GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY, THE, a girls' club of a religious nature, providing for mental and industrial training and recreation as well. The society started in England in 1875 with a small group of girls and spread rapidly. The movement spread to the United States in 1886, when a central council was formed at Grace church, New York city, with representatives from the various States. The organization of the society follows as much as possible that of the Protestant Episcopal Church, being dio cesan and parochial. Any girl 12 years of age or over, of good character, may become a member, regardless of religious faith; younger girls may join as candidates or probationers, working under the supervision of the older girls. The work of the society is preventive rather than reformatory, offering wholesome rec reations in the form of outdoor sports and providing for outings in summer at reasonable rates. Classes in cooking, sewing, danc ing and singing are formed, under the proper instruction. Be sides these interests, the girls enter into church and missionary work. The Girls' Friendly Society may be found to-day in every English-speaking country.