The Girls Friendly Society, also known as G.F.S., first began in Ipswich in 1902. Originating in England in 1874, the society was formed with the goal of providing unmarried girls, particularly those who had moved away from family for work, with friendship and support. The society came under the auspices of the Anglican Church and branches were soon formed in a number of dioceses, and then began to spread around the world. G.F.S. first came to Australia in 1879, brought by the daughters of the Governor of South Australia.
In October 1902 Mrs Pritchard, Rev. Dr. William Charles Pritchard’s wife, presented a paper to the St Pauls Ipswich parish on behalf of Mrs Chalmers of Goulbourn. The paper described the purpose of the Girls Friendly Society as being a place where women of good standing (Associates) would mentor the younger unmarried girls (Members). Suggested society activities included lectures on cooking and nursing; needlework classes; access to books, good readings and recitations; and social activities. At the time of the presentation interest had already been shown in forming a G.F.S. group at St Pauls and there were 50 names on the roll.
St Pauls Girls Friendly Society (G.F.S) in 1904. Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich.
The society was very involved in the St Pauls parish and the wider Ipswich community. In 1921 they undertook a community project and donated sleeping suits to the Ipswich Hospital. In 1935 they presented the church with a new altar cross. They held events, presented plays, and took part in church functions. On 2 September 1918 there was a debate between the G.F.S. and the Church of England Boys Society (C.E.B.S.). The topic was “Should amusements be continued during the war?” The G.F.S. were the victors with an affirmative argument.
At the Anglican Church Bazaar held in 1904 the G.F.S. had items for sale from their sister group in Ipswich, England. These included postcards, postcard albums, work baskets, handkerchief sachets, fancy pincushions, and a carved teapot. It was reported that the items were very popular with bazaar-goers.
A play performed at St Pauls Day-school in 1910, “The King’s Experiment”, starred G.F.S. members G. Bottomley, Viola Bottomley, Gertie Field, Daisy Handel, Nellie Hayward, Lily McMillan, Lizzie Moore, Doris Pearse, Rossie Simmonds, Edith Simpson, and Nellie Whiston. The newspaper reported it as being a successful event.
A founding member of the St Pauls G.F.S. was Miss Kate Anslow Fewtrell. Miss Fewtrell ran a private school on Upper Ellenborough Street. On 16 December 1929 at the final G.F.S. meeting for the year Miss Fewtrell, along with Miss Rose Phillips, was awarded for 25 Years Service to G.F.S. Nearly 100 members and associates were in attendance.
Other names of note involved with the society were Miss Ferrier (Foundation Member, Secretary), Miss E.R.Barker (President), and Mrs Jenkyn (Reverand Jenkyn’s wife). Members and Associates mentioned in newspaper articles include: Miss Jowett, Miss McGill, Miss McIntyre, Miss Sybil Oldham, Miss Marie Field, Myrtle Bottomley, Eva Catlow, Carrie Hayne, L. Jamieson, Gladys McMurdy, A. Ross, D. Ross, Agnes Selwood, E. Senior, Mabel Simpson, Miss Cross, Miss Ballin, Miss Stella Waldon, Miss Edna Bennett, and Mrs R.B. Massey.
Goodna GFS and Junior GFS float in a Jacaranda Festival Parade in the late 1960s. Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich.
GFS still exists as a worldwide organisation today.
Information taken from: “St Paul’s Church – Rural Deanery Conference”, Thu 16 Oct 1902 p10; “Girls Friendly Society’s Entertainment”, Thu 15 Dec 1910 p4; “An Evening”, The Queensland Times, Sat 7 Sep 1918 p7; “St. Pauls G.F.S.”, The Queensland Times, Tue 17 Dec 1929 p5; GFS Brisbane website; GFS Australia website; GFS Worldwide website.