12th Company St Catherine's / Zion 100 Year Celebration and History by Brian Scott

12th Company St. Catherine’s/Zion 100-­‐Year Celebration and History

By

Brian Scott

In The Beginning In the second half of the nineteenth century there was much residential development in the southern parts of the ancient Parish of St Catherine’s and in the adjoining parts of St James’ Parish. This was a problem faced by Anthony Elliott when he became Rector of St Catherine’s in 1883. His appointment had not been without controversy. Prior to Disestablishment, the Earl of Meath, the largest landowner in the district, appointed the Vicar. After 1870, the appointment was in the hands of the parochial nominators, elected every three years. Since 1870 one of the parochial nominators had been the Earl of Meath.

When Rev Robert Vance, Vicar since 1850, died in 1883, the Select Vestry discussed the vacancy and requested the appointment of Richard Bluett, Curate of North Strand, and a good preacher of evangelical background. But when the nominators met, the Earl of Meath felt that the appointment should go to the senior applicant. This was Anthony Elliott and the Earl’s view prevailed. The Earl was also closely identified with the Dublin Artisans Dwelling Co., trying to build affordable houses in the area.

Rev. Elliott, with the help of curates, worked to develop the parish and related activities. In 1887, he wrote to the Archbishop stressing the need for a chapel of ease in the South Circular Road area, and the 1888 Easter Vestry supported the proposal. Swift’s Alley Chapel, near St Catherine’s in Thomas St., was a trustee church with a small congregation. After discussions with Rev. Elliott and Archbishop Plunkett, the trustees agreed to close the chapel and transfer the resources to the Representative Church Body for the use of St Catherine’s Parish.

Rev. Elliott transferred to St Mathias’, Ballybrack in 1894 (where he died in 1910), and was succeeded by Fergus Greer, Curate in Zion, who continued the work. A site in Donore Avenue, formerly Love Lane, was given by a Mr Huband, who was later to leave £200 to the church when he died in 1939.

The foundation stone was laid on 11th April 1896, and the church opened for worship on 8th August 1897. It was greatly extended and finally consecrated on 16th October 1914. It was dedicated to St Victor the Archangel, as the medieval abbey of St Thomas had been occupied by Augustinian Canons of St Victor. A bell, originally made in 1613, but recast in the nineteenth century, was surplus in Thomas St., and was hung in the new church. A new rectory and school were also planned and built. The school was operational in 1902 and provided space for parochial organisations, including the 11th Company Boys’ Brigade, founded in 1895.

The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow in 1883 and the first company in Dublin was formed at St Mathias’ in Hatch St. in 1890. Meanwhile, Miss Margaret Little trained a girls’ choir in Sandymount Presbyterian Church and in 1893 began to include PE. In October of that year the group decided to call themselves “The Girls’ Brigade”. In 1896, the Sandymount girls visited Findlater’s Church in Rutland (now Parnell) Square, and another section was formed there. A number of other congregations on the northside followed suit. Physical Education had become popular in Dublin at this time for both males and females, and the Dublin Working Girls’ Drilling Association had been established and was running popular competitions. As more companies were formed, it was felt that a formal

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organisation was needed. Prominent in this regard was the rector of Drumcondra and North Strand, Rev E.H.C. Lewis-­‐Crosby. He brought many of the companies together, and on 3rd November 1908, the organisation adopted the name, “The Girls’ Brigade” officially. Numbers were given to the affiliated companies, Rutland Square being given the number one and Sandymount was designated the 8th Company. It dropped out after 1910 and, on being readmitted in 1932, was given the number eleven, that number having become vacant.

Rev Lewis-­‐Crosby was born with the surname Cornwall, but changed his name as a condition of receiving an inheritance. This had originally been left to an older brother who died in an early motor accident. With his wife Hilda, he was a great supporter of the GB, and chaired the Executive Committee (later known as the National Board) for many years. At a meeting held on 10th October 1910, it was decided to hold annual scripture examinations as a competition between the companies, and Rev Lewis–Crosby presented a fine shield to be awarded to the successful company.

St. Victor’s Church

St. Catherine’s School

The Girls’ Gymnastics Club

On Friday 24th October 1908, a meeting was held in the schools in Donore Avenue to inaugurate the St Catherine’s Girls’ Gymnastics Club under the chairmanship of Rev Fergus Greer. Officers and a committee were elected; the President was Sister Kathleen of the Pembroke Park convent. She and another Anglican nun, Sister Florence, were involved in the early days of the club. The Secretary was Miss McDowell, the Treasurer Miss A. Carroll, and Miss Constance Mary Hall was on the committee. From the start, Miss Hall favoured a link-­‐up with the Girls’ Brigade. It was decided that the annual subscription would be two shillings, with a reduction when two or more from the same family joined. The meeting then adjourned until the following Wednesday. The first practice took

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place in the schools on Wednesday 4th November, from 8.30 to 9.30pm, with 24 members enrolled. A Mr Lennon was engaged as instructor. The last practice for 1908 was held on 16th December when the number enrolled had risen to 48.

Practices resumed in the New Year, and on 11th January a committee meeting was held. Controversy existed even in these early stages. One of the girls, a Miss Muriel Brumner was asked to apologise to Mr Lennon or leave the club. She left but was back two years later, by which stage Mr Lennon had been replaced. The Brumner family lived in Upper Clanbrassil St. Their father was German and three girls were eventually members. Later in 1909, Mr Lennon was replaced by Mr William Parker, who was involved with the Girls’ Brigade.

Mr William Parker with a class.

When the Rev Percy Phair became Rector of St Catherine’s, he agreed to become president of the gymnastics club and his wife, Alice, joined the committee. Later in his career, Rev Phair became Bishop of Ossory from 1940 to 1962. Early in 1910, when the Secretary and Treasurer of the club both resigned, it was decided to combine the two positions. An election took place with two candidates, Miss Brownrigg and Miss Hall. Miss Brownrigg was elected. A general meeting of the club was held on 13th April 1910. The curate, Rev Samuel Mullen, became chairman. He was to leave St Catherine’s in 1912, when he became rector of Lissadell in Sligo. He remained in that position until 1943, and he died in 1951.

At this time, a men’s gymnastics club was operating in the parish, and it was decided to hold a joint display with them on Friday 13th May 1910. The admission price was six pence. Medals for the girls were to be presented at the last practice before the display. However, due to the death of King Edward VII, the display was postponed for six days to Thursday 19th May. The girls also took part in competitions held in the Metropolitan Hall in Abbey St. and in Rathmines Town Hall.

The next session began with a general meeting on 13th October 1910, chaired by Rev Phair. Miss Brownrigg resigned as Secretary and Treasurer, and an election was held, by secret ballot, between Miss Rosie Drayton and Miss Hall. The Hall

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family had lived in Washington St. and were now in Merton Avenue. Miss Hall later lived in Dufferin Avenue before moving late in life to Annaville Park in Dundrum. The Drayton family lived in Wolseley St. on the corner of Dufferin Avenue. Miss Hall won the election, however a motion was passed that no girl under 14 years should be allowed join, which was not part of Miss Hall’s vision for the club. Rosie Drayton continued in active membership and was a pianist for the company for many years.

Affiliation A committee meeting was held on 27th October 1910 and, on the proposal of Miss Hall, it was decided to buy blinds for the windows of the rooms used by the club to stop unwelcome eyes watching the girls in action. The next committee meeting took place on 11th January 1911, and Miss Hall brought forward a number of proposals. It was agreed to standardise the uniform to be a navy blue costume, a white collar and a Cambridge blue tie. Extra practices were agreed, and many competitions around Dublin were entered by the girls with success.

Miss Hall encouraged the presentation of medals and trophies. Once again a joint display was held with the Men’s gymnastics club.

When the next session opened, a Miss Gibson, who operated a gymnastics club in George’s St. Hall, replaced Mr Parker as instructor. A general meeting of the club took place on 12th October, a set of rules drawn up by Miss Hall was adopted, and a copy was to be hung in a prominent place during all practices. All new members were to be approved by the committee. The next committee meeting took place on 19th October, when Muriel Brumner was welcomed back into membership. Meetings took place each month, usually chaired by Miss Sambrook or the rector if available. A number of girls joined who were to be long serving members but others left. At the close of the session the membership was 24, with an average attendance of 21 each Wednesday. Sister Florence was still coming each Wednesday, while Rosie Drayton played the piano. The 1912 display took place on 26th April. Dr McCullagh, associated with the Dublin Working Girls’ Drilling Association, was present as a judge of awards. Also present at the display was the outgoing rector, Rev Phair, and his successor, Rev Hugh Thompson who was instituted on 4th September 1912. Mrs Phair presented the awards. Rev Thompson was the son of a clergyman and was already a strong supporter of the Girls’ Brigade. He published a brief history of St Catherine’s Parish in 1914, and became editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette, then based in Dublin.

For the 1912/13 session there were 20 paid-­‐up members, with an average attendance of 18. Miss Gibson of Georges St. Hall was again instructor. The club took part in a parish bazaar in 1912, and somehow managed to make a loss on their bring and buy stall, which had to be made up by the club. The Annual Display took place on the 11th April 1913, and the judge was Sergeant Green of the R.I.C. More girls joined in September and an extra display was held on 11th December. Miss A. Bishop was the pianist. The closing display was held jointly with the 6th Co Rathmines Girls’ Brigade, and the judges for the awards were Lieutenants Jewell and Young of the 21st Co Boys’ Brigade.

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For the start of the 1914/15 session, the committee agreed that Miss Hall could sign up girls of 12 and over, and this increased the membership. Miss Hall had become friendly with Miss Kathleen Pemberton, who had become Captain of Grangegorman Girls’ Brigade in 1913. The Pemberton family lived in Connaught St. in Phibsboro and were enthusiastic supporters of the Girls’ Brigade. On 11th October 1915, Miss Hall recorded the names and addresses of 20 Juniors and 20 Seniors, and there were a couple whose addresses she did not have. The annual general meeting was held on 4th October and it was decided to separate the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. Miss Kathleen Thornton became Treasurer.

It was felt that the club could not afford to continue to pay Miss Gibson, so Miss Hall was to instruct the Junior girls and Miss Constance Bryan the Seniors. The night of meeting was changed from Wednesday to Thursday, and after Christmas Miss Kathleen Pemberton attended each Thursday and gave of her experience.

Due to the Easter Rising, the Annual Display had to be postponed until 2nd June, but local competitions were held and judged by Kathleen Pemberton and Miss Gibson. The committee decided to donate £2 to the school fund and a half-­‐crown {2/6} to the parish magazine.

Rev Thompson encouraged Miss Hall to press on to bring the club into GB and wanted her to be Captain. A general meeting was held on Friday 22nd September 1916, and it was decided unanimously to affiliate to Girls’ Brigade. Kathleen Pemberton was named as acting captain and the night of meeting was changed to Friday as she could not come on Thursday. The Bible classes were put on a regular footing and Miss Pearl Kerr became Scripture Teacher. The Company was given the number 12. Also in 1916, the Grangegorman Cup was presented by Miss Pemberton’s company for the company who attained the highest total marks for Juniors and Seniors in the Battalion PE competitions.

Advent Sunday, the start of the Church’s year, had become the occasion of a church parade for the Dublin Battalion of GB. That year it was held in St Anne’s, Dawson St, and it opened with one of Miss Hall’s favourite hymns, “Oft in danger, oft in woe”. After 1922 that service was held in Christchurch Cathedral, and for many years after 1931, the collection went to support a Girls’ Brigade Bed – marked with a brass tablet – in the Adelaide Hospital in Peter St.

Later in 1916, the company took part in the battalion demonstration, organised its own display – the first as the 12th Company – and staged a concert just before Christmas. Some speakers were invited to address the company in this session.

They were Miss Shannon of Leeson Park Girls’ Friendly Society, Miss Darby who had been a missionary in China, Miss Stokes who had been a missionary in Zululand and Rev Wilson, Curate, who had been appointed chaplain to the Company. However in 1917 he departed as a chaplain to the forces. After a number of clerical appointments he became headmaster of the Disraeli school in Rathvilly, Co Carlow, in 1934, dying there in 1939.

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Through Troubled Times The Scripture exams were taken for 1917 and an average mark of 75% was achieved, which was considered very creditable. The number of girls on the roll at the end of the session was 71, with an average weekly attendance of 61.

Towards the end of the session, the company held a musical evening entitled “Christy’s Old Organ”, which raised £2 for the parish interest fund. Instead of the usual display, the company put on a “fairy play” on the 16th and 17th May, which was enjoyed by all and raised £5-­‐10-­‐0 for the interest fund. Rev Vernon Kyrker succeeded Rev Wilson as curate and chaplain to the company. However the next year he also went to the Western Front, and later served for many years as a chaplain to the Royal Navy and died in England in 1970.

Miss Hall finally became Captain during the 1917/18 session. A fund had been set up to help the young family of a Mr Hunt, a parishioner who was seriously ill.

He had been involved in gymnastics and had given advice to Miss Hall. The company contributed one guinea. The company participated in the GB Demo (a display involving all the Dublin Battalion companies), held in the Mansion house, and 26 girls sat the Battalion Scripture exam. To their great joy they won the Lewis-­‐Crosby Shield for the first time, a tribute to the girls and their teacher Pearl Kerr. In conjunction with the Bible class, a missionary box, then for the Zenon missionary society, was accepted, a feature which was to long continue.

On 18th March 1918, a social was held. From about 5 to 7pm, there were games and tea for the Juniors, and then supper, games and a display for the Seniors. It all had to end at 9pm due to wartime electricity restrictions. A fairy costume competition was also held. The Annual Display was held on 19th April. Miss Hall invited members of the Leeson Park Girls’ Friendly Society to take part, as it had been a company of GB earlier. Miss Hall was now a member of the executive committee, which eventually became the National Board in 1946. Due to ill-­‐ health, Kathleen Thornton had to retire as Treasurer. She was replaced by Connie Bryan. The Company committee was then Muriel Hall, Queenie Callaghan, Maud Wilmot, Florence Joyce, Ethel Moore and Lottie Tomlinson.

The session of 1918/19 saw a fall in membership to 35, but a joint display was held with Grangegorman GB in December in the Mansion House. The company also took part in the GB Demo and of course the scripture exam, but Rathmines took the Lewis-­‐Crosby that year. In January the company organised a social for servicemen returning from the War, and all the girls helped in the preparations.

Only the officers and senior girls were allowed attend on the night, which went off very well, however this caused problems with the younger girls. A summer outing was promised and on Saturday 21st June, the Dublin and South Eastern Railway reserved two coaches for a return journey from Westland Row to Killiney. 26 girls and 4 adults attended and a good day was had in glorious sunshine. Sadly Kathleen Thornton, a member since 1908, died at the age of 26.

The session 1919/20 was affected by the disturbed state of the country, but the company coped well. In January 1920, a combined display was held with Grangegorman in the Fowler Hall in Cavendish Row, shortly to be destroyed in the civil war. During the third week in March, the company staged an operetta with proceeds to the parish interest fund. On St Patrick’s Day, the company

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visited Grangegorman, and played basketball at the Charleville Tennis Club on Whitworth Road. The Annual Display was held on 30th April.

On 6th October 1922, the Girls’ Brigade appointed Miss Hall as Honorary Secretary on the Executive Committee, a position she filled with gusto. The church parade had been postponed in 1921 due to the political situation, but it now went ahead on Advent Sunday in Christchurch Cathedral. The departure of people associated with the UK government and a fall in the Protestant population generally caused a fall in numbers, but Miss Hall responded with a drive to set up new companies and recruit new members, particularly noted in the 12th.

In 1923 Canon Thompson, then chaplain to the 12th, composed the Girls’ Brigade Prayer, which is still in use. He also drew up a service for the enrolment of companies. Moves were made to establish a choir in 1925, and it first performed at the Demo held in the Theatre Royal in 1926. Membership of the choir encouraged the girls to attend events it was involved in, and also encouraged their parents to attend. Exercises with music were part of the Demo from 1923, and in 1927 the first Battalion summer camp was held in Killiney. In 1925, Millie Pemberton, Kathleen’s younger sister, established GB swimming classes in Tara St Baths. This was very popular and many members of the 12th took part. The classes later moved to Rathmines. Girls were entered for the competitions of the Royal Lifesaving Society, and in 1940 this body awarded Millie their medal for saving the life of a man while on holiday in Achill.

This programme shows Kathleen Pemberton as instructor for the 12th Company and Miss Hall as the instructor to the Girls’ Friendly Society.

This was their Leeson Park unit, formerly a Girls’ Brigade company.

Miss Hall hoped to bring Girls’ Friendly Society into Girls’ Brigade.

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List of Members in 1923 Name Officers and Sub Officers Ivy Hall Maud Wilmot Connie Joyce Hilda Stringer Flo Stringer Flo Joyce Hilda Grey Adela Wells Mona Johnson Georgina Towson Seniors Ena Adrien Emily Burchill Ethel Carter Mabel Carter Connie Campbell Susie Eager Marie Eager Marjory Heaslip Libbie Hubbard Rosie Johnstone Martha Magahey Wilma McIlwaine Millie Moore Reba Moore Florrie Saunders Cissie Saunders Susie Smart Violet Walker Doris Reddy Ethel Towson May Tomlinson Juniors Ethel Ball Annie Ball Eileen Ball Muriel Bannon Eileen Brunker Iris Bennett Florrie Bennett Nora Beltay

Address

62 Dufferin Ave 34 Haroldville Ave Millmount House, Cork St. 18 Sandford Ave., SCR 18 Sandford Ave., SCR Millmount House 19 Lullymore Trce 57 Cork St 3 Lorne Tce, Kilmainham Greenville Place

Donnybrook

19 Parkview Tce 19 Parkview Tce 29 Hamilton St 1 Lullymore Tce Wellington Place Kilmainham 4 Almedia Ave 4 Donore Rd Hamilton St 4 Elmwood Ave 29 Lr Mt Pleasant Ave 21 Hamilton St Donore Dairy Donore Dairy 20 Lullymore Trce 9 Rehoboth Ave 7 Madison Rd Greenville Pl 8 St James’ Tce

9 Spencer St 9 Spencer St 9 Spencer St 5 Carlisle St 11 Donore Rd 2 Cameron St 2 Cameron St 15b Patrick St

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Date of Birth

1893 1899 1901 1902 19/01/1905 17/11/1903 12/07/1905 18/05 1906 01/07/1905 10/10/1904

04/05/1906 12/04/1908 13/06/1906 01/06/1908 19/01/1909 02/09/1904 18/09/1905 24/06/1904 30/04/1908 11/04/1909 01/01/1904 18/01/1906 07/03/1904 12/11/1908 10/06/1906 18/03/1905 16/07/1909 03/04/1909 28/06/1909 18/07/1908 19/02/1905

23/07/1911 31/03/1913 09/01/1915 19/08/1909 12/07/1912 29/10/1912 27/10/1915 29/08/1913

Sadie Bouchier Gwen Bagnall Flora Cochrane Maud Cochrane May Coe Marjory Day Rita Evans E. Evans Nora Green Lillie Green Nellie Green Phyllis Johnson Maria Leonard Lily McKneight Eileen Mayberry Madge Mayberry Mary Plant Nellie Plant Jessie Phillips Blanche Perry Doris Seddon Phyllis Seddon Betty Rogers Ethel Saunders Kathleen Singleton Edith Smyth Elsie Thomas Gladys Weatherhead Evelyn Wells Muriel Wallace Violet Wilkinson Charlotte Wilkinson Effie Williamson Ena Manly Ida Brewster Charlotte Hubbard Agnes Ludlow Kathleen Harris M. Heaney Hetty Tinkler

37 Thomas Court 18 Sth Brown St 27 Dufferin Ave 27 Dufferin Ave 5 Adelaide Tce 91 Donore Tce 9 Susan Tce 9 Susan Tce 22 Harmon St 22 Harmon St 22 Harmon St 3 Lorne Tce 88 Elford Tce Dolphin House 67 Reuben Ave 67 Reuben Ave 93 Donore Tce 93 Donore Tce 124 St Catherine’s Tce 7 Ebenezer Tce 13 Sth Brown St 13 Sth Brown St Harmon St Donore Dairy 49 Up. Clanbrassil St 33 Chamber St 9 Vincent St 19 Ebenezer Tce 57 Cork St 7 Almedia Ave 21 Harmon St 21 Harmon St 1 St Anthony’s Rd 88 Eelford Tce 28 Martin St 4 Almedia Ave 6 St Anne’s Rd 7b Iveagh Bldgs 1 Clarke Buildings 2 Clarkes Footwear Factory

23/01/1917 29/06/1915 21/12/1911 21/01/1913 23/11/1911 10/07/1913 18/06/1910 18/10/1914 09/10/1910 25/04/1912 03/10/1913 01/07/1911 07/10/1909 03/01/1911 23/11/1910 21/04/1913 13/09/1911 28/10/1913 24/10/1913 31/03/1912 01/06/1916 25/09/1919 29/12/1915 29/12/1911 11/03/1915 14/11/1915 02/02/1913 10/08/1912 26/08/1910 02/08/1910 12/03/1910 18/05/1912 08/10/1910 23/01/1909 13/04/1915 29/12/1910 03/03/1914 03/05/1915 28/02/1912 06/03/1918

Growth Through the 1920s, Miss Hall worked on rules and a constitution for the Girls’ Brigade. The Rule Book was published eventually in 1936, following approval of a new constitution in September, 1932. Companies then consisted of Officers,

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Sub-­‐Officers, Seniors, Juniors and Candidates – now Explorers. Miss Hall was inclined to refer to the rank and file of the company as “her Privates”, as members of the Boys’ Brigade were described – this caused some merriment.

The rules for the Lewis-­‐Crosby Shield were set as the highest average for the first sixteen scores from a company, unless there were fewer than sixteen competitors, where a simple average was applied. The home of Rev Lewis-­‐ Crosby in Mountjoy Square often served as GB headquarters.

Canon Thompson, Chaplain to the 12th, died on 27th April 1930. He was succeeded by Rev. Adrian Orr, who in 1935 moved to be Rector of Taney. His wife Grace, a daughter of a Rector of Glenageary, presented awards at a number of displays. The next Rector was Canon Thomas Johnston, who served in St Catherine’s until 1949. He and his wife Violet were very supportive of the Company, and their daughter Barbara became an active member. She was later to marry Rev G.T. Baynham, curate in the parish and chaplain to the company, 1945 to 1952. Canon Baynham, as he was then, retired in 1989 and died in 2002.

Canon Johnston moved to Raheny in 1949, taking charge of Coolock also in 1960, until he retired in 1969. The Johnston Hall in Raheny is named in his honour. He died on 17th December 1971, and was buried in Castlemacadam, Co. Wicklow, where his son-­‐in-­‐law was Rector. In the 1990s, his great-­‐granddaughter, Victoria Johnston, was a member of the 12th Company.

In the 1930s, growth potential in the Republic was limited. The Roman Catholic Church forbade its members to be involved in scripture classes or attend services, and this led to the Grangegorman company turning into the Grange Gymnastics club around 1930. Miss Kathleen Pemberton became captain of the 5th Co. Clontarf in 1932, and thoughts of the Executive turned to Northern Ireland. Eventually a company was formed in Enniskillen by Miss Irene Burns in 1939, affiliated to Dublin. She was to marry Canon Hobson, executive member and later chairman of the National Board in 1950. They worked for GB north and south for many years. Canon Hobson was rector of St Mark’s, Pearse St., 1941 to 1957, and then in St Michan’s and St Paul’s, North King St until 1976. Lil Farquhar had been captain of the 1st Dublin Co. from 1934, and when she married and moved to Lisburn, she started a company there in 1942. With other girls she travelled to many churches in Northern Ireland and many companies were formed with the support of Miss Hall and the Executive in Dublin. By 1947 there were more members north of the border than in the south. This expansion, and the inauguration of GB week as a fundraiser, emboldened the Executive to lease premises at 20 Lincoln Place from the Leprosy Mission. They appointed Miss Hall as Brigade Secretary at a salary of £240 per year. This was not a generous salary, but was welcome. Miss Hall had worked as a book-­‐keeper but had been nearly full time with GB since 1922. The year 1947 also saw the publishing of a GB Hymn and Prayer Book compiled by Canon Hobson.

The ban on women being vestry members in the Church of Ireland was lifted in 1921 and this strengthened the influence that women like Miss Hall could wield in parish affairs. The company competed in the battalion and Dublin Working Girls PE competitions in the 1920s and 30s with considerable success. The Lewis-­‐Crosby was also won on a number of occasions but a gap came after 1931.

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Miss Hall decided to hold displays for the Senior and Junior girls on separate evenings in the school, and a Christmas party just after Christmas. In the 1936/7 season the company failed to capture Lewis-­‐Crosby by half a percent. Two girls, Betty Gray and Margot Grant, got 100%. A Christmas party was held in the New Year and a play, staged in the school, raised £11 for “our own missionary”. The Senior Display was on the 9th April, and the company had a stall at the parish sale on 29th May, which raised £6-­‐4-­‐4. The next session, 1937/8, saw Santa arriving at the school on 8th January 1938 and telling the younger girls he had recovered from his Christmas Eve exertions. A play, “The Magic Key” was presented in the school on 4th and 5th of February. The Junior Display was on 9th April and the Senior on 2nd May. The 1938/9 session saw two plays “The Doll’s House” and “Cinderella” presented on 24th and 25th March 1939 and the Senior team won the Battalion PE competitions. The Junior Display was on 29th April, the Senior a little later. The company purchased some new curtains for the school and marked the retirement of the school principal that year.

Events proceeded as normal during the 1939/40 session despite the outbreak of the Second World War. Miss Hall had done some work for the “Guild of Youth” and organised some classes aimed at the wider community in the South Circular Road area during this period. On 10th March Rev George Otto Simms, then lecturer and Dean of Residence in Trinity College, preached at an organisations service in St Victor’s. A united Display was held on 29th April and prizes were presented by Miss Alice Reeves, the Matron of Dr Steevens’ Hospital. Later in 1940, the play “Slumberland” was produced on 25th and 26th October for the missionary fund. Bombs fell on the South Circular Road in 1941, but the session went ahead. Miss Hall noted the death of Mrs Susan Mowles on 26th April 1941.

She had been a supporter since the beginning and was grandmother of current officer, Rhona Jackson. The Junior and Senior Displays took place on 5th and 9th May respectively and considerable success in PE was recorded. Muriel Wilson and Muriel Wallace shared the Officers’ Cup, while Beulah Bunton, Jessie Phillips and K. Stewart had success in the Dublin Working Girls’ competitions. A play was presented at the end of October for the missionary fund and the company took part in the Harvest service. The enrolment service was held on 16th November at 7pm. During the winter of 1941/2 shortages and hardship were worsened by the War, and Miss Hall and the officers were involved in the distribution of food parcels to the many needy in the area. The display took place on 15th May 1942 and the company was joined by girls from the 2nd Company, St Barnabas, from Dublin Port, a company which was struggling.

Iris Bibby and Iris Talbot

The McDonald Twins & Rhona Jackson 11

The Silver Jubilee The Silver Jubilee should have been marked in 1941, but wartime problems led to celebrations being postponed. The situation had not improved by 1943 but Miss Hall decided to go ahead. By then the Past Members’ Association had been formed and they came on board. A new company flag of poplin was acquired from Messrs Elliott. It was embroidered in St John’s School of Embroidery in Sandymount. This was dedicated by Archbishop Barton at a service on Saturday 22nd May, and Mr Weldon Brown gave a wooden case for the Flag. On 3rd May 1943, officer Beulah Bunton married James Landy in St Victor’s, but she still took an active part in the Silver Jubilee Display, held at 3pm on Saturday 29th May. The battalion choir, who had won the ladies section of the Feis Ceoil that year, sang, and the past members performed a drill-­‐down under the direction of Florence Joyce. Mrs Campbell was the pianist. Eileen Stuart was another winner in the Feis Ceoil that year, and she also married in 1943. To further mark the Jubilee, a musical play, “Aladdin”, was presented by the company on 5th and 6th August.

The year 1944 dawned with the winning of the Lewis-­‐Crosby Shield for the first time since 1931. Gladys McDonnell scored 100%, while Barbara Johnston and Eva Ward came just behind. There was also success in verse speaking. The display was held in the Abbey Lecture Hall at 3pm on 6th May. The Past Members repeated their drill-­‐down and Mrs Barton, wife of the Archbishop, presented the awards. The War had greatly disrupted Missionary work, but a weekly collection continued for “Our Own Missionary”. For many years the company supported the Rev Arthur Norton of the TCD Fukien Mission, who had been curate in the parish from 1909 to 1912. He went to China in 1913, and became headmaster of a school for blind boys in 1930 at Foochow. He was out of contact for much of the war years but survived. With his wife he visited the company on the evening of the 14th May 1946, in the school, and told of his adventures. The following year he became a curate in Oxted in England. In 1945, £16 was collected for “Our Own Missionary” and £30 for GB holidays. The 1945 display was on 3rd May, in the Abbey Lecture Hall. Doris Ward was awarded the best Senior and Iris Talbot the best Junior. For the 1947 display it was decided to award a Gold Medal as the top award in the company, to be won once only. It was decided to call it the Wallace Medal, and the first recipient was Marjorie Gunn. The Display was on the 30th April in the Metropolitan Hall. Officer Muriel Wallace and her mother moved to London in 1947, but both continued as supporters of the company and the GB, and assisted with the setting and correction of Scripture exams for many years to come.

Into the Fifties

The 1947/8 session saw the winning of the Grangegorman Cup for PE and the Lewis-­‐Crosby Shield for Scripture (Joyce Eager and Frieda Stumpf both got 99%).

The display was held on 6th May 1948, and food was collected for the Meath St. dining room. January 1949 saw a Christmas party and later that month the company had great success in the All-­‐Ireland PE competitions in Belfast. The Lewis-­‐Crosby was won again, with Gladys McDonnell and Iris Talbot getting

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100%. It was decided to put on the musical “The Pirates of Penzance” in early May in the school. Ms Millie Pemberton came to produce the show, and Agnes Paul was the pianist. The show was a great success. Ivy Hall played the General, Gladys McDonnell was Mabel, Sylvia Ware was Edith, Rhona Jackson was Ruth, and others starred including Olive Dyas, Joyce Cooper and Sylvia Oak. The display was held in the Metropolitan Hall on 18th May, and a collection for “Our own Missionary” raised £5. The next session saw more success. On the 17th September 1950, the girls attended a Sunday School service and on the 10th December the Rev R. Wyse-­‐Jackson, Dean of Cashel, preached at the enrolment service. Mr H. F. Knight, now “Our own Missionary”, had been able to return to Fukien in China, but had to withdraw to Hong Kong in 1951. That year saw success in verse speaking and the “Pirates of Penzance” was again staged on 9th and 10th February. After the display on 2nd May, 18 girls went to a GB summer camp at Shimna House, Newcastle, Co Down for the last week in July and the first week of August. Miss Hall set up a penfriend scheme between the girls and members of the recently formed 1st Hartlepoole company in Britain. On 10th October, Rev T.R. Wilkinson spoke to the company on the missionary situation in the school. The 12th took a leading part in the battalion demo that year, held on 13th and 14th December in the Metropolitan Hall.

1952 saw great success in the individual PE competitions for Barbara Stephens.

Collections continued for “Our Own Missionary”, and a stall at the parish fair on 29th November raised £6-­‐18-­‐3 for the cause. The company scripture exam was still being set by Muriel Wallace from London. Iris Talbot was now Scripture teacher and was enjoying great success in the Lewis-­‐Crosby. Displays continued in the Metropolitan Hall, and on 15th October 1953, the company attended a service at which Archbishop Barton dedicated a new colour for the battalion.

1954 saw the prestigious Grangegorman Cup achieved in PE, and that year ended with a social for the senior girls in the school on New Year’s Eve. “Our own missionary” was now another Mr Norton, son of the previous curate and missionary, who was based in Kuala Lumper in Malaya. In 1955, 30 girls travelled to a GB summer camp in Groomsport, and Iris Talbot married Mr D.C. Maguire on 3rd September. Iris continued to teach Scripture and became organist in St Catherine’s, Thomas St. The company stall at a sale of work on 24th September raised £6-­‐15-­‐0.

The following year saw success in PE and Scripture for Barbara Stephens (later Barbara Carson) and also for Louie Meates. The Meates family of Emorville Avenue were successors to the old Dublin firm of organ builders, Telfords.

Barbara Stephens had joined the 13th company in Crumlin aged two in 1939, and transferred to the 12th in 1943. Miss Hall seconded Barbara back to the 13th around this time to give it a boost. Marjorie Coleman, later Mrs Gibson, took over the Anchor Boys Section of the 11th Company Boys’ Brigade in 1954, and ran it successfully for 25 years. Rev Norman Comiskey had taken over from Canon Johnston as chaplain in 1950, and was Rector till 1961, when he moved to Holmepatrick in North County Dublin. Summer camp for the girls was in Newcastle, Co Down in 1956, and it was at Y.M.C.A. Greystones in 1957. Barbara Stephens won the All-­‐Ireland skipping competition in Belfast in 1957. Ivy Hall, Miss Hall’s niece, and Lydia Bromwell went to work in England, while earlier

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Doreen Walsh had left for Canada. Sisters Ivy and Jean Hall were nieces of Miss Hall. Miss Hall’s sister was also named Ivy. Kirwan House, the girls’ orphanage on the North Circular Road, had received support from the company but it closed on the 29th June 1958. The verse speaking teams were now being trained by Phyllis Flynn, who was also the company pianist, with great success. There was a visit in 1961 from the Bishop of Connor, Robert Elliott, son of the late rector, Antony Elliott. The company operated a stall at a sale of work on the 14th October. This took place in Molesworth Hall and was opened by Mrs Simms, wife of the Archbishop. In 1962 Mr Norton the missionary visited, and Canon Edgar Broadstock became Rector of St Catherine’s.

Marjorie Coleman and Irene Hayes

Mabel Croly

Amalgamation and Miss Hall

Pam Willows and Ada Croly

The Girls’ Life Brigade had been founded in England in 1902 and was a very similar organisation to Girls’ Brigade, with a close relationship to the Boys’ Brigade. The Girls’ Guildry had developed in Scotland. In the twenties some had raised the possibility of an amalgamation but nothing really happened. In due course both the Girls’ Life Brigade and the Girls’ Guildry established companies in Northern Ireland. Then some companies of the Girls’ Brigade attached to Dublin were established in England, in Hartlepool and around Liverpool. In April 1955 Miss Hall and some members of the National Board met members of the Girls’ Life Brigade in Dublin and the questions were discussed. A conference was eventually called for 29th April 1961, in Dublin. Beforehand however the National Board decided that in the event of a merger, the individual countries should remain self-­‐governing and that the name The Girls’ Brigade should be applied to the united organisation. The second condition led to much negotiation. The Girls’ Life Brigade held a Jubilee display in the Albert Hall in 1962, while Miss Hall and others worked hard, with success, to get agreement. A conference was held in Belfast on 1st September and the Girls’ Guildry came on board. Miss Hall had long cultivated contacts with the Girls’ Friendly Society, which confined its membership to Anglicans, but they did not come on board. At a rally in the Albert Hall in May 1965, the new Girls’ Brigade came into existence and a new badge, incorporating some aspects of the badges of the three organisations was launched.

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This picture appeared in the Evening Mail paper following the 1949 display.

Hilary Jones and Beryl Richardson in a re-­‐enactment of Copelia.

Explorers at the 1952 Display

Golden Jubilee

1963 opened with Lydia Bromwell’s wedding to W.A. Biggert of Wisconsin, when the company provided a Guard of Honour at St Victor’s. A collection by Past Members raised £20 for church repairs. St Columba’s chapel in Ranelagh closed on 29th July. St James’ Church in James’ St. had closed after a service on Easter Day, 14th April, following the retirement of Rev Jim Alcock, the last Rector (who died in September 1965). The parish was then amalgamated with St Catherine’s.

The enrolment service on 3rd November also saw the installation of the St James’

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War Memorial in St Victor’s. The 1964 display was on 29th April, and the enrolment for the subsequent session was on 22nd November. The year 1965 saw the Associate team win the All-­‐Ireland in Belfast, and the Juniors also had national success. The 11th Company Boys’ Brigade, founded in 1895, sadly closed, but Marjorie Coleman, later Mrs Gibson, kept the Anchors going as a feeder to the 1st Company, BB. This company was originally in St Mathias’, Hatch St., then in Harold’s Cross, and is now in Rathmines. Preparations were now under way for the Golden Jubilee, but Canon Broadstock died on 29th August, aged only 49. The fine Broadstock Cup was presented in his memory for the highest score within the 12th Co. in the National Scripture examination. Mrs Ruby Broadstock, the Canon’s widow, has been a strong supporter of the company ever since. Their daughter June was an active member and a hard worker behind the scenes. Her daughters, Trudi and Kelda, have been active members and teachers, and husband David Wilkinson has been of great assistance in the musical area. St Catherine’s Church in Thomas St had been under scrutiny by the relevant committee, and it did not long survive the death of Canon Broadstock.

Officers in the late 1960s

Rev Dick Bertram became Rector of St. Catherine’s in succession to Canon Broadstock in 1965. He took an active interest in the 12th Company. The Past Members were very involved in preparations to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the company in 1966. Bring-­‐and-­‐buy sales were held in October and November 1965, with afternoon and evening teas. January saw a jumble sale, and a social evening in March was attended by Miss Mary Kennedy of Lisburn, Northern Secretary. The Past Members committee consisted of Secretary Beulah Landy, Treasurer Vivienne Sainsbury (née Walsh), Marjorie Coleman, Beryl Gillis (née Richardson), and Pat Rudd. The Company celebrations began with a dinner in the Hibernian Hotel in Dawson St on 18th December 1965. The Display took place on 27th April at 7.30pm in the Metropolitan Hall. It included a Parade of Past members, led by Muriel Wallace, who had returned from London for the occasion, and Elsie Semple. Many members from the early days were present,

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including Maud Gasteen (née Wilmot), Lily Lew (née McKnight), Iris Maguire (née Talbot), Iris Mayes (née Bibby), Iris Gully (née Flood), Millie Maybury (née Blay), Mildred Sargent (née Flower), Florence Joyce, Mildred Weekes (née Kerrison), and many others. The Seniors and Associates presented “Spring”, the story in dance of Queen Proserpina of Greek legend. The Pianist for the display was Mrs Stewart, while Mrs Maimie Campbell played for the Past Members. The Officers for the Jubilee session were Barbara Carson (née Stephens), Carole Curtis, Barbara Carter, Hilda Dixon (who also acted as secretary), Janet Dowson, Hazel Higgins, Jessie Miller, Elaine Reed, Aline Willows, Pamela Willows and Joan Wilmot. The Sub-­‐Officers were June Broadstock, Barbara Flower, Janet Foster, Ruth Hennessy, Pamela Neill and Olwyn Sutton. Archbishop Simms attended the Display. A service took place on 25th September, with enrolment on 4th December.

There were many changes of surname due to marriage. Barbara Stephens became Carson, Louie Meates became Sunderland, the Croly sisters became Mabel Moody and Ada Richardson, among many others. Barbara Flower married Mervyn Plant (who ironically became a very helpful and enthusiastic assistant in Roches stores garden centre in Blackrock after he retired from the bank). Elsie Darlington had married Bill Semple. Miss Hall asked him to look after the door at the annual display, and he has given exceptional service ever since. His daughter Ann has long been an officer and teacher, his granddaughter Jennifer Rath has served and now he has two great granddaughters in the company. Ann presented the Semple Cup for Explorers in 1974.

Miss Hall Retires

A wave of Church closures began in 1965, which would have an impact on the parish of St. Catherine’s. St Augustine’s on the North Circular Road closed in December 1965 and St Catherine’s in Thomas St. finally closed on 25th September 1966. The building was at that stage acquired by Dublin Corporation for community use. The Corporation decided to convert the churchyard at the rear into a public park, and the gravestones were uprooted to be rearranged around the walls. However most of them disappeared, allegedly into the hands of unscrupulous contractors. A monument commemorating the founding of the Protestant Orphan Society there in 1848 also disappeared at this time. St James’ District Church in Rialto, spiritual home to many of the girls, closed after a Harvest Festival service on 15th October 1967. It had opened on 17th January 1903. St Catherine’s was re-­‐opened as a trustee church under the banner of CORE – City Outreach through Renewal and Evangelism – in 1998. The St Patrick’s Cathedral Group of parishes was created in 1975, consisting of St Catherine’s, St James’, St Luke’s, and St Audeon’s. St Peter’s, which had closed on 28th September 1975, was added in 1981. St Kevin’s on the South Circular Road closed in January 1983, and that parish became part of the group.

Despite these parochial upheavals, the 12th Company soldiered on. 1968 saw the presentation of the Dudley Clarke Cup for the Divisional Solo Skipping competition, and it has since spent much of its existence in the hands of St

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Catherine’s. Dudley Clarke was Rector of Drumcondra and North Strand from 1954 until his death in 1967, and he was a good friend of Girls’ Brigade. His son John was Rector of Wicklow, and his second son Richard is Archbishop of Armagh. On 17th January 1969, St Victor’s was rededicated as the church of St Catherine and St James. Mrs Croly of Cameron Square, a strong supporter, died on 17th November 1970, and the Croly Shield for the highest scoring Senior in Scripture was presented in her memory. Later the Gibson Shield was presented

by Marjorie Gibson (née Coleman) for the highest scoring Junior. A fundraising sale was held in Beulah Landy’s home prior to the display in the Metropolitan Hall on 29th April 1971. Rev S.G. Poyntz, later Bishop of Cork, preached at the enrolment service later that year.

Metropolitan Hall, Abbey St.

Times were changing in the 1970s, and a feeling grew in the company that Miss Hall deserved a rest from her duties. The 1972 display took place on 3rd May, and a meeting of the company was called for 12th June. Canon Bertram was aware of these feelings, and he held talks with Miss Hall and with the person whom virtually everyone wanted to succeed her. Miss Hall agreed to step back and take the largely honorary position of President of the company. Miss Hall may have been having second thoughts on the matter, but when the meeting opened Canon Bertram announced that she was retiring, and she felt obliged to fall in line. Mrs Miller, who had been Treasurer for about forty years, also retired and was named company Vice-­‐President. Barbara Carson, née Stephens, was appointed captain, and Marjorie Gibson became Treasurer. Miss Hall then resigned as Secretary to the National Board, and became President of the Division. Barbara soon improved the atmosphere in the company, especially for the younger girls.

There was a lecture on the dangers of drugs for the older girls on 19th September 1972, and there was a fancy dress display for Explorers and Juniors later in the year. On 11th November, a new colour for the company, inscribed “St Catherine’s and St James” was dedicated by Rev Commiskey in the presence of Archbishop Buchanan.

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Diamond Jubilee 1975 saw the closure of St Luke’s church in The Coombe, home of the 16th Company GB. Officer Jill Cameron suffered a serious head injury that year and her life was in danger, but fervent prayers were answered and she recovered, and married Sam Nolan in 1979. The Diamond Jubilee was due in 1976, and once more the past members rallied round. A bring-­‐and-­‐buy sale was held on 3rd October 1975, and a fork supper and dance was held in the hall of Christchurch, Rathgar on 14th November. Other fund-­‐raisers followed, and the Display took place on 30th April. The past members paraded and performed an item of old time dancing. The following night a jubilee dinner was held in the Montrose Hotel in Stillorgan, attended by Archbishop Buchanan. A Thanksgiving Service took place on Sunday 2nd in Donore Avenue at 7pm, with Rev Noel Willoughby preaching. The Archbishop also came to the enrolment service on 7th November, and celebrations ended with another fork supper at Christchurch, Rathgar on 19th November. The Foster Trophy for Solo Skipping was presented in 1975 by Janet and Daphne Foster, daughters of Madge Oates, an active member in the 1920s. The Progress Cup was presented by Mrs Stewart in 1976. That year saw a visit to Ireland by Margaret O’Rourke, international president of Girls Brigade and president of GB in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. She presented a large silver cup for the winners of the All Ireland verse speaking competitions, to be held alternatively in either jurisdiction. It has been won frequently by the 12th, but has not been held in recent years. The Flower Trophy for the best all-­‐round Senior was also presented in 1976, commemorating another surname associated with the company. The Turner Shield, in Memory of Pamela Turner (née Ruffli), was presented in 1979. This was awarded for the highest solo mark/placing achieved in Brigaders and Associates at National PE Competitions. The officers in 1976 were Lieutenants Pamela Bryan, Iris Buchanan, Jill Cameron, Pamela Darling, Pamela Dowson, Yvonne Haskins, Barbara Plant, Hilda Privett, and Pauline Travers, with Sub-­‐Officers Heather Bates, Ruth Connolly, Ruth Whittaker and Margaret Williams. Rev Gordon Linney was Vicar of the St Patrick’s Cathedral Group of parishes from 1975.

Barbara Carson regularly visited and kept in touch with Miss Hall until she died on 11th August 1979. Her funeral was held in Donore Avenue on 14th, celebrated

by Rev Gordon Linney, assisted by Canon Hobson. A special Memorial service was held on Saturday 17th November in Christchurch Cathedral, and Archbishop Simms came from Armagh to preach at it. The company presented an oak hall stand to headquarters in memory of Miss Hall. It moved with HQ from Lincoln Place to Sherrard St, and is now in the present head office in Sandymount. On 17th October 1981 a service was held in St Edmund’s chapel in Christchurch Cathedral to dedicate some artefacts in memory of Miss Hall. 1979 also saw the demise of the Metropolitan Hall, which fell victim to developers. The offices of the national lottery are now on the site. For the next few years Barbara used the Archbishop Byrne Hall in Harrington St for the display, which was not an ideal venue. After a few years she was able to obtain the use of the gymnasium in Cheeverstown House in Templeogue, with the help of Mrs Cinnamond. That venue later became unavailable and from 1997, Perrystown Community Centre has been home to the display.

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Exodus St Kevin’s Church on the South Circular Road, once the home of a GB company, closed in June 1983. The attached house was used to accommodate the curate of the St Patrick’s Group of parishes. Rev Paul Willoughby, appointed in 1986, was the son of Noel Willoughby, then Bishop of Ossory and former curate in St Catherine’s 1953/5. He was aged 26 at his appointment, and is remembered for delivering a stirring sermon at the 1986 enrolment service, dressed in a GB uniform, including the skirt. He was succeeded by Rev James Carroll, who married the popular Valerie Quill, of 16th company St Luke’s. In 1992 David Pierpoint, now Archdeacon of Dublin, became curate. He became a good friend of the company, and two of his daughters became members. He has also been chairman of the National Board, succeeding Wilbert Gourley, the Rector of St George and St Thomas, then home of the 10th company in the inner city.

Miss Hall had moved to Dundrum in her later years, and the pattern of people moving to the suburbs accelerated as the years passed. Few now resided in the parochial area, and the existence of two companies based in the same area created some difficulties. Marjorie Gibson, the Gray and Moore families, and some others were involved in the parish, but difficulties arose with the use of the schools, insurance difficulties being claimed. With the help of Isobel Henderson of 6th Company Rathmines, Barbara was able to accommodate many activities in the Rathmines Parochial Hall in Belgrave Square. Later that hall was sold and the funds raised helped convert Holy Trinity Rathmines into a combined church and hall. Incidentally the 7th company, now Dundrum, was originally based in Charleston Road Methodist Church, Rathmines, where there are now offices. Its organ was sold to Corpus Christi RC church in Drumcondra, where it was modernised and is considered one of the best in Dublin.

Barbara eventually came to the conclusion that if the 12th company were to continue to prosper, it would have to move to the suburbs. Some use had already been made of the High School and the hall at Zion church and school. Zion Church was opened on 1st November 1861, having been financed with a legacy from a stockbroker, James Gold, of Cullenswood, who died in 1856. It was a trustee church but was allocated a parochial district, mainly from Rathfarnham, in 1885.

In 1921 the trustees vested the building in the RCB, and it became a normal parish. Archdeacon Roy Warke, then Rector, was friendly to the idea of the 12th moving there. When he became Bishop of Cork in 1988, he was succeeded by Wilbert Gourley, then chairman of the Divisional Board, which became the National Board for the Republic of Ireland. Wilbert Gourley helped smooth out some problems and in 1992 the National Board resolved that the title of the 12th company should be “St Catherine’s/Zion”.

75th Anniversary and GB Centenary To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the company in 1991, Barbara planned a series of events. It began with an “American Supper” on 2nd November 1990, and a bring-­‐and-­‐buy sale was held on 29th November in the home of Mrs Cashell. A

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table quiz with cheese and wine, a bingo night and a fashion show followed in March. The Display took place on Friday 3rd May in the Round Room of the Mansion House. A successful season of competitions had been enjoyed, including winning the Grangegorman Cup and the Lewis-­‐Crosby Shield. There was a re-­‐ enactment of the early days, and a parade of past members. They were led by Beulah Bunton, born in 1916, and the same age as the company. Among those who marched were Hilda Privett (née Dixon), Beryl Gillis (née Richardson), Rita Coleman, Irene Hayes, Mabel Moody (née Croly), Elsie Semple (née Darlington), Janet Foster, Vivienne Sainsbury (née Walsh), Louie Sunderland (née Meates), Pamela Rowan (née Willows), Barbara Plant, Mrs Sargent, E. McDonnell, Ms Rudd and many others. The officers of the company were the Lieutenants Ada Richardson (née Croly), Ruth Connolly (née Hennessy), Jill Nolan (née Cameron), Ann Rath (née Semple), Avril Watchorn (née Quill), Sandra Redmond, Gillian Lesware (née Carson), Gail McGrane (née Quill), Sandra McConnell, Susan Cashell, and Karen Jones. Sub-­‐Officers were Sally Moore, Karen Bond, Sharon Richardson, Trudi Wilkinson and Caroline Moore. Pianists were Yvonne Laycock and Pearl Hill. Mrs Hilda Madden, daughter of Dean Lewis-­‐Crosby, was then the President of GB Ireland, and presented the shield. The following night saw a dinner in Jury’s Hotel and Sunday saw a service in Donore Avenue at which the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Caird, preached. It could be said to have been the most hectic and successful weekend in the history of the company and a tribute to Barbara’s organising skills. She had many able helpers, particularly Marjorie Gibson. Marjorie was later President of the company and passed away on 15th January 2016.

The Centenary of the Girls’ Brigade took place in 1993 and the 12th took an active part in the programme of events. It began with a service on 3rd January in St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Louise Miller of the 12th opened with a solo rendition of “Once in Royal David’s City”. Louise has served the company well as a pianist up to date and had many successes in the GB Feis, as did her sister, Suzanne. A number of company members were part of a centenary choir trained by David Maxwell. Many practices were held in St Mary’s Donnybrook. They sang at a number of events, including an international conference in St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. The company display took place on the 30th April under the chairmanship of Canon Bertram, and Mrs Madden was once more on hand to present her father’s Shield. She said that there was a chance that a tiny tot in front of her might survive to see the bicentenary of GB. Barbara and other Irish representatives travelled to a Centenary Rally in the Albert Hall on 8th May. There was an afternoon and an evening performance, where Pam Rhodes of BBC’s Songs of Praise was Guest of Honour. On 28th May a party including many members of the 12th travelled overland to Edinburgh to join the Scottish Centenary Celebrations, attending a display and taking part in an ”It’s a Knockout” competition. At one of the services, Graham Kendrick, author of “Shine Jesus Shine”, played his guitar. The GB Ireland Display took place in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on 24th July. Members of the 12th took part and the centenary choir performed. Barbara was the organiser of a televised service from the RTE studios to mark the centenary, at which Canon Bertram preached. This was one of a number of services she organised for RTE mainly with Rev Gourley as celebrant. There was a Centenary Dinner for 800 past and

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present members on 30th October in the Burlington Hotel. The choir performed again at a Songs of Praise service held to mark the closing of the centenary year in Christchurch Cathedral on Sunday 5th December.

The 12th Company in 1995

The Third Captain

Millie Pemberton reached the age of one hundred in 1996 and the Girls’ Brigade celebrated with a special display on 14th December 1996 in Mount Temple School. Millie was sister of Kathleen Pemberton. Millie was founder of GB swimming, and long-­‐time captain of the 4th Company, St Jude’s Inchicore, and later at Clondalkin after St Jude’s closed. She had been a great supporter of all companies including the 12th, which provided one of the items, “A Cascade of Colour”. Miss Pemberton died just short of her 104th birthday in 2000. Under Barbara’s leadership the high standard of PE continued, new awards appeared at Divisional Level, such as the Norah Watters Cup for Explorers and Junior/Seniors, and the Millie Pemberton Plate for Junior/Seniors and Brigaders.

Other activities were not neglected so that there was something to appeal to all girls. Barbara decided to step down as captain after 25 years in 1997, but was still very much around to offer help and advice. Her organisational skills were recognised throughout GB and she was appointed National President of GB Ireland, being invested at a service in Christchurch Cathedral on 18th January 1998. She represented GB Ireland at many events national and international, including an important world conference in sweltering Bangkok in July 2002.

When her term of office ended Barbara became president of the past members association and was involved in keep-­‐fit and other activities. Barbara sadly died on 31st January 2011, universally mourned. Her daughter Gillian had been elected captain by acclamation on Barbara’s retirement in 1997, and is now chairman of the National Board. She has continued the tradition of service exemplified by her mother.

As Rector of Zion, Wilbert Gourley took a great interest in the company, setting and correcting the company scripture examination. He died on 19th May 2010, and was succeeded by Rev Stephen Farrell. The 12th first won the Lewis-­‐Crosby Shield in 1918. Success followed in 1922, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 44, 45 jointly with the 5th, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 91, 93, 2001 and finally 2013. In 1993 the contest was held in the form of a table quiz. For many years up to 1997

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the contest was decided by the score of the top 16 girls in a company, or less if the company was smaller. After that the contest was based on the score of all girls in a company sitting the exam. This worked against a large company where all eligible girls of different ability or interest were expected to sit the exam, but success was achieved in 2001 and 2013. In 2014 the spiritual committee of GB Ireland who set the annual course decided to suspend the examination, but the 12th company exam was made available to all companies in the Republic who wished to use it. In 1997, Pamela Rowan (née Willows) and Ruth Connolly (née Hennessy) retired as scripture teachers. They were succeeded by Thelma Scott, whose daughter Sarah had achieved 100% in the divisional examination for five years in succession. Thelma also trains the verse speaking teams.

The 12th celebrated 90 years as a GB company in 2006 with a dinner in the Stillorgan Park Hotel and the display went ahead on Friday 28th April in Perrystown. The Lieutenants then were Sandra Redmond, Avril Watchorn (née Quill), Gail McGrane (née Quill), Deirdre Curran, Sarah Scott-­‐Minto, Elaine Connolly, Emma Lesware, and Christina Ryan. The pianist was Tess Steedman, who has served the company well as pianist, and who celebrated her 90th birthday in the summer of 2015. A service of Thanksgiving was held in Zion Church on Sunday 30th April 2006 for 90 years of the company.

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the 12th Co. The Lieutenants enrolled at the annual enrolment service on 22nd November 2015 were Avril Watchorn (née Quill), Gail McGrane (née Quill), Heather Farrell (née Haskins), Sandra Redmond, Caroline Ryan, Ruth MacAuley and Nicola Durant. The Past Members Association continues to give support under the presidency of Beryl Gillis, née Richardson, who is also on the National Past Members’ Committee. At the time of writing the most senior past member is Doris Heggie (née Ward). The centenary display is to be held on 22nd April 2016 in Perrystown Community Centre, with a dinner in Rathfarnham Golf Club on 23rd, and the Closing Service on 24th in Zion. We look forward to another 100 years of service with the 12th Company St. Catherine’s/Zion.

Zion Church, Rathgar.

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12th Company Hymn Let us thank our God and Father, for the company we love This, the 12th St. Catherine’s/Zion, bless us Jesus from above As we celebrate together, our one hundredth year you see We have pride and joy in serving, God and this great company.

May we never hurt another, for we all belong to thee Make us caring, Christian members, of a caring company May the 12th go on forever, marching forward year by year Just like all those gone before us, how we wish you could be here.

We salute our brilliant teachers, past and present, future, all They continue to inspire us, so that we might stand up tall Let us sing our hymn together, giving praise to God on high We are fleeting gems of hist’ry, like those years that have flown by.

Sung to the tune of “What a friend we have in Jesus”.

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank: Gillian, particularly for making Miss Hall's papers available to me; Mrs Beryl Gillis; Staff at RCB Library and GB Ireland head office; Sarah and Niall Minto for all the production work involved.

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