Rasharkin BB celebrate 70th

1st Rasharkin BB company and Leaders prior to the 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on Sunday. INBM39-16 041BW

Following the reception of the Guests and Company Colours all present were welcomed by the Company Captain, Mr Fred Kyle, who also led in Prayer.

Greetings were brought from the Northern Ireland District by the Director, Mr Jonathan Gracey.

Mr Derick Johnston, Secretary of the Ballymena and District Battalion, read from the Scriptures at John Chapter 3 verses 1 to 16.

Foundation Members who attended the 70th Anniversary
Thanksgiving Service of the 1st Rasharkin Company Boys` Brigade. From left: William James Connolly, Joe Harris, Jim McCullough, William Wylie and Bertie Johnston with David Blevins, Northern Ireland President, Rear left and Jonathan Gracey, Northern Ireland Director, rear right. — Foundation Members who attended the 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the 1st Rasharkin Company Boys` Brigade. From left: William James Connolly, Joe Harris, Jim McCullough, William Wylie and Bertie Johnston with David Blevins, Northern Ireland President, Rear left and Jonathan Gracey, Northern Ireland Director, rear right.

Further Prayer and an excellent address based on the necessity of decision for Jesus as Saviour was given by Mr David Blevins, President of the Boys` Brigade in Northern Ireland.

Praise items included Onward Christian Soldiers, Our God is a great big God, God is so good, will your anchor hold and how deep the Fathers love for us.

A display of memorabilia was available for viewing in the Church Hall afterwards.

The Company was formed in 1946, under the direction of the Rev A E S Stronge, who was the first Captain. He was assisted by Lieutenants Robert Connolly and Fred Knowles. There were about 30 Boys enrolled. Mr William Hugh Wilson was appointed Captain in 1948 and during that period Company strength had increased to about 40. In 1953 Mr William Cochrane and Mr James Watson gave their Services as Officers. Mr Bertie Johnston was the first Officer appointed to have come through the ranks. In the 1960`s Mr Roderick Crawford served for a period as Captain.

The present Company Officers with David Blevins, Nothern
Ireland District President, Extreme right front row and Jonathan Gracey,
Northern Ireland Director, Extreme left, front row. — The present Company Officers with David Blevins, Nothern Ireland District President, Extreme right front row and Jonathan Gracey, Northern Ireland Director, Extreme left, front row.

In 1965 Mr Andrew Wilson took over as Captain. During this time there was a greater emphasis on Badge work and various activities.

The present Captain, Mr Fred Kyle was appointed in 1994, and has been assists, as all Captains were, by a willing and loyal band of Officers.

Over the years a Junior and anchor Boy sections were introduced to cater for all ages.

The Company always has and with God`s help will seek to maintain our Object being the Advancement of Christ`s Kingdom among Boys` and the habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness.

My God give us Grace so to do.