Ninety years of tradition marched through Somerset West streets on Sunday (27 October) as the 1st Somerset West Company Boys’ Brigade celebrated a historic milestone.
The march commemorated both the company’s 90th anniversary and the 142nd Founder’s Day of the Boys’ Brigade movement in South Africa.
Eight other units from the Boys’ Brigade Western Cape division joined the celebration, gathering in Gum Street, Garden Village before proceeding through the town centre in their signature blue uniforms. The procession wound through Oak Street, Sergeant Street, Victoria Street and Main Road, culminating at Coronation Avenue Methodist church for a commemorative service accompanied by drums and horns.
“The brigade helps to keep the boys off the streets,”
said Garth Adonis, lieutenant of the 1st Somerset West Company.
The organisation operates under the motto “Sure and Steadfast” from Hebrews 6:19, embodying the biblical foundation that guides their work with young people.
Adonis personifies the organisation’s lasting saying of “Once a BB, always a BB.” He joined when he was 6 years old and remains active 37 years later, and he will soon be sworn in as captain, a testament to the lifelong commitment the brigade fosters among its members.
The Boys’ Brigade serves boys aged 6 to 18, and they meet once a week in Garden Village. Activities include hiking, camping, parades, educational tours and Bible quizzes, while members also receive lessons in spiritual education, physical activities, life skills, recreation and community service.
“As you can see, there are Girls’ Brigade and a few girls among the boys as well,” said Adonis.
The company currently offers drumming lessons and music-theory classes to the community, with brass instrument lessons planned for the future, as music forms part of their renowned band.
As onlookers gathered to witness the synchronised marching and music, the celebration honoured not just local tradition but global heritage. The day commemorates Founders Day, celebrating William Alexander Smith, who founded the Boys’ Brigade in Scotland on 27 October 1883.
Smith, born into a military family, was both a soldier and devout Christian. At age 29 he created an innovative youth ministry combining military discipline with Christian character development. His vision was to instil values of obedience, reverence and self-respect through structured engagement.
The movement spread rapidly worldwide. In 1889, just six years after its founding, the Boys’ Brigade reached South Africa, where it has thrived for 135 years as part of the global mission for: The Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among Boys.
Today, more than 3 000 members across 83 companies continue Smith’s legacy throughout South Africa.
The celebration concluded with ceremonial salutes and fellowship lunch, marking another chapter in nearly a century of community service, continuing the organisation’s 19th-century vision with a 21st-century mission.
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