The Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam, formally established in 1905, was founded with a clear and enduring mission aligned with the objectives of the Mar Thoma Church: to nurture children in the Christian faith, foster a personal relationship with God, and equip them to become faithful witnesses of Christ and future leaders of the Church. Since its inception, the Sunday School movement has played a vital role in the spiritual formation and Christian education of generations of children and young adults.
The roots of the Sunday School movement, however, extend much further back in history. The modern Sunday School movement began in 1780 in Gloucester, England, through the vision and compassion of Mr. Robert Raikes. During the Industrial Revolution, which commenced in Great Britain around 1750, rapid developments in textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and mining transformed society. The rise of factories and mechanized production brought economic progress, but it also resulted in widespread exploitation, particularly of children.
Children were employed in factories because they could operate the newly introduced machines with ease and were paid significantly less than adults. They were often subjected to harsh working conditions, long hours, and severe punishment. Many suffered injuries, illnesses, and lifelong disabilities due to unsafe environments and exposure to hazardous conditions. This period remains one of the most tragic chapters in the history of industrial society.
Beyond the factory walls, many children, deprived of education and moral guidance, became vulnerable to crime, poverty, and social neglect. Witnessing this suffering and moral decline among children in the slums of Gloucester, Robert Raikes was deeply moved. He believed that education grounded in Christian values was the most effective means of transforming their lives. Since children worked six days a week and were free only on Sundays, he recognized Sunday as the ideal opportunity to gather them for instruction.
The first Sunday School meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Meredith and subsequently expanded to churches and public spaces. In its early years, the movement was supported financially by Raikes himself. Lay members of the Church served as teachers, and the Bible formed the central textbook of instruction. The Sunday School movement soon spread rapidly throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, becoming a powerful force for social and spiritual transformation.
The influence of Sunday Schools extended far beyond religious instruction. They contributed significantly to the moral and educational development of society. In its article "How Sunday School Shaped Britain" (2 July 2008), the BBC observed that Sunday Schools played an important role in restoring values and positively influencing British society. During the nineteenth century, thousands of children participated in Sunday School processions, often bringing entire city centres to a standstill. Notably, several renowned football clubs, including Everton, Fulham, and Aston Villa, trace their origins to Sunday School movements.
Inspired by this global movement, Sunday Schools gradually began to emerge within the Mar Thoma Church in Kerala. Even before the formal establishment of the Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam in 1905, several parishes had already initiated Sunday School activities. One notable example was the church at Kandanad, where church elders recognized the urgent need for uncompromising Christian education for children and took deliberate steps to promote it. The faithful efforts of our forefathers and mothers, supported and encouraged by missionaries such as Thomas Walker and Bishop Wordsworth, laid the foundation for a vibrant Sunday School ministry within the Church.
A landmark moment in this journey occurred on Saturday, 25 February 1905, when an advisory meeting was convened at the Maramon Convention tent under the chairmanship of Rev. C. P. Philipose. The principal decision of this meeting was to unite the various Sunday Schools functioning within the Mar Thoma community under a common organization, which came to be known as the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Christian Sunday School Samajam. This marked the formal beginning of a movement that has since nurtured countless young believers in their faith and service.
Within the Sunday School, children are introduced to the experience of belonging to the family of God. Through systematic Bible instruction, worship, fellowship, and service, they learn to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ, develop meaningful relationships within the Christian community, and discover and use their God-given gifts and talents. Although the years of childhood pass quickly, the wisdom and values acquired through the study of Scripture continue to guide and strengthen individuals throughout their lives. Thus, Sunday School remains a vital instrument of spiritual growth and discipleship in the life of the Church.
At Bethel Mar Thoma Church, New Delhi
The Sunday School of Bethel Mar Thoma Syrian Church continues to play a significant role in the spiritual formation and Christian education of the younger members of the parish. During the year, the Sunday School was blessed with the active participation of more than 55 students and the dedicated service of 11 teachers. Classes ranging from Nursery to Young Adults are conducted every Sunday following the Holy Qurbana. Each Sunday begins with a common assembly of students and teachers, followed by age-specific classes designed to nurture spiritual understanding and Christian values appropriate to each stage of development.
Throughout the year, students actively participated in the worship life of the Church through Bible readings, offertory collections, and the sharing of God's Word during worship services. These opportunities have enabled the children and youth to develop confidence, deepen their faith, and actively engage in the ministry and mission of the Church.
The Sunday School faculty for the year comprised Ms. Sherin Abraham (Nursery), Mr. Stephin Philip (Beginners), Ms. Rini T. Mathew (Primary), Mrs. Lincy Liju and Mrs. Anee Mathew (Juniors), Ms. Priya Elizabeth Thomas and Mrs. Reeba Mariam Ninan (Intermediate), Mrs. Soja Saramma Mathew and Mr. T. K. Shaji (Seniors), and Mrs. Ani Varghese and Mr. Jijo Alexander (Young Adults). Through their commitment, dedication, and faithful service, these teachers have played an invaluable role in nurturing the spiritual growth, character, and Christian values of the students entrusted to their care.
The Sunday School also organized and actively participated in numerous programmes and activities during the year, including Annual Day celebrations, Talent Competitions, Mid-Term, Annual and Birudh Examinations, Camps and Retreats, Junior Retreat, Vacation Bible School (VBS), World Sunday School Day celebrations, and the Bring and Buy Sale. These programmes provided valuable opportunities for students to strengthen their faith, develop their talents, cultivate fellowship, and participate actively in the life and mission of the Church.
Through their leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts, the office bearers of the Sunday School have contributed significantly to the effective functioning, growth, and continued success of the ministry.
Office Bearers
We thank God for His abundant blessings upon the Sunday School and pray that this ministry may continue to guide, nurture, and inspire future generations in the knowledge and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.