Lisburn News

Mayor helps St Paul's GB mark Golden Anniversary

Councillor Brian Heading with leaders of St Paul's Girls' Brigade. L to R: (front row) Canon James Carson (Chaplain), Isobel Gorman (Company Pianist), Margaret Maze (President and former Captain), Councillor Brian Heading (Lisburn Mayor), Alison Stevenson (Captain), Linda Dickey (Explorers Leader),Audrey Knowles (Babies Leader) and Nicola McDonnell (Seniors Leader). Back row- Alderman Allan Ewart (Former Mayor), Claire McBride, Debbie Reilly, Beryl Finlay, Lesley Lewis, Joanne Cherry, Laura Strain, Katherine Kidd,Ashlea Thompson, Jan Knowles, Jill Wilcox, Patricia Evans and Rev Stephen McWhirter (Pastoral Assistant).

Lisburn Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading presenting a plaque to Alison Stevenson (Captain) to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of St Paul's Girls' Brigade Company.

LISBURN'S Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, has hosted a reception for leaders of St Pauls Girls' Brigade in the Mayor's Parlour at Lagan Valley Island to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Company.

Accompanying Alison Stevenson (Captain) and her GB leaders were St Paul's rector, the Rev Canon James Carson (Company Chaplain), Margaret Maze (President and former Captain), Isobel Gorman (Company Pianist) and former Mayor, Alderman Allan Ewart and his wife Denise.

Following refreshments, chat and a tour of the Council Chamber, the Mayor congratulated the captain, past captains and leaders for 50 years of faithful Girls' Brigade work and witness at St Paul's.

St Paul's Girls' Brigade Company was formed by the Rev Ken Cochrane who in May 1962 became curate in charge of the new district of St Paul's, a daughter church of Christ Church.

The first meeting took place in the curatage which was then located in Belvoir Crescent and the
first meeting for girls was held in September 1962 with 62 eager girls in attendance.

The acting Captain Margaret Norwood (1962-1964) was assisted by Linda Shannon, Nora Benson, Mabel Odgers and Ella Smylie.

Founder member Margaret Maze, now the Company President, who was Captain (1964-2003) was followed in turn by Elizabeth Sloan (2003-2006) and Alison Stevenson (2006-present).

From their humble beginning, the company continued to grow, its peak coinciding with the opening of the church hall in 1974 when 245 girls were enrolled.

Now known as 160th NI St Paul's Parish, Lisburn, over 170 members are affiliated thanks to the hard work and commitment of a team of leaders, past and present, who have always endeavoured to lead young girls to 'Seek, Serve and Follow Christ'.

Ulster Star
11/05/2012