History of SCEC
1780 Sunday School Movement started by Robert Raikes.
1803 London Sunday School Union formed.
1812 Sheffield Sunday School Union formed.
Springing from the recognition of an urgent need to provide for the religious education of the youth of Sheffield and with a view to assisting those who gave themselves to the work, Mr. George Bennett suggested to a meeting held on 19th June 1812, "that a good understanding and exchange of ideas among all engaged in the Sunday Schools of Sheffield might be of very blessed and beneficial results."
At the first meeting held on 12th June 1812, one of the friends suggested "that it would be a delightful thing for all those who are engaged in the blessed work of Sunday Schools in this town to meet together once a year for a mutual communication and encouragement."
Within 3 months the Sheffield Sunday School Union was formed and Rules for the Union were formulated and adopted. The objectives of the Union were as follows:
To stimulate and encourage each other in the education and religious instruction of the young and by mutual communication to improve the methods of instruction as far as may be done without interfering with the rules deemed essential by each member.
To begin with there were 7 schools in membership, but they contained 400 teachers and 3000 scholars. It is interesting to note that when the Union was formed, Sunday Schools were teaching both adults and children to read, thus providing education which was otherwise only available to children of the upper classes.
In the first ten years, membership increased to 50, and included schools from as far away as Mexborough, Swinton and Thurgoland.
Today some 140 Churches are in membership from an area of 150 square miles.
1813 The first Annual General Meeting was held on Whit. Monday as laid down in the Rules, on Land now known as Barkers Pool and was followed by an indoor service at Norfolk Street Methodist Chapel, (replaced by Victoria Hall).
1858 First outdoor Whitsuntide sing held in Norfolk Park.
1862 Golden Jubilee celebrations held in Norfolk Park. Newspapers reported an attendance of 50,000-60,000. Start of 5 yearly gatherings.
1886 The Montgomery Hall building, the home of the Sheffield Sunday School Union was ready for Business in July. It was built on land purchased from Sheffield Corporation at a cost of £15000 (including the land and furnishings).
The Hall was named after James Montgomery, who, as one of Sheffield's most prominent citizens, was involved in the work of the Union almost from day 1. As a great poet and hymn writer he was well qualified to be involved with the work. James Montgomery became the first Secretary, responsible for drawing up the first Annual Report and for most of the next 25. He was also President for many years.
1910 The larger of the two halls was modified and adapted into a theatre.
1940‑48 The Montgomery Hall Building was used by Sheffield City Council for the Public Assistance Department.
1949 The Lower Hall in the building was leased to Tuckwoods, who opened a Cafe.
1968 The Sheffield Sunday School Union changed its name to The Sheffield Christian Education Council. The main reason for this change was that many Churches had ceased to use the name "Sunday School" also for many years the conviction had been growing that Christian Education was relevant to all age groups and not just the groups of school age.
1971 The Theatre part of the building was completely destroyed by fire and Tuckwoods Restaurant suffered severe water damage. The Trustees and Management Committee took the decision to rebuild, and with some financial help from the Sheffield City council, a modern fully equipped Theatre was opened the following year.
1986 The Centenary of the opening of the Montgomery building was celebrated with a special programme of events, together with the publication of a brochure, which contained details of Council activities and a history of the Montgomery Hall.
2002 A new Constitution and Rules agreed by the Council, and confirmed with the Charity Commission, but still with the same Purpose and Objectives. A new Board of Managing Trustees appointed.
2004 On 30th April, a service was held in Sheffield Cathedral to celebrate 150 years since the death of James Montgomery.