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140th Annual Sunday School Convention set May 5
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Note the ribbon convention badges being worn. Front row left to right: Tillman Arnsdorff, Mattie A. (Thomas), Marie A. (Hinely), Hattie Gnann Arnsdorff (holding Cecil), Gertrude A.(Ritter), Lawrence A.?, J. Claude Arnsdorff (holding James A.), Ollie Arnsdorff, Anna Julia A. (Bragg) and Bertie Arnsdorff. 2nd row: George Arnsdorff, Emma (Zittrouer) Arnsdorff, Ella W. Arnsdorff, Albert Arnsdorff (holding Grace A.[Ritter]), Father - David B. Arnsdorff, Mother - Julia Malette Arnsdorff, Johnny Arnsd

The 140th Annual Convention of the Sunday School Association of Effingham County will be held on Sunday, May 5 at 10 a.m., with participating Sunday Schools ready to march under the tabernacle at 9:45 a.m. The convention will once again be held at the historic Effingham County Methodist Campground on south Laurel Street in Springfield.

The Rev. P.H. Crumpler, a Methodist, is more or less given credit for forming the Effingham County Sunday School Association. It is said that at the close of Methodist Camp Meeting, he expressed a desire to invite other churches and Sunday Schools to join together for a meeting. The first Sunday School Association of Effingham County was held on Wednesday, May 28, 1879 at the Methodist Campground in Springfield. Of the 25 Sunday Schools in the county, 15 were represented.  

With this being the Lutheran’s year to host the convention, President Richard Hall of Bible Lutheran Church has secured Rev. Chip Reynolds, pastor of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Braunfels, Texas to be the guest speaker. New Braunfels, Texas is situated directly in between San Antonio and Austin, Texas in the Texas Hill Country.  Pastor Chip is in his fourth year there as Pastor of Faith Formation working with all the education programs from Pre-school through Adult Sunday School and Small Groups.  He also serves as a Chaplain in the Texas Army National Guard and will be leaving for a one year overseas assignment in November.  Pastor Chip also enjoyed time in the school classroom teaching English, Theatre, Speech, Debate and coached high school soccer.   

You are invited to bring a basket dinner to share as several churches gather every year for dinner on the grounds and fellowship. 

President Richard Hall and Secretary Stuart Exley invite you to be a part of this historic event as we gather with fellow Christians to worship God and carry on an Effingham County tradition. If your Sunday School is interested in participating, please contact Stuart Exley at (912) 754-3402.


This was written by Susan Exley from Historic Effingham Society. If you have photos or historical information to share contact her at 912-754-6681 or email hesheraldexley@aol.com.