04.08.2026
Sunday School Society Passes on the Baton
The Sunday School Society for Ireland (SSSI), which was founded in 1809, held an extraordinary general meeting in Church House last month (July 2026) at which it was unanimously decided to wind up the charity and transfer all residual assets to the RCB for the support of Children’s and Family ministry within the Church of Ireland. This will be done through the Board for Ministry with Children and Families.
This process has taken over 10 years and SSSI are grateful for the support and time of successive committee members to the work of the Society. Whilst this marks the end of SSSI in its current form they are delighted that the work and mission of SSSI continues through the Board for Ministry with Children and Families, with the society’s name being in the future incorporated into the Board’s title. To paraphrase the Bishop of Connor who noted at the meeting, “we do not see this as an ending but rather as a ‘passing on the baton’ to an established structure within the Church, that has already achieved great things”.
The meeting was attended by individuals from across the island who are involved with children’s ministry and who have helped the Society along the way. During the meeting cheques were presented to support children’s ministry within each of the 11 dioceses. These were given in memory of Ms Beryl Stone who recently left a legacy to the Society and who herself gave much to children’s ministry. The meeting concluded with a celebratory tea party.
SSSI wishes to thank all those parishes and individuals who have supported SSSI over many years. The Society deeply appreciates and values the encouragement it has received from so many places.
Should you or your parish wish to financially support the work of The Board for Ministry with Children and Families, please speak with your diocesan Children’s Ministry Representative (see https://cfm.ireland.anglican.org/).