Development of SU in Republic of Ireland

The year was 1896, the place, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, a then popular holiday resort for those in Dublin who could afford seaside holidays. Just 25km from Dublin, it was served by mainline train on the Dublin/Rosslare line. Boasting a good beach, it was an ideal venue to host a CSSM type children’s event of the model created by Josiah Spiers at Llandudno just 100km across the Irish Sea some 30 years earlier.

Thus was born the Irish ministry of Scripture Union ~ the name later adopted to replace CSSM. Greystones CSSM became an annual event, continuing to the present time. Social demographics over the past century have changed Greystones from being a holiday resort to a large dormitory town for Dublin. Consequently this annual event now targets local children rather than holiday makers.
The next major phase of SU development in Ireland was in the 1940’s when Rev. E M Neill took on the role of Secretary in Republic of Ireland, expanding SU ministry to run boys’ camps and promotion of SU Bible reading material. During the late 60’s/70’s interest in SU work had grown significantly resulting in the London Council of Scripture Union forming an Advisory Committee (1970) to oversee the work. Then in 1972 this Committee was encouraged during a visit of Mr Nigel Sylvester, General Director of SU England and Wales, with a vision of a full time staff worker. This vision took a first step towards reality when in December 1973 the committee advertised for a ‘Staff Worker for Scripture Union in Republic of Ireland aged between 25-35 years who is likely to be a teacher with other professional qualifications’. Three years of prayer and faith was to pass before God answered in the person of Kingsley Prescott who was appointed Travelling Secretary in 1976.

With the acquisition of Ovoca Manor in 1978 the scene was set for the next major development when on 9th May 1980 Scripture Union Republic of Ireland was established as an autonomous movement by agreement with the British and Irish Regional Council. This was to be the launching pad for SU to grow to the organization it is today. As the Centre at Ovoca was developed, so did the ministry of camps with some 20/30 such events now being run annually. Other ministries which SU have developed include:

• From small beginnings in 1981 the SU book centre at Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, grew to the point when in 1988, SU opened a full retail outlet at 87 Lr. Georges St., Dun Laoghaire. This was quickly succeeded by a further retail outlet at 40/41 Talbot St., Dublin in 1991 following a decision a year earlier by Merrion Press of D’Olier St. to merge with SU.
• The appointment of SU’s first Youth Worker in 1985 signalled entrée to a ministry in schools of all denominations
• Communicating the gospel of Jesus in the 21st century requires flexibility and openness to various media which SU are frequently asked to explore. Projects like Luke the Book and Border Counties Project are examples of how SU can be involved in evangelism in innovative ways.