History of SU
SU was born in the age of societies in 1867. Back then, a young passionate children’s worker Josiah Spiers was running children’s Gospel rallies in the city of London. Whilst on Holidays in Llandudnow, Wales he came across a group of children who were looking a bit bored. He scrawled a simple text, “God is Love” in the sand and began to teach Bible stories.
The next day, as he walked the beach, he was mobbed by eager children, and so once again shared the Good News of Jesus. This experience galvanised a vision in him, and the CSSM (Children’s Special Services Mission) was born. Together with a friend, Tom Bishop, SU commenced holiday missions alongside the rallies all over Britain. Soon Christians all over the country were joining Josiah and Tom in working with children. They were exciting days.
Within a few years, Josiah and Tom (by then dedicated full time to the CSSM) received a letter from Annie Marsden asking them to help her with regular Bible reading aids for children. At first, neither Josiah nor Tom wanted to be distracted from their outreach work. However Annie persisted and finally, they agreed. The Scripture Union was born! It spread like wildfire. Soon thousands upon thousands of children were learning the Bible using the Scripture Union method. Subscriptions helped to cover the cost of printing.
It didn’t take long for the idea to catch on in other countries. In 1879, Rev H.B. McCartney, the Rector of St Mary’s Anglican Church in Caulfield, Melbourne wrote to Josiah and Tom asking for permission to start The Scripture Union in Australia. Within a few years, hundreds of volunteer ‘chapters’ sprang into life all over Australia and New Zealand, and at its peak, over 50,000 were members. This led to holiday missions and camps.
Today, SU is a worldwide phenomenon in over 140 countries. In Australia, SU has around 600 staff, and deploys around 8000 volunteers each year. It runs around 90 holiday missions, 140 camps and operates in over 700 schools. This movement has been influencial on the leadership of local churches and continues to be a voice for excellent ministry to children, young people and families.
