History of GB

Imagine nineteenth century Ireland and two pioneering women sitting on a bench chatting and wondering how they could answer the needs of girls in their community.

Ok, the two women may not have actually existed but in this era - a time when women didn’t have the vote and when girls were given no formal education - the radical ministry that has become Girls’ Brigade was born.

The Girls’ Brigade (Ireland) was set up in Dublin in 1893 and in July 1965 merged with The Girls’ Guildry (founded in Scotland in 1900) and The Girls’ Life Brigade (founded in England in 1902) to form The Girls’ Brigade.

All organisations set out to offer significant opportunities for girls and young women, as well as giving them Christian teaching, and GB has continued to do so ever since.

The aim of the Girls’ Brigade is to help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and through self control, reverence and a sense of responsibility to find true enrichment of life.

In the centre is a cross, the symbol of Christ and His church. Below it a lamp, that His glory may shine out upon the world. Above it a crown, that we may own Christ as our King. Behind it all a torch, the flame of Christ’s living spirit and our devotion to Him.

Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.

The Brigade acknowledges Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord according to the scriptures and seeks to fulfil its aim to the glory of one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Brigade witnesses to the standard set by Jesus Christ and gives positive teaching on the Christian attitude to life. The Brigade promotes a just society where all people are equally valued.

A Girls’ Brigade member will do her best to be loyal to company and church, to be honest, truthful, kind and helpful; and to remember The Girls’ Brigade motto Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.

I promise to do my best to keep The Girls’ Brigade law.