Brigade History
Of the four Govan music sections the Songster Brigade is the most recently formed. The Senior Band was formed soon after the Corps began in 1881. The Young Peoples Band is reported as playing in January 1912 and with what were called 'YP Demonstrations' featuring singing, a Singing Company no doubt existed then also. It was not until 1918 that a Songster Brigade emerged, formed by Major Charles Cox from members of the National Songsters (Scotland) who were soldiers at Govan Citadel.
More than a decade was to pass before there was any significant recognition of the Songster Brigade. In 1929 The Armys' Bandsman and Songster magazine reported that the Brigade was 'yet in its infancy'...but 'keeping up the pace over the border'. That year it started its own Sunday morning street meeting and the next year led its own Easter mission in Edinburgh while the Corps band was in Sunderland.
Govan Citadel Timbrel Group c1890 which is before the formation of Govan Songsters. Only a few of this group remain in the current group.
The people who comprise the current Govan Songster Brigade of The Salvation Army represent a variety of different skills and professions. Among the group there are trainers, child minders, policemen, secretaries, carers, students, salesmen, buyers, bankers, I.T. specialists, nursery nurses, joiners, surveyors and more. each has come to faith in Christ, the Light of the World.
Songster Leader John Baillie c 1954
Songster Leader Col Nunn with Brigadier and Mrs Nellist - 1952. Thanks to Ron Nellist.
Today the Brigade contributes, as it has always done, to the spiritual life and worship of the Govan Citadel Corps. It also continues to carry the message of Christ to other places. Its most recent 'ALIVE" tour of Canada comes in a long list of such campaigns. While the Brigade may have taken time to establish itself, having done so, it has kept up the pace on both sides of the border - and beyond!
Govan Songsters of the 1960's. Songster Leader Wilf Marriott with Major & Mrs Robert Menary
Govan Songsters of the 1990's Songster Leader Lindsay McGregor. Corps Officers Captains Ray and Pat Brown
Songster Leader Graham Dow, Captains Chris and Linda Connelly
October 2005 S/Ldr Chic Ramsay with Majors David and Ann Radford.
Govan Citadel Songsters
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