Welcome to the 14th Halifax (Shelf) Boys’ Brigade

The Boys' Brigade is a Christian, uniformed organisation for boys and young men between the ages of
5 and 18. The BB was founded in Scotland in 1883, by Sir William Alexander Smith and has developed into a world-wide organisation. The BB now has more than half a million members in over 50 countries.

The 14th Halifax (Shelf) Company was founded in 1973 by Mr Jack Lister and Mr Sam Stuart.
The Company is part of the Halifax Battalion and the Yorkshire & Humberside District and is one of about 1,500 companies operating in the United Kingdom.

The Company meets weekly at Bethel Chapel,
Shelf, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX3 7RS

• Anchor Boys (5-8yrs) – Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8.000pm
• Junior Section (8-11yrs) – Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8.000pm
• Company Section (11-15yrs) – Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8.000pm
• Senior Section (15-18yrs) – Wednesday, 6.30pm to 8.000pm

Bethel Chapel, Shelf

Bethel was built in 139 days, starting on Good Friday and opening in September 1853. When the Chapel was opened it was connected with the Wesleyan Reform movement but in 1873 it joined the United Methodist Free Church. Between 1853 and 1882 Bethel had numerous ministers but in 1882 when the Reverend Mitchell left it was decided to do without a minister as there was not sufficient money to pay one and upkeep his house. Although the United Methodist Free Church society were not happy with this decision, no minister was appointed and a Pulpit Plan Secretary was elected to book Lay Preachers for the Services. From the mid 1930s until in the mid 1950s Bethel relied on part-time Pastors but then it was decided to revert to Lay Preachers. This has continued up to the present time very successfully. The members of the congregation believe the Holy Spirit gives gifts to individuals and these are used to maintain Bethel as a place for Christian worship.

Financial problems have persisted throughout the years but these have always been overcome by various methods, including in 1879 asking the minister who was leaving if they could borrow his salary. In 1877 it was decided to have a New Sunday School Building committee with the idea of building it next to the Chapel. In the end this was ‘put on hold’, as it would prove too costly, so it was decided to purchase the old Carr House School in 1886 to use as a Sunday school. Again money was borrowed and events had to be held to clear the debts. It was about this time money was borrowed from the Methodist Connexion. At the end of the 19th century the money was paid back, but due to many misunderstandings, Bethel never joined the Methodist Circuit and has remained independent for all its 150 years.

Who can I contact for more information?
TREVOR PRIESTLEY – T: 01274 600601 M: 07711394993 E: trevor@priestley10.plus.com