History of the Boys Brigade 

The Boys' Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith. From this one Company formed in Scotland the BB has grown in to a world wide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century.

First for Boys You can also read more detail about the BB's history in "First for Boys", a book detailing the history of The Boys' Brigade. The book was prepared for the centenary in 1983. Read First for Boys online.

Key Dates

1854 - William Alexander Smith born (27th October)
1883 - BB Founded in Glasgow (4th October)
1886 - First BB Camp (Tignabruaich)
1908 - Scout Movement Formed (by Baden Powell, developed from the BB)
1909 - William Alexander Smith knighted (July)
1914 - Sir William Alexander Smith died (10th May)
1917 - Boy Reserves started
1926 - Amalgamation of The Boys' Brigade with The Boys' Life Brigade
1933 - Jubilee Celebrations
1976 - World Conference (of The Boys' Brigade) formed
1983 - Centenary Celebrations
1993 - Junior Section 75th Anniversary (previously called 'Life Boys')
2002 - World Conference renamed to Global Fellowship of Christian Youth
2004 - 150th Anniversary of the Founder's birth
2008 - 125th Anniversary of The Boys' Brigade 

Sir William Alexander Smith