(Photo: Church of England)
In a remarkable achievement, an 87-year-old woman from Liverpool has been acknowledged by Guinness World Records as “the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher.”
Pam Knowles began her journey at St Anne’s Church in Aigburth back in 1951 when she was just 13 years old.
This year, Pam celebrates another significant milestone: her 75th Christmas nativity at the church.
Throughout her tenure, Pam has witnessed the leadership of 16 prime ministers and two monarchs, yet her enthusiasm for educating young Christians remains unwavering.
In a conversation with the Church of England, Pam highlighted the integral role St Anne’s Church has played in her life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married there, and also celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary with her late husband in the same church.
“My calling has and always will be to St Anne’s. I just love the church!” she expressed.
Her first step into teaching was encouraged by the church’s superintendent. After successfully passing a test from the Diocese of Liverpool, Pam was granted permission to manage a children’s group.
Reflecting on her extensive experience, Pam shared that while the essence of Sunday school remains unchanged, classic stories like the birth of Jesus, Jonah and the whale, and the garden of Eden continue to captivate the children.
“I think little children can relate to these stories and they often bring their own innocent take on the Bible, which is just wonderful,” she said.
She also observed, “I’ve noticed children aren’t quite so well behaved as they used to be – they run around a bit more now, I guess it’s a bit more relaxed.”
Over the years, many of the children she taught have grown up and started families of their own.
“It doesn’t feel like I’ve been doing this for 74 years, some days I feel like I’m only just starting, as there’s new children all the time. It was great to be recognised by the Guinness Book of Records – my son has hung the certificate near the front door in the hall for visitors to see, he’s very proud!”
“At the moment, I don’t intend to stop doing this. I still have a lot of energy and I’m just as enthusiastic about it now as when I started!” Pam added, reflecting her enduring dedication.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
