Very Rev. Dr Ivan McKay, former minister of Brookside Presbyterian Church, was in attendance for 2nd Ahoghill BB Company's 46th annual display, which took place in the church hall.
The display began with a Fall In at 7:30pm, with all three section of the company forming squads in the main hall. The opening devotions were led by Rev. William Moody, the chairman for the nights proceedings, during which we joined together to sing “There is a Redeemer”.
After this several Company Section boys were presented with their President’s Badges, before the three sections were commanded to Fall Out in preparation for their display items.
Brookside Tattoo
This was a drill down, which involved a squad of boys being given a series of drill commands in quick succession. If a boy failed to perform the correct manoeuvre or hesitated too long, they would be removed from the squad until only one remained.
The offering was collected and the chairman’s remarks were given, before the Company Section’s second item.
Retro B.B.
This year marked the 125th year of the Boys’ Brigade in Ireland, and we decided to provide an insight into how it had evolved over the years. Several of the Company Section boys wore uniforms from various time periods, and shared a series of facts about the history of the BB.
With all section’s display items complete, we had another Fall In and joined together with the audience to sing “Across The Lands”.
After this the chief guest speaker took to the stage. Dr McKay enjoyed a long and fruitful ministry in Brookside between 1972 and 1996, including three years as our BB captain. After finishing his address, Dr McKay remained on stage to assist during the award distribution.
Rev. Moody brought a short Biblical message, after which the national anthem was sung and the benediction was given. The boys were then commanded to Fall Out, and the night came to a close.
