An English woman has been honored for her official recognition as the world’s longest serving Sunday school teacher at her local church — notching up 73 years and counting.
Guinness World Records first officially recognised Pam Knowles, longstanding Sunday school teacher at St Anne’s, Aigburth, Liverpool on Jan. 12 for serving at that time for 73 years and 104 days. She is still teaching.
St Anne’s church held a presentation to mark Knowles’ hard work and achievement on July 13, the final Sunday of the school term, according to a Diocese of Liverpool tribute posted the day after the celebration.
Rev. Ian Greenwood, outgoing vicar of the church who is relocating to Christ Church Aughton this summer, spoke of the Sunday school teacher’s “incredible dedication to St Anne’s” at the presentation.
“Pam remains a much-loved and deeply respected figure in the life of St Anne’s,” stated the tribute.
“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 third 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.”
At the presentation, members of the congregation gave gifts to the Sunday school teacher and there was a special token of appreciation from the Education Team at the Diocese of Liverpool. She cut a celebratory cake especially designed for her achievement and was given a bouquet of flowers.
The news announcement by the Diocese of Liverpool noted that her son successfully applied for recognition for the teaching record. The previous record had been held by an unnamed woman in the U.S. who also recorded 70 years but less teaching time than Knowles.
Knowles first began her voluntary work as a Sunday School teacher at St Anne’s in September 1951, when she was herself a teenager.
“She has continuously served the church for an astonishing 73 years, a number that will reach 74 years by the end of this school term,” said the church news announcement.
Knowles 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, according to the news announcement.
“How wonderful it was to celebrate Pam Knowles- the Guinness World Record holder for the longest serving Sunday school teacher- at our service this morning. We are so grateful for your 73 years(+) of children's ministry to St Anne's,” stated the church in a Facebook post.
