Sunday School

In the 1780’s, poor children in England were more likely to be found working 12–hour shifts on dangerous factory jobs than at comfortable desks in nicely–appointed classrooms. Robert Raikes started his first school for the children of chimney sweeps in Sooty Alley, Gloucester (opposite the city prison) in 1780. Described as ‘cheery, talkative, flamboyant and warm-hearted (Kelly 1970: 75), Raikes was able to use his position as proprietor and editor of the Gloucester Journal to publicize the work. After his first editorial in 1783, schools spread ‘with astonishing rapidity’ (op. cit.) In 1785 an undenominational national organization, the Sunday School Society, was set up to co-ordinate and develop the work. By 1784 there were said to be 1800 pupils in Manchester and Salford, and Leeds the same. Significantly, ‘it was a characteristic of Sunday schools in both the North of England and in Wales that they were attended by adults as well as children (Kelly 1970: 76)

CSI Cochin Diocese Sunday School

Present Gn. Secretary: Rev. Mathew George

Sunday School Worker: Mr. Seby N. P.

Office Work/ Assistant: Mr. Jose K Mathew