Girls Friendly Society
The Girls Friendly Society is a worldwide organisation which was founded in London in 1875 by an Irish woman, Mrs Mary Elizabeth Townsend. She founded the Society to help girls who came from the country to work in London. GFS came to Ireland in 1877.
Motto: Bear ye one another’s burdens
and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians Chapter 6 Verse 2
Purpose: The purpose of the Society is “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 of thought, word and deed.”
Diocesan Office Bearers:
Patron: Lady Christine Eames
Diocesan President: Mrs Eva Bryce
Diocesan Secretary: Mrs Elizabeth Andrews
Diocesan Treasurer: Miss Irene Walker
Branches: Within Armagh Diocese there are
16 Branches:
Annaghmore;
Ardtrea/Desertcreat;
Ballymore;
Clonfeacle;
Derrygortreavy;
Donnaghmore;
Lissan;
Loughgall;
Milltown;
Mullabrack;
Newmills;
Richhill;
St Columba’s;
St Mark’s, Portadown;
Tamlaght;
Tartaraghan.
Townsend Branches:
Armagh Diocesan Townsend Branch
Milltown Townsend Branch
St Mark’s Portadown Townsend Branch
Membership: Members can join at 3 years of age and at present there are almost 600 members within the Diocese.
G.F.S. in Ireland:
Central President
Mrs Emila Corrigan
GFS Central Office
Oak House
36 Upper Leeson Street
Dublin 4
GFS website: www.gfs.ie