DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1980, 29 June 1880, Page 3

DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.

The commemoration of the centenary of the establishment of Sunday schools commenced under the auspices of this association to-day. One hundred years ago the first regular Sunday school was established in the parish of St. John, Gloucester, by the joint efforts of the Rev. Thomas Stock, curate, and Mr Robert Raikes. Ever since Sunday schools have gone on increasing in number and efficiency every year, until now they are held all over tho world. In England the committee of the Church of England Sunday School Institute propose during this week, with the approval of tho Archbishop and Bishops, to commemorate this important event, and they have appealed to the teachers and friends of Sunday schools to help to make the observance of the centenary an occasion for promoting the efficiency and extension of Sunday schools in tho Church of England throughout the world. A similar appeal is being now made in this diocese by the Bishop and the Diocesan Sunday School Association; to all interested in the progress of this branch of church work, to follow the example sot by the Church Sunday School Institute at home, by observing tho centenary on this side the world. It is hoped that this appeal will meet with a hearty response from church people here, and that all the occasions of the commemoration will be well attended. The commemoration began to-day. Tomorrow (Wednesday) there will be a conversazione in St. John’s schoolroom at 7 p.m. It will consist of an exhibition of interesting objects in science and art, and addresses by the Bishop, the Dean, and Mr J. H. Twentyman, Refreshments will be supplied throughout the evening, and there will be several selections of music rendered by a choir under the direction of Mr Landergan. Arrangements have been made for a special late train to leave for Lyttelton at 11 p.m. The committee have been at work for some time in connection with the conversazione, and it is expected to prove a great success. The commemoration will be brought to a close on Monday next, by a conference of the clergy and Sunday school teachers, in St. Michael’s schoolroom, at 730 p.m. The Bishop will preside, and addresses and discussions on Sunday school topics will constitute tho programme.