William Smith started
as a teacher in the sabbath school. The older boys were bored and restless, they
were typical teenagers. He had no difficulty as a lieutenant to get the
volunteers to obey him. He had an idea of forming drill and discipline. He
decided on a combination of games, sports, drill, hym and prayers. He planned
this idea with two friends and on the fourth of october 1883 they started the
boys brigade.
the new organisation
badge was an anchor, and atheir motto was sure and steadfast. The first year it
ran the uniform it was just a rosette as a badge and the officers wore a bowler
hat. The following year they introduced cap, belt and a haversack.
William Smith was
dedicated and put all his time into it rarely missing a meeting of the 1st
Glasgow regiment. He even crossed the Atlantic twice to promote the boys
brigade.