The Girls’ Friendly Society was founded in London in 1875 by an Irishwoman – Mrs Elizabeth Townsend to provide support and skills training for 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 125 years later 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.

All Ireland Office Holders 2009-2012

Diocesan Office Holders 2009

Landmarks in GFS History