THE GIRLS FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN IRELAND · THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN IRELAND LEADERS HANDBOOK The GFS (Oak) House, 36 Upper Leeson Street Dublin 4. Central O!ce Tel/Fax No: +353

THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN IRELAND

LEADERS HANDBOOK

The GFS (Oak) House,36 Upper Leeson Street

Dublin 4.Central Office Tel/Fax No: +353 (0)1 6603754

PATRONSThe Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin

MOTTOBEAR YE ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS, AND SO FULFIL THE LAW OF

CHRIST’ - Galatians 6.2.

‘The purpose of the Society’To unite for the glory of God in one fellowship of prayer and service, girls and women throughout the world, to promote friendship, and to uphold purity in thought, word and deed.

Prayer of the SocietyO God our Father, we beseech thee to bless us and all who belong to the Girls’ Friendly Society. Help us to bear one

another’s burdens, to live not for ourselves but for others, as members of one family in Jesus Christ; cleanse us from our sins, make us pure and holy by the indwelling of thy spirit, and bring us all to the joy of thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ

our Lord Amen.

GFS World PrayerO God our Father, we thank you for your goodness, love and

mercy to all who belong to the Girls’ Friendly Society world wide. Help us to bear one another’s burdens, as members of one

family in Jesus Christ. We ask for your blessings on our members, that we may grow in grace through your spirit. Help us to know in our lives, the joy of your everlasting love through

Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen

.........................................................................ORGANISATION 2

....................................................................................UNIFORM 2

............................................................................THE DIOCESE 2

...........................................ALL IRELAND CENTRAL COUNCIL 2

................................................................................OVERSEAS 2

..............................................................THE WORLD COUNCIL 2

......................................................................WORLD PROJECT 2

....................................................................LEADER TRAINING 2

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

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................................................LANDMARKS IN GFS HISTORY 2

...................................................COMMISSIONING SERVICES 2

.......................................................................................HYMNS 2

........................................................PRAYERS AND SERVICES 2

..................................................PAST CENTRAL PRESIDENTS 2

.....................................................................................BADGES 2


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ORGANISATION

The BranchBranches may be Parochial or Diocesan.

a. Parochial Branches can be established only with the approval of the Diocesan President and the Rector of the Parish, who is Patron of the Branch. Central Office provides a small start up grant for Branches.

b. Diocesan Branches may provide for senior members when there is no Branch in their own Parish.

BRANCH PRESIDENT:• Recommended by Branch Leaders and approved by the

Rector.• Must be or become an enrolled member of the GFS.• Must be commissioned as Branch President.• Need not be a leader.• Attends to the general well being of the branch.• Acts as chairman at meetings.• Can attend and vote at Diocesan Council meetings.• In her absence the Branch Secretary takes over the role.

BRANCH SECRETARY:• Takes on the role of Branch Treasurer if none appointed.• Appointed at Branch Leaders meeting • Takes over the role of Branch President if none appointed.• Receives and replies to correspondence and passes on

articles for GFS Newsletter to the Diocesan Secretary / PRO Officer.

• Informs President and all other leaders of all correspondence.

• Completes badge forms and requests badges, enrolment cards etc from Diocesan Badge & Literature Secretary.

• Notifies Diocesan Secretary in writing re: outings for insurance purposes.

• Keeps attendance book which should be retained for 20 years.

• Keeps incident book - all leaders should know where this is kept.

BRANCH TREASURER:• Appointed at Branch Leaders meeting.


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• Keeps financial records.• Pay accounts including Branch President/Secretary/

Treasurer expenses.• Return Annual Forms to Diocesan Secretary/Treasurer

which should include each members name, address and section.

In all cases bank or other financial institution statements should be in the name of the GFS branch, with three signatures, two of which are necessary to authorise payment.

LEADERS:Leaders must be communicant members of the Church of Ireland or of a church in communion therewith. The Bishop/Rectors advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter.

Leaders are appointed with the approval of the Rector of the parish. Leaders must be communicant members of the Church of Ireland or of a Church in communion therewith. The Bishop/Rector’s advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter.

• Leaders should be commissioned at a branch church service where they receive a Leaders’ card.

• Enrolment services can take place at diocesan or branch level after completion of the induction course.

• The Diocesan President must sign all leaders’ cards issued in her diocese prior to their enrolment.

• Leaders need to be re-commissioned as they advance through the grades of leadership.

All new Leaders are required to have GFS Training. (See section on Training)

RECTOR:• Patron of the Branch.• Must grant permission for the removal of a Banner from the

Parish Church.• Takes annual Enrolment Service.• Approves Branch President, Leaders, helpers etc.• Ensures all leaders have undergone training in

Safeguarding Trust.

MEMBERSHIP:The Society consists of the following sections:


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• Junior Candidates 3-5 years• Candidates 5-7 years• Junior Members 7-11 years• Members 11-15 years• Senior Members 15-21 years• Townsend Members over 21 years. (This section of the

society, known as the Townsend Members Fellowship, is named after our founder, Mrs Mary Elizabeth Townsend).

The enrolment of a member into each section will be determined by their age on 1st July preceding year of attendance.

G.F.S. PROMISES(1) JUNIOR CANDIDIATE, CANDIDATE AND JUNIOR MEMBER

PROMISE‘I promise, with God’s help, to learn to love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and to help other people’.

(2) MEMBER AND SENIOR MEMBER AND LEADER PROMISEI ..............(Christian name) promise with God’s help to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be regular in public and private prayer, and to promote friendship and purity of life.

BRANCH RECORDS(1) ATTENDANCE REGISTER

A Branch Records Book must be obtained from the Diocesan Badge and Literature Secretary and must be completed and kept up to date. Records should be kept of each Member and prospective Member giving name, address, date of birth, date of admission to the Society, date(s) moved on to the next section of the Branch, personal details e.g. any medical conditions and a list of adults who have permission to collect a child and space for further information. This register should also note dates of fire drills.This register will also include subscriptions received and must be marked at each meeting even if the attendance is casual. These details will be required when sending dues to the Diocesan Treasurer each year and a photocopy must be forwarded with Annual Dues.It is important that accurate records and registers are kept.

(2) ANNUAL RETURNSOnce a year the Branch Treasurer will receive from the


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Diocesan Treasurer, ‘Annual Return’ forms, the completion of which should present no problem if registers are up-to-date. The numbers asked for on these returns are required by the Diocesan Treasurer, so that she in turn can complete a form to be returned to the Central Office. The Central Office require statistics from all branches, and it is vital, especially when application for grant is made, that they are presented with as complete a picture as possible of the work being carried out. The Annual Returns also include a section on subscriptions to be paid to Central and Diocesan Funds which include Insurance. A copy of the Attendance Register is to be forwarded to the Diocesan Treasurer with Annual Dues.

SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions to Central Funds include Insurance and are determined by Central Council and those to Diocesan Funds by Diocesan Councils. The Branch Treasurer will be kept informed of the amount of the subscriptions in each case. In addition, Leaders will need to estimate the amount of money required to run the Branch, and to calculate the subscription to be paid by each Member and the method of collection.

METAL BADGEAfter enrolment all members of the society are entitled to wear the G.F.S. metal badge.

BANNERA Branch may have a GFS Banner. Designs must be submitted to Diocesan Council for approval. All Banners must be dedicated at a GFS Service. As a dedicated gift a banner may not removed from the Church without the Rectors prior consent.

LEADERS’ HANDBOOKEach Leader must have a copy of the Leaders’ Handbook and a folder in which to keep the different leaflets which are issued from time to time.

UNIFORMUniform is worn by all GFS Members including the Branch President and should be worn at all Diocesan Events. Uniform is optional for Townsend Members. The uniform consists of a:


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LEADERSFormal: Navy Suit or blazer/fleece and skirt

White shirt with navy tieFlesh coloured tightsNavy/Black shoes

Hats may be worn by leaders with formal uniform (Navy suit or blazer and skirt) but hats must not be worn with fleeces. Decision as to whether or not hats are worn is made at Diocesan level for Diocesan events and in Central Office for All Ireland events.

Casual (Optional): White polo shirt with GFS logoNavy fleeceNavy skirtNavy/Black shoes

No hats at any time with casual uniformGIRLS Formal: Navy fleece

White shirt with navy tieNavy skirtNavy/Black shoesWhite socks or flesh coloured tights

Casual (Optional): Navy fleeceWhite polo shirt with GFS logo

No hats for girls at any time.

A navy ribbon is worn double and pinned to the top of the left shirt sleeve or fleece if wearing. Cloth Badges which have been awarded are sewn on ribbon. On a tie a 7/21/50 year star is pinned at the top followed by the GFS enrolment badge followed by the GFS Leader badge, or Townsend Badge.

An Gaisce / Duke of Edinburgh award badges may be worn at the bottom of the tie.

Helpers and Leaders wear appropriate lanyards on the left shoulder of blouse (see below). Central and Diocesan Presidents/Secretaries/Treasurers may wear a badge of office, available through Central Office, on lapel of Jacket / Blazer.


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LANYARDSHelper - Yellow Lanyard and yellow felt on hat

Junior Leader - Red Lanyard and red felt on hat

Leader - Blue Lanyard and blue felt on hat

All Ireland Trained Leader - Green Lanyard, Flash on left sleeve and green felt on hat.

Diocesan President - Pale Blue felt on hat

Central President - White felt on hat

Membership Cards, Badges and lanyards can be obtained only from the Diocesan Secretary or Diocesan Badge and Literature Secretary, except where special arrangements are made for them to be supplied from the Central Office. This rule is made to avoid their sale to unauthorised persons. All orders must be paid for on order or before collection.


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THE DIOCESE

THE DIOCESAN COUNCILDiocesan Councils shall consist of:

• A President• Vice Presidents• Life Members• Diocesan Secretary• Diocesan Treasurer• Diocesan Missionary Secretary• Heads of Departments as deemed necessary• Branch Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers or their

deputies.• Representatives from each branch (the number being

decided by the Diocese)• Wife of the Bishop if not included in the above

The elections are arranged by the Diocesan Council. Membership of the Council should include Senior Members and Townsend Members. The Diocesan Council is responsible for the formation of any necessary sub-committees.

In the event of a vacancy occurring during the term of a Diocesan Secretary/Official, an extra-ordinary meeting of Diocesan Council shall be called and the vacancy filled.

In the case of the President, the vacancy shall be filled from list of Vice-Presidents.

THE DIOCESAN PRESIDENTThe Diocesan President is elected by the Diocesan Council, the outgoing Diocesan President having previously submitted the nominations for the Bishops approval. Her term of office will commence immediately after the triennial elections are declared. Elections to take place in line with Central Elections.

Role of the Diocesan President:The President should be a member of the Church of Ireland or of a church in communion therewith and be or be prepared to become a member of G.F.S. The Bishop/Rectors’ advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter.She must be commissioned at a Diocesan Church Service.


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• She is entitled to vote at all Diocesan meetings she attends, even if not in the chair.

• She has a casting vote at all Diocesan meetings, if necessary.

• She may delegate to Vice Presidents or others.• Her expenses are to be met from Diocesan Funds.• She may invite persons not on Diocesan council to attend

meetings of that Council, or any other committee or sub-committee meetings.

• Member of Central Council in addition to Diocesan Secretary and Treasurer.

• Oversee organisation of Diocesan events.• Promote work of GFS.• Visit and speak at branch meetings.• In the absence of the Diocesan President a Vice-President

takes over the role of Diocesan President.• Is responsible for seeing Leader induction is carried out.

DIOCESAN VICE-PRESIDENTS (4)Role of the Diocesan Vice-President:

• Assist and accompany Diocesan President and deputise when required.

• Chair meetings or represent President as required in any of her duties.

• Have a vote at Diocesan Council Meetings.

LIFE MEMBERSLife members on Diocesan Council are:

• Former Diocesan Presidents• Other members who are elected by Diocesan Council.• All life members have voting rights on Diocesan Council.

THE DIOCESAN SECRETARYEach Diocese has a Diocesan Secretary who is responsible for the keeping of records as well as being Secretary to the Diocesan Council and Committees. In most Diocese the secretarial work is combined with organising, i.e. helping the Branches in the Dioceses, encouraging the formation of new ones and arranging Leadership Training.The Diocesan Secretary supports the Diocesan President and consults with her and Diocesan Council on all matters.


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Role of the Diocesan Secretary:• Calls Diocesan meetings.• Deals with correspondence.• Records minutes.• Notifies members of services and events etc. in the absence

of other Departmental Secretary• Sends out Bible papers, syllabus, materials from Central

Office in the absence of a Bible Study Secretary.• Arranges articles for Diocesan Magazine, GFS Newsletter

and publicises events in the absence of a PRO Officer or Press and Publicity Officer.

• Member of Central and Diocesan Council.• Notifies Central Office of all new leaders - information to

be supplied by Branch Secretary• Notifies the Central Office in writing of all outings within

the Dioceses for insurance purposes• Submits annual report to Diocesan Council.• Takes the role of the Diocesan Treasurer if none appointed.• Takes the role of the Diocesan Literature Secretary if none

appointed.• Arranges Leadership Training in absence of Training

Secretary.• Arranges Branch Examiners in absence of other

arrangements.

DIOCESAN TREASUREREach Diocese has a Diocesan Treasurer who is responsible for all the financial records.

Role of the Diocesan Treasurer:• Collects dues and relevant forms from Branch Secretary/

Treaurer and forward to Central Office by 31st May each year.

• Collect dues for World Council, travel, fees etc.• Pay accounts including expenses for Diocesan President,

Secretary and Treasurer.• Be in attendance at diocesan events and pay travel/speaker

expenses etc.• Submit annual financial report to Diocesan Council.• Member of Central and Diocesan Council.


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In all cases bank or other financial institution statements should be in the name of the GFS branch or Diocese, with three signatures, two of which are necessary to authorise payment

DIOCESAN BADGE AND LITERATURE SECRETARYRole of the Diocesan Badge and Literature Secretary:

• Responsible for obtaining and selling badges, cards, literature etc from Central Office and distributing throughout the Diocese.

DIOCESAN TRAINING SECRETARYRole of the Diocesan Training Secretary:

• Arranges Diocesan Training in consultation with Diocesan President

• Completes and retains Training Register.

DIOCESAN CHAPLAINRole of the Diocesan Chaplain:

• Appointed by Bishop or Archbishop.• May mark or assist in the marking of Diocesan Bible Study

Papers.• Assists or leads Festival Service, Carol Service, World Day of

Prayer and Diocesan Services as required.• Sets Diocesan order of service as necessary.• Dioceses without a Diocesan Chaplain may nominate their

Presidents rector as Chaplain.• Invited to attend Diocesan Council.• May Commission or present for commissioning Diocesan

Office Holders.

DIOCESAN P.R.O. or PUBLICITY OFFICERS• Promotes work of GFS within the Dioceses.• Arranges publicity.


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ALL IRELAND CENTRAL COUNCIL

STRUCTURECentral Council shall consist of the following members with power to vote:

(1) The Central President and six elected Vice Presidents.(2) Life Members are those nominated by Central Council

together with all past Senior and Junior Delegates who represented Ireland at World Council Meetings. If Life Members do not attend Central Council meetings for a 3 year period their name will be removed from the list of office holders.

(3) Heads of Departments GFS MissionsGFS ProjectGFS HousSick and ConvalescentGFS Oversees

(4) GFS Diocesan Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers or their deputies with power to vote.

(5) Representatives from the Dioceses on the basis of one for every five Branches (or part of five). Branches having over 25 Members shall count as two Branches.

(6) Hon. Treasurer(7) Wives of the Archbishops and Bishops currently in office

Also the following ex-officio NON VOTING members if not included above:

(1) The Central Secretary(2) Central Chaplain(3) The Central Trustees

THE CENTRAL PRESIDENTThe Central President should guide the work of all departments of the society in Ireland and chair meetings of Central Council and other committees and working parties as required. This is largely a representative position - attending events and services to represent G.F.S., and may involve liaison with CIYD, Youthnet, and other groups. Oversee, guide and monitor secretarial support.

In the event of the Central President role becoming vacant, the vacancy shall be filled by a Central Vice-President by postal vote


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Authority:• The Central President must be a member of the Church of

Ireland or a church in communion therewith and be or be prepared to become a member of GFS. The Archbishop/Bishops advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter.

• She must be commissioned at an All Ireland church service by the Central Chaplain.

• She can delegate where she feels it is appropriate to do so.• She is entitled to vote at all meetings she attends, even if

not in the chair.• She has a casting vote at all meetings, if necessary.• She may delegate to Vice Presidents or others.• Her expenses are to be met from Central Funds.• She may call special meetings as outlined in the GFS

Constitution.• She may invite persons not on Central council to attend

meeting of that Council, or any other meetings.• She must retire triennially, with an option to serve a second

and final term. Unlike other office holders, she may not retire for a three year period and then resume the same position.

Main duties:• Visiting Dioceses and Branches throughout Ireland.• Chairing meetings.• Overseeing financial decisions.• Visiting Church of Ireland Training College and other

meetings and services to represent GFS.• World Council: Attend triennially, sit on panel to select

Junior Delegate, bring reports and greetings, gifts etc.• Attend training days, prize-givings, parents nights etc.

Central Vice Presidents (6)Role of the Central Vice Presidents:

• Assist Central President and deputise when required.• Chair meetings or represent President as required in any of

her duties.• Be elected triennially, with an option to serve one

consecutive term.• Have voting rights at Central Council meetings.


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Life MembersLife members on Central Council are:

• Central Presidents.• All past Senior and Junior Delegates to World Council

provided they remain members of G.F.S. and active members of G.F.S. Central Council.

• Other members who are elected by Central Council.• All Life Members have voting rights on Central Council.

Central ChaplainRole of the Central Chaplain:

• Be invited, not elected, as Central Chaplain but approved by Central Council and the Patrons.

• Be invited to all meetings of Central Council.• Take one service of Holy Communion each year at Central

Council.• Commission Central President.• Commission All Ireland Leaders and delegates for World

Council, as appropriate• Advise on RE in branches and at services and events.• Oversee setting and marking of bible papers.• Contribute to GFS News from time to time.• Pastoral responsibility to visit the girls in Oak House.

Central and Financial Secretary:This position is in line with the job description set out by Central Council and is reviewed every three years.

Honorary Treasurer:Role of the Honorary Treasurer:

• Consult and meet on a regular basis with the Central Secretary to oversee GFS finances.

• To make recommendations to Central Council about all matters of income and expenditure.

• To seek advice on financial matters as directed by the G.F.S. Central Council in respect of G.F.S. investments.

CENTRAL COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENTSThe composition, powers and duties of the Council and Departments are set out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Society which may be obtained from the Central Office.


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THE OAK HOUSEThe Central Office of the Society, is within the house known as the “Oak House” which is at 36 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4. Members and friends are welcome in the Office during opening hours.

The Central Office is responsible for the Central administration of the Society and its finances, the production of its publications, the organisation of All Ireland events, and helps to maintain the Society’s contact with other organisations.


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OVERSEASThe GFS is at work in the following countries: Austrailia, Barbados, Cameroun, England, Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lesotho, Liberia, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, The Phillippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, Wales and Zambia.

The Overseas Department of Central Council consists of all Senior Delegates, normally the Central President, and Junior Delegates provided they remain members of G.F.S. and active members of GFS Central Council.Junior Delegate - Every three years a Junior Delegate attends World Council, along with the Senior Delegate. Central Office will request each Diocese to put forward one G.F.S. member to apply for this position.

The Junior Delegates role during this 3 year period will be to:• Coordinate with head of World Project and Central Office in

respect of monies received for World Project.• To communicate with the Link Countries• Report yearly to Central Council• Visit Dioceses / Branches and give reports on World Council

and World Project during the year following their attendance at World Council.

THE WORLD COUNCILThe World Council of the GFS exists to promote fellowship between Members of the Society throughout the world, by the exchange of ideas and information.

World assemblies, camps, exchange visits and correspondence between Members are encouraged.

The Council meets every three years when each country is represented by two Members, one of them preferably between 16 and 25 years.


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WORLD PROJECTA World Project is decided at World Council and all Dioceses are encouraged to support the project in prayer and financially.

World Projects so far have been:1958 – 1959 The starting of Branches in Mombasa Diocese

1959 - 1962 Training African Leaders

1962 – 1965 GFS Work in British Guinea (now Guyana)

1965 - 1968 GFS Work in Korea

1969 - 1972 GFS Work in the Philippines

1972 - 1975 Training a Youth Leader in Lesotho, South Africa

1976 - 1981 Training in West Africa - Miss Eva Hales

1981 - 1984 Transkei Project

1985 Owerri Weaving Project

1986 - 1987 GFS Work in West Indies

1987 - 1990 GFS Work in Barbados

1990 - 1993 GFS Training in The Philippines

1993 – 1999 Building a residential unit in Nigeria

1999 – 2002 GFS Training in Papua New Guinea

2002 – 2005 Building a room in the GFS Centre for the activities of GFS in Kenya

THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYERThe GFS World Day of Prayer on September 29th, St. Michael and All Angels, is the occasion when all Branches may be linked in prayer.


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A special form of service, for use by branches and Dioceses is produced by a different country each year - this is decided by World Council. Copies may be obtained from the Central Office.The collection at all Branch World Day of Prayer Services should be given to the World Project.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE29TH SEPTEMBERIf the special leaflet for this is not used, e.g. if the day is observed at one of the Services on the nearest Sunday, as sometimes is more suitable in parishes, then the Rector should be consulted and asked to relate hymns, lessons, prayers and sermon to the Theme of the Year, allied to the special world-wide significance of the day. It is generally accepted that Members (or Junior Members) read the lessons and take up the collection on that day. At least part of the collection is usually given to the World Project.


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LEADER TRAININGBecoming a Leader

One should:• Take the diocesan induction course as soon as possible and

have the certificate of completion signed.• Be enrolled at the next branch or diocesan enrolment

service and receive a card signed by the Diocesan President.

• Have undergone training in Safeguarding Trust.

OVERVIEW OF LANYARD SCHEMEYellow lanyard: Enrolled Young Helper. Numbers as deemed

necessary by each Branch President/Secretary and approved by the Rector. Aged 14/16 years

Red lanyard: Commissioned leader without training aged 16 or over. Under 18’s not to be left in charge.

Blue lanyard: Commissioned leader who has attended three full Diocesan training days. (1day = minimum 6hrs)

Green lanyard: Commissioned leader must be nominated by her Diocese, be in possession of a blue lanyard for 3 years and subsequently attended one all-Ireland week-end training and 1day training. (1day = min 6 hours)

It is the responsibility of the diocese to keep a register of leaders and helpers and a record of leaders attendance at training days.

CASUAL HELPER• Does not have to be enrolled member.• Should not be left in charge

YOUNG HELPER - YELLOW LANYARD (14-16 YEARS)Requirements for commissioning:

• Must have acquired at least the Members GFS Knowledge Badge.

• Must have basic training with an All Ireland Leader, after which a Certificate of Completion will be signed.


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Yellow lanyard and young helper badge can be issued at enrolment service.

The role of helper is of assistant only. She must never be left in charge.

RED LANYARD LEADERSLeaders to be enrolled after completion of induction course, receiving a leader card which is signed by the Diocesan President. Red lanyard and leader badge can be issued at enrolment service.

Requirements for commissioning:• Must be at least 16 years - Under 18’s not to be left in

charge• Attend branch meetings and help in general duties• Permission of Rector must be sought• Must have acquired at least the Senior Member’s GFS

Knowledge Badge• Have basic training with an All Ireland Leader.

BLUE LANYARD LEADERSLeaders to be enrolled after completion of trainings receive a Leader card which is signed by the Diocesan President. Blue lanyard and leader badge can then be issued at enrolment service.

Requirements for commissioning:• Have completed red leadership training• Attend three Diocesan training days (1 day = minimum of 6

hrs)• To maintain a blue lanyard a leader must attend 3 out of 5

subsequent Diocesan or All Ireland Trainings.

GREEN LANYARD LEADERSLeaders to be commissioned after completion of All Ireland trainings received a leader card which is signed by the Central President. Green Lanyard, Flash and leader badge can be issued at commissioning service.

Requirements for commissioning:


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• Candidates for All Ireland Leaders must be nominated by their Diocese and must already be a blue lanyard leader for a minimum of 3 years.

• Must attend one all-Ireland Training week-end and one day training (1day = minimum 6 hrs).

• To maintain your green lanyard you must attend 3 out of 5 subsequent Diocesan or All Ireland Training Days.

• To assist as required in training of young helpers and leaders.


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LANDMARKS IN GFS HISTORYThe Girls' Friendly Society was founded in London in 1875 by an Irishwoman - Mrs Elizabeth Townsend to help lonely girls who came from the country to work in the city.

It was the first girls' or women's organisation in the Church of England. It was a society for friendship and recreation in which all girls might share, bound together in a fellowship of Christian love and service. The movement spread rapidly all over England and came to Ireland in 1877 and also to America and Australia about the same time.

Now our Society is alive and serving girls and women in all those countries of the world where our Church is to be found. The motto, purpose and prayer have not changed down the years but one generation after another has found fresh inspiration in them.

1877 First meeting in Ireland to make plans to form a GFS here, meeting held in Bray with the Rector and his wife, Archdeacon and Mrs Scott, Countess of Meath, Mrs Alexander (author of many well known hymns, 'There is a Green Hill'. etc.) and Miss La Touche.

1878 First office opened with Miss La Touche as Registrar or Secretary- girls helped to find suitable jobs here.

1880 First GFS hostel and recreational centre opened - Molesworth Street, Dublin and later Frederick Street.

1884 Queen Victoria became Patron - sent £50.

1884 Ireland gave lead in starting Candidates.

1885 Emigration Department opened to help girls going to Canada and USA

1900 Queen Victoria visited Dublin and a new GFS Hostel in Rostrevor named after her as a memorial of her visit.

1905 First hostel opened in Belfast.


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1908 Queen Mary became our Patron.

1910 Larger hostel opened in Upper Merrion Street.

1914 Various War work undertaken, Savings Group, Club for War nurses (Q.M.A.A.C.) 'Vigilance' work started. Hospital beds endowed, etc.

1919 Victory Fete held in Mansion House -£1,000 raised to repair Rostrevor Hostel.

1927 Jubilee year, many celebrations to raise money to buy new GFS House. Money presented at a Pageant using 'Oak leaf' symbols. Jubilee Banner of St Brigid presented to St Patrick's Cathedral.

1929 'Oak House' purchased at 34 St Stephen's Green and the organisation moved in there in 1930. GFS had been spreading through the World wherever the Anglican Church was to be found.

1937 Queen Elizabeth became Patron of G.F.S.

1955 England's 80th Birthday there was an International Conference on Isle of Wight and here the 1st World Council was formed and 29th Sept - Feast of St Michael and All Angels - set aside as our annual day of Prayer.

1956 Second World Council held in Les Diablerets. Switzerland (5 Irish Delegates).

1958 Lambeth Conference - GFS World Wide Conference also (3 Irish Delegates).

1959 World Council in Australia. Decision to send GFS Worker to Kenya. This to be World Project until next World Council. Ireland represented in Australia by Ivy Kerr, Kilkenny, Ossory Diocese.


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1962 World Council in Ireland (Dublin) Theme 'Peace through Friendship'. World project British Guiana.

1964 Decision to have training week-ends to enable girls to become All-Ireland Leaders.

1965 World Council in Japan - Beth Irwin. St Barnabas' Branch, Connor Diocese, our representative. World Project - Japan.

1972 World Council in Melbourne, Australia. Our representatives were - Naomi McKinley, St Barnabas' Branch. Connor Diocese, and Kathleen Linnegan, Diocesan Secretary, Derry Diocese. World Project - Lesotho.

1972 Oak House sold and new house bought in Orwell Road, Rathgar.

1973 May - World Chairman and English GFS President - Mrs C J Mandleberg addresses Central Council - first time for an English President to do so.

1973 Opening of new Oak House in Orwell Road – Mrs Mandleberg present.

1973 July - A party of Irish GFS, three from each Diocese went to Blacon, Cheshire, for holiday as guests of English GFS.

1975 World Council in London, England. Irish delegates: Hilary Johnston, Harmony Branch, Connor Diocese and Jean Lindsay, Kilmore Cathedral Branch.

1977 Centenary of GFS in Ireland. Opening of GFS Oak House, 36 Upper Leeson Street.

1977 Centenary of GFS in Scotland.

1978 Centenary of GFS in USA. World Council held in Los Angeles – Mrs Beth Mayes appointed World


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Chairman. Helen Trimble, Donaghmore Branch, Armagh Diocese Junior Delegate.

1979 Eva Hales project in Sierra Leone, Gambia and Liberia.

1980 First Leaders' Conference in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

1980 Party of girls from Armagh visit Dublin and Glendalough over Easter weekend.

1981 World Council in Ireland (Coleraine). Theme: 'Go Forward with Love'. Mrs Iwai of Japan appointed World Chairman.

1981 Irish GFS Members at Holiday Camp in Wales.

1982 Leaders Conference held in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

1984 World Council held in Japan. Our representatives were Mrs. Mary Hinchliff, Central President and Patricia Matthews, Geashill & Killeigh Branch, Meath & Kildare Diocese. Mrs. Dilys Fowler of Wales appointed World Chairman.

1985 GFS supported the Owerri Weaving Project.

1986 All Ireland Conference held in the Theological College. Mrs. Dilys Fowler, World President attended.

1987 World Council in Wales. Our representatives were Mrs. Mary Hinchliff, Central President and Lorna Beattie, Magheralin Branch, Connor Diocese. Mrs. Subuola Thompson of Sierra Leone appointed World Chairman.

1988 All Ireland Training Week-ends in Carrig Eden, Greystones and The Theological College. Ireland published the World Day of Prayer Service.


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1989 All Ireland Camp in Villiers School, Limerick. Members from England and Wales attended. England also hosted a Camp which Irish members attended.

1990 World Council in Sierra Leone. Our representatives were Mrs. Olein Gyles, Central President and Hazel Codd, Tullow Branch, Cashel & Ossory Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. Joy Parkin of New Zealand appointed World Chairman.

1991 All Ireland Camp held in Rathdown School.

1992 Live Broadcast of Holy Communion from RTE on Sunday 26th April.

1993 World Council in New Zealand. Our representatives were Mrs. Olein Gyles, Central President and Alison Burnside, Donaghmore Branch, Armagh Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. Joy Epton from England appointed World Chairman.

1996 World Council in England. Our representatives were Mrs. Maeve Hannon, Central President and Tanya Woods, Billis Branch, Kilmore Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. Nobantu Makunga of South Africa appointed World Chairman.

1998 World Day of Prayer service sheet produced by Ireland.

1999 World Council in South Africa. Our representatives were Mrs. Maeve Hannon, Central President and Anne Healy, Cloughjordan Branch, Killaloe Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. June Hillier from Australia appointed World Chairman.

2000 Millennium Services held throughout the country. An All-Ireland Service of Thanksgiving held in St. Patricks Cathedral, Dublin on 7th May.


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2001 All-Ireland Conference for Diocesan Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers in the Theological College – 23rd-25th Feb.

2002 125th Birthday Celebrations : All- Ireland Camp in Kilkenny College from 4th to 7th April;9th May – 12 GFS members visit the President of Ireland, Mrs Mary McAleese at Aras An Uachtarain;19th May – A Service of Celebration was held in St. Patricks Cathedral;23rd June -Live televised service from RTE

2002 World Council in Australia. Our representatives were Mrs Emila Corrigan, (Central President) and Junior Delegate, Suzanne Henry, Christ Church, Lisburn, Connor. Mrs Adele Ray, USA appointed World Chairman

2003 All Ireland Conference in the Theological College, Dublin, 20- 22 June.

2003 All Ireland Training Day in Emmaus Centre, Swords, 17-19 October

2004 All Ireland Training Day in Castleknock Parish Centre, 20th March

2004 All-Ireland Camp – Wesley College, Dublin – 15-18 May

2005 World Council in Pennsylvania, USA. Our representatives were Mrs Emila Corrigan, (Central President) and Junior Delegate, Elaine Grothier, Tullow branch, Cashel & Ossory. Ruth Choi, Korea appointed World Chairman


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COMMISSIONING SERVICES

SERVICE OF COMMISSIONING OF DIOCESAN PRESIDENT, BRANCH PRESIDENT OR GFS LEADERPrior of commissioning as Diocesan President, Branch President, or GFS Leader person who has not already been enrolled as member must do so before being commissioned.

This should be used in conjunction with a GFS Service.

The Rector shall say:You have been called to be President/Leader of the Girls’ Friendly Society in this Diocese (Branch), will you try to uphold the Christian standards of this world-wide Society, and to extend God’s Kingdom?

Response:I will try to do so, the Lord being my helper.

Rector:In the name of Christ we welcome you to serve in the Church as President / Leader of this Diocese (Branch). May the Lord preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth for evermore. Amen.

Let us pray:Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us, and not what we deserve; and as you have called us to your service, make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FORM OF ADMISSION FOR SENIOR MEMBERS OR MEMBERSTo be used during a Church Service

At the appointed time, the Leader brings those to be admitted to stand in a row at the Chancel Steps. Then the Rector shall say:

Rector:Do you wish to become a Member of the Girls’ Friendly Society?’

Answer:I do.


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Rector:Have you considered that in doing so you are pledging yourself anew, to the Christian way of life, of worship and service within The Church?

Answer:I have.

Rector:I call upon you now to make your promise.

(The promise shall be made individually.)

Member:I .......(Christian name) promise with God’s help to grow in the knowledge and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to be regular in public and private prayer and to promote friendship and purity of life.

Rector:(Handing her card of Membership) I welcome you as a Member of our Society. This card is a token of your Membership. May God bless you in your life and in your work.

Then the GFS Prayer shall be said.

FORM OF ADMISSION OF JUNIOR CANDIDATES, CANDIDATES AND JUNIOR MEMBERSThis should take place during a Church Service. At the appointed time the Leader brings those to be admitted to stand in a row at the chancel steps. Then the Rector shall say:

Rector:Do you wish to become a Junior Candidate/Candidate/ Junior Member in the Girls Friendly Society?

Answer:I do.

Rector:


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Will you try to keep the promise you are going to make?

Answer: I will.

Rector:(to each individual) Will you now make your promise?

Each girl (in turn):I promise, with God’s help, to learn to love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and to help other people.

Rector:(giving her card of membership to each child) I welcome you as a Junior Candidate/Candidate/Junior Member of our Society. This card is a token of your admission. May God help you to keep your promise.

Then the Lord’s prayer is said, followed by the Grace, all together.

The above short forms of admission should be part of a service in which the psalms, lessons, hymns and prayers have been carefully chosen to suit the occasion in consultation with the Rector.


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HYMNS

MEMBERS’ HYMNJesus calls us! O’er the tumultof our life’s wild restless seaday by day his sweet voice is soundingsaying, ‘Christian, follow me’:

as of old, apostles heard itby the Galilean lake,turned from home and toil and kindred,leaving all for his dear sake.

Jesus calls us from the worshipOf the vain world’s golden store,from each idol that would keep us,saying, ‘Christian, love me more’.

In our joys and in our sorrows,day of toil and hours of ease,still he calls, in cares and pleasures,‘Christian, love me more than these’.

Jesus call us! By your mercies,Saviour, may we hear thy call,give to you our hearts obedience,serve and love you best of all. Amen.

JUNIOR MEMBER’S HYMNJesus, Friend of little children,be a friend to me;take my hand, and ever keep meclose to thee.

Teach me how to grow in goodness,daily as I grow;thou hast been a child, and surelythou dost know.

Step by step, O lead me onward,upward into youth;wiser, stronger, still increasing


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in thy truth.

Never leave me nor forsake me,ever be my friend;for I need thee, from life’s dawningTo its end.

CANDIDATES’ HYMN Jesus show us how to serve thee,Make us good and pure and true,Make us kind to one another,Show us loving things to do.Keep our lives from sin and danger,May we choose the heavenly way,Looking up to God our Father,Praying to him every day.

Thou wilt bless and help thy children,As we learn to fight with wrong,For we serve beneath thy banner,And thy love shall be our song.

MISSIONARY HYMNIn Christ there is no east or west,in him no south or north,but one great fellowship of love,throughout the whole wide earth.

In him shall true hearts everywhere,their high communion find,his service is the golden cord,close-binding all mankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,whate’er your race may be!Who serves my Father as a son,is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both east and west,in him meet south and north,all Christly souls are one in him,throughout the whole wide earth.


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SERVICE FOR THE DEDICATION OF A BANNER

A Hymn

The Banner shall be carried into the Chancel while the Rector reads these sentences:

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.He brought me into the banqueting house, and His Banner over me was LoveWe will rejoice in His salvation: and in the name of our God we will set up our Banners.

Those who carry and accompany the Banner shall say:

We ask that our Banner may be received as a token of our love and loyalty to Christ. We ask that it may stand in His House as a token of our desire to worship and serve Him. We offer Him this Banner, which has been made beautiful for Him, and we pray that He will inspire us to make beautiful things for His Glory.

The Rector shall receive the Banner and say:

In Christ’s Name I receive this Banner of the Girls’ Friendly Society.Be sure that He welcomes all that is sincere and beautiful in your offering, that He accepts your worship and service, and that He will use your love and loyalty in His cause.Keep faithfully in mind that you have been signed with the sign of the Cross in token that you shall not be ashamed to fight manfully under his Banner against sin, the world and the devil.

The rector turns to the Communion TableReceive this Banner, O Lord, which Thy servants here bring to Thee, to be dedicated in Thy Name; and pour forth Thy blessing


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on the Girls’ Friendly Society, that its Members be, in very truth, united for Thy Glory.

The Banner is placed in the Chancel

Psalm 96

The Banner bearers return to their places

The Lord’s PrayerThe G.F.S. Prayer

Let us pray for Courage, Goodness and LoveO Christ our Lord, under Whose Banner we are pledged to fight against the world, the flesh and the devil, grant to us, and to Thy whole Church, courage to overcome evil with good, darkness with light, hatred with love so that Thy kingdom may come, when Thou, O Christ, shall triumph over all. We ask it for Thy love’s sake, Amen.

God, the source of all beautiful things, we thank you for our Banner, and we pray you to give us such vision and skill that we may be able to make things beautiful and acceptable for your honour and glory, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen

Hymn

The Grace

As a dedicated gift a banner may not be removed from the church without the Rector’s consent.

Insure proper insurance is in place for your banner.


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PRAYERS AND SERVICES

SUGGESTED FORM OF PRAYER FOR A SENIOR MEMBERS’ OR MEMBERS’ MEETING

Leader:We have been thinking about ..... at our meeting tonight. There is a passage in St. Luke’s Gospel that tells us something about this. Let’s listen to it now.

Bible Reading.

Leader: Hymn number ..... talks about this too. We’ll sing verses ...

Leader:We try to remember now that we are in God’s presence. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

or

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.

or

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise his Holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Prayers related to the theme ... by the Leader.

GFS Prayer ... all together.

The Lord’s Prayer ... all together.

The Grace ... all together.


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A SUGGESTED FORM OF PRAYER FOR A JUNIOR CANDIDATES’, CANDIDATES’, OR JUNIOR MEMBERS’ MEETINGLeader(with children in a circle) - We will stand very quietly now for a moment.

(Pause)

Jesus, high in glory,Lend a listening ear, When we bow before thee,Children’s praises hear.

or

Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.

or

Every day I will give thanks to you, O God, and praise your name for ever and ever.

Today we will think of all the good thinks God gives us (or sick people, or holidays, or our parents, etc., etc.).

Hymn number ... is a thank-you hymn to God. We will sing verses ...

Now I will read some verses from the Bible about thanking God. They are from one of the great songs of the Bible called Psalms. We sing (or say) one of these psalms in Church every Sunday. This is from Psalm number … (e.g. Psalm 147 verses 7,8,9).

Now we will say a thank-you prayer to God (e.g. Hymn 629 ...)

We will say our GFS Prayer together ...

The Prayer which Jesus taught us ...

The Grace ...


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PAST CENTRAL PRESIDENTS1878 – 1891 Countess of Meath

1892 - 1894

1895 – 1926 Baroness Holm Patrick

1926 – 1933 Hon Gorgiana Dillon

1934 Mrs. Gregg

1935 – 1944 Miss Florence Ross Todd

1945 – 1949 Miss Arnold Harvey

1950 – 1957 Mrs. Phyllis Bewley

1957 – 1963 Mrs. Mercy Simms

1963 – 1968 Mrs. Joan Pike

1969 – 1975 Mrs. Audrey Buchanan

1976 – 1981 Mrs. Beth Mayes

1982 – 1987 Mrs. Mary Hinchliffe

1988 – 1993 Mrs. Olein Gyles

1994 – 1999 Mrs. Maeve Hannon

2000 – 2005 Mrs. Emila Corrigan


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BADGES


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Documents

THE GIRLS FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN IRELAND · THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN IRELAND LEADERS HANDBOOK The GFS (Oak) House, 36 Upper Leeson Street Dublin 4. Central O!ce Tel/Fax No: +353