A Sunday School teacher from Merseyside has become a record holder for being the world’s longest-serving person at the same institution.
Pam Knowles has been teaching three-five year olds every Sunday at St Anne’s Church Aigburth since 1951. The record was verified by Guinness World Records in January after she had been there for 73 years and 104 days. The previous record of 70 years was held by a woman in the United States. Pam’s record was made possible thanks to her son, who submitted the application.
Over the decades, Pam has held numerous roles at St Anne’s, all centred around education. She served as Sunday School Superintendent for more than 40 years and has been a longstanding member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). When St Anne’s had a thriving choir, well known for its tours across the UK and Europe, Pam regularly accompanied them as a church leader, helping to ensure trips ran smoothly and safely.
Reflecting on her latest achievement she told The Church Times that children’s behaviour had changed since she started teaching at the Sunday School:
“They’re not naughty naughty. They like to move about a lot more than children used to…
“I just love the children. I love telling stories.
“We start from the very beginning with Adam and Eve — they always love the Garden story, and Noah’s ark and Daniel in the lions’ den — and continue on through the Old and New Testaments. We do a bit of singing and handwork — they love colouring — and have some play time, and then we go back into church for the end of the service.”
Pam’s certificate is now being displayed at St Anne’s and to mark the achievement, the church held a special celebration where she was presented with gifts from the congregation and a special token of appreciation from the Education Team at the Diocese of Liverpool.
The diocese posted on its website: ‘Pam remains a much-loved and deeply respected figure in the life of St Anne’s. She still to this day never misses a Sunday School class and continues to inspire children week after week. Her teaching has touched multiple generations, having taught grandparents, their children, and now the 3rd generation. Pam truly stands at the heart of church life in St Anne’s, a remarkable role model, and a real hero in the eyes of the Diocese of Liverpool.’