Archief - Church Lads’ Brigade fonds

The Church Lads’ Brigade was established in Fulham Parish, London by W. M. Gee, who was to become the first Colonel of the Brigade. The objective of the Brigade was “the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among lads of all classes, the promotion of charity, reverence, patriotism, discipline, self respect and all that tends towards Christian manliness.”

Mr. Harold Blackler made the suggestion to the Right Rev. Llewellyn Jones about forming a company in Newfoundland and on November 18, 1892 the St. John’s Brigade became the first overseas member in the British Empire. The organizations motto, “Fight the Good Fight” was taken from the text of Ephesians and the Brigade was formed along para-military lines, using Imperial Army drill.

The Trinity East - Port Rexton Church Lads’ Brigade (C.L.B.) Company #3805 began in 1912 under the command of Dr. Conrad T. Fitzgerald. Its goal is to bring together the youth of the community into an environment that promotes goodwill, discipline, self-respect and genuine Christian character.

The C.L.B. while once only a boys organization is now open to both boys and girls ages 5-19 and is divided into the following units: Little Training Corps (L.T.C), ages 5&6; Youth Training Corps (Y.T.C.), ages 7-9; Junior Training Corps (J.T.C.), ages 10-12; Senior Corps (S.C.), ages 13-19; and Officers, ages 19 and over.