above all the object printed above. In the first session the boys had no uniform, the belt, haversack, and “ pill box ” cap being introduced in the next year. Officers, however, sported a small red rosette pinned to the coat lapel. 7th DUNEDIN COMPANY (North-east Valley Presbyterian). Last Friday night was one of the most important in this year’s programme. After opening worship, conducted by Rev. N. E. Oakley, the usual inspection took place, followed by drill. Instead of the dismissal at 8.30, however, the company adjourned to_ the lower hall, where ‘ supper, provided by Mrs M. Bennett, a member of the congregation very interested in the work, had been prepared. After doing full justice to the good things provided, officers and boys and the friends present proceeded upstairs again, when the KingV badge was presented to Staffsergeant A. Houston, who bad gained the honour a few months earlier. In making the presentation, Mr R. Duncan, battalion president, complimented Alan on his fine record, and expressed the hope that other bovs would follow in his steps. 11th DUNEDIN COMPANY. A church parade was held at our own church last Sunday evening, there being a good attendance from 11th and 16th Dunedin Companies. On Monday the ordinary night’s programme was carried out, the bugling squad especially putting great effort into their two hours of instruction. There were 25 boys and three officers on parade, two recruits also being present. During the King’s Birthday week-end 11th and 16th Dunedin will combine for a camp at Company Bay. intending campers are referred to the notes under- 16th Dunedin Company’s report. 16th DUNEDIN COMPANY (Caversham Presbyterian). The monthly squad competition has been won by I) Squad, under Lancecorporal P. Blomfield. Two boys tied for the medal for individual competition, Lance-corporal Blomfield and Private Parker, so the squad cup goes to Blomfield and the medal to Parker. Sixteen members are going _to the camp this week-end. and their attention is drawn to the following particulars :—All cyclists must leave their kit bags at Reid Hall before 10 a.m. on Saturday. Boys travelling by buses which leave Queen’s Gardens at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m., are expected to transport their own luggage. The bus fare is sixpence. Parties on bicycles will leave Reid Hall at 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. Scones, biscuits, or cakes will be a welcome addition to the camp menu. THE SIXTH DUNEDIN LIFE BOY TEAM. With a slightly increased membership the above team is_ preparing for its first broadcast, which will take place next Sunday afternoon. Through the courtesy of the Radio Church of the Helping Hand and Station 4ZM the team will conduct the afternoon service at 4.15. This service should be of interest to all life boy, teams and members of the Boys’ Brigade.