Perfect attendance in Sunday School for any length of time is rather unusual these days, but for Irene Box Anderson of First Baptist Church, Sulligent, it is quite normal.
Anderson has taught the first-and second-grade department at First, Sulligent, for more than 43 years without missing a Sunday and shows no sign of slowing down.
She recently celebrated her 73rd birthday, and her commitment to the church’s children remains as strong as ever. She even refers to her students as her “adopted children.” After so many years of teaching, she has been a mother figure to many church members. Her affection for her students is so strong that she gets sad when they promote to the third grade.
“It’s just such a blessing to me,” Anderson said. “It seems like I miss a meal if I don’t attend. I just have to get to church on time.”
Anderson’s dedication has not wavered even through the loss of loved ones, sickness or surgery.
In February 1977, Anderson convinced her doctors to change her scheduled surgery and recovery so she could teach.
“I don’t do it to show off, and it’s not a duty,” Anderson said. “I just love the Lord, and I do it with the love of my heart.”
First, Sulligent, member and former student Natalie Carruth remembers Anderson’s teaching and faithfulness. “ She would end each lesson with the chorus, ‘Into my heart,’ and she would give her students a silver dollar each Christmas.” These traditions continued with two of Carruth’s children.
Anderson’s commitment has also been a positive influence in Carruth’s adult Christian journey. “She sets a very steadfast example of what a Sunday school teacher and church member should be,” Carruth said. “She is a special lady to many people.”
Jeff Chaffin, minister of music and youth at First, Sulligent, has seen Anderson’s dedication inspire other church members. “People see she is committed to be here,” he said. “She doesn’t just show up, she teaches,” he explained. “She proves that the small things that get in our way, don’t have to.” Anderson extends her affection beyond her students to include the whole church. “I appreciate my church family. They have been by me through thick and thin,” she said. I’ve never had a church family like them. They are my family,” she said.
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