The present invention provides a pillar of a vehicle body structure for supporting the roof of an automotive vehicle. The pillar includes an outer panel having a side panel attached to an inner panel. The pillar further includes a first and second reinforcing member. The first reinforcing member has a planar surface and a first reinforcing edge. The second reinforcing member also has a planar surface and a second reinforcing edge. The first reinforcing member is spaced apart from the second reinforcing member, and the first and second reinforcing edges abut against respective side panel and inner panel portions so as to transmit load between the outer panel and the inner panel and reduce deformation of the outer panel under a predetermined load.