10/05/2026
MEMORIAL DAY OF OUR FOUNDER, SIR WILLIAM ALEXANDER SMITH (27th October 1854 - 10th May, 1914) Today, we pay tribute to the passing of the great man who established The Boys' Brigade. In 1914, the Brigade experienced a profound loss with the sudden passing of its Founder and Secretary, Sir William A. Smith, at the age of 60. For 31 years, he dedicated his life to developing the Boys’ Brigade into a movement that would profoundly impact the lives of countless young boys worldwide. A memorial service was held at St. Paul's Cathedral on 15 May 1914, attended by leaders of many uniformed youth organizations and dignitaries. Even King George V sent a telegram of sympathy to the Brigade. Following the service, his body was taken to Glasgow for burial, with an estimated 164,000 people lining the streets to pay their respects. Boys of the Brigade dropped carnations into his grave as buglers sounded the Last Post in honor of the man who taught the world the true meaning of training boys for Christ. Though he is gone, his vision endures in every Company, every parade ground, and every Brigade boy who stands Sure & Steadfast. May we continue the Kingdom work he initiated.
