The beginning of GFS goes back to the 1870’s when single girls began leaving their homes and moving to the cities of England to be employed in the textile mills. We, who take for granted the idea of women working at all sorts of jobs, can scarcely realise the stir caused by these pioneer girls.

Although they had found independence, most of them had a great need of making friendships both with other girls and with God. This need was noticed by a young woman of 22 years of age named Mary Elizabeth Townsend (pictured). She convened a meeting known as “The Historic Meeting of Five” at Lambeth Palace in England. It was at this meeting that plans were formed for a Society of girls and women. And so GFS was established in 1875 to meet those needs and from this came the name – The Girls’ Friendly Society.

Down through the years GFS has continued to look at girls and women and ask “What is their need?” In our changing world, the basic need has not changed, for it is the basic need of every person to find herself and her salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. GFS helps girls and women understand what it is to be a Christian within their own particular life situation and provide opportunities to discover their own relationship with God, family, community and the world.