43Rd Belfast Boys' Brigade

43rd Belfast Boys Brigade is a Boys Brigade Company in Dundonald, Northern Ireland linked to Dundonald Presbyterian Church.

The 43rd Belfast Boys Brigade was founded by Mr Symington under the name of the 1st Dundonald Co. Down Company in 1898. Mr Symington started a flute band in the company which was known as the Brigade Band. After the death the name changed to the Symington Memorial Flute band. The band is still in existence today and about 30 years ago changed to a Silver band. There isstill a get friendship between the Symington Memorial Band and the 43rd Boys Brigade Company. After a period of time the 1st Dundonald Co. Down Company lapsed, but was later started again under Mr Symington, this time as the 40th Belfast Boys Brigade Company.

The photo shows the 1st Dundonald Co. Down Company
When the Company was started it had no church halls and the school was not available, the only place to meet was in the Church stables (Now where the Dundonald Library is). The building was made suitable for human habition. Our first meeting was announced and the 43rd Belfast Boys Brigade Company was formed and called 'THE STABLE BOYS'. It was not until 10th November 1921 that the 43rd Belfast Company was established in the Dundonald Presbyterian Church, with Mr Reynolds as captain. The first Enrolment Service of the 43rd was conducted by Rev. James Bingham M. A, D. D. The Company had five officers : - Captain H. H. Reynolds and Lieutenants David Hare, Gordan Jackson, Hugh McDowell and Jack McKibben and 33 boys.

The photo shows the 43rd Belfast Boys Brigade Company in 1921
For the younger boys a Team called the ' BOYS RESERVES was formed with Mr Hugh McDowell as Leader in charge, assisted by Mr Jack McKibben. One of the highlights in our early years, was the wining in 1922-1923 of the Battalion Pennamt awarded to the Team having the highest standard of achievement of efficiency. Our Team was the first to win the awards which was discontiuned with the introduction of the Life Boys in 1926 (now the Junior Section). In 1931 Mr McDowell retired and Mr T. R. Smith succeeded followed by McKibben a few years later.