Sunday School can be defined as a ministry of Christian formation designed to teach children and youth about the Bible, Christian faith (in age-appropriate ways) and, in the Episcopal Church, Episcopal doctrine and traditions. It provides a foundation for spiritual growth. By combining Bible stories, prayer, and hands-on activities (crafts, games, service projects, skits that reinforce the lessons), it helps children to experience God’s love and to integrate faith into their lives.
Sunday School has been an integral mission in the Church of the Holy Trinity since its first service was held in the house at 306 N. Gilmor Street. According to the first priest, the Rev.Otis Glazebrook, “…the first service was held Sunday 11 A.M., Oct. 17th, 1875, – a Sunday School having been organized an hour before.” The growth of the congregation and Sunday School were major factors in the building of a new edifice at the current location, W. Lafayette and Wheeler Avenues, in 1921.
Holy Trinity was reestablished as a “negro congregation” in 1953 and the Rev. Van Bird became the vicar. According to a 1953 survey and analysis conducted by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, there were 201 communicants and 68 in the Sunday School; the following year, 1954, the Sunday School enrollment had increased to 90 students. Sunday School classes were held from September through June, beginning at 9:15 a.m., in the church Undercroft.
In 1970, under the leadership of Rev. Robert Powell, the construction of the Education annex was completed. Spaces specifically designed as classrooms were now available in the annex; and, beginning in September 1970, Sunday School classes were held in these new classrooms.
In March 2020, Bishop Eugene Sutton suspended in-person worship and other activities in the Maryland Diocese because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a brief hiatus, Sunday School classes resumed in December 2020; classes were held virtually (via Zoom) on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Students logged in from Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and various areas in Maryland.
Even though the pandemic “officially” has ended and in-person gatherings have resumed, the Sunday School continues to hold classes virtually and still attracts many students residing outside of the Baltimore metro area.