In honor of Suffragan Bishop Edward R. Sofer

Our own “Mr. Sunday School”

Because of his love for the Bible, Suffragan Bishop Sofer clearly earned the nickname of “Mr. Sunday School.” On November 1, 1969, the officers and directors of the National Sunday School Association went forward with a plan to publish Sunday School literature and selected (then) Brother Edward Sofer as managing editor of the Department of Publications.

After serving as the First Vice President, District Elder Sofer became the President of the PAW Sunday School Department (now called the ICEA) in 1971. His inspiration and vision for church leadership and Christian education led to the assignment of a Director of Public Relations as well as the institution of an auxiliary newsletter and the annual Communicator. Under his administration the system of regional leadership was also established.

Suffragan Bishop Sofer served in office as President of the ICEA from 1971 until 1977; and again from 1983 until 1989. During this term, he instituted an award program for the recognition of Sunday School teachers and superintendents across the country. His organizational skills led to his defining a system of Presidential support staff members where he identified some of the best and brightest Christian Educators in the PAW. They became his think tank and learned from him leadership and organizational skills that continue to inspire the development of Christian Education in the ICEA.

His understanding that the PAW must be more inclusive of the issues and concerns as part of its educational ministry led to the auxiliary name change from Sunday School to Christian Education Association.

During the 2008 Summer Convention, the ICEA installed “The Edward R. Sofer Chair presentation.

A “chair” is an academic honor awarded to a scholar or teacher in recognition of past and potential original contributions to the individual’s academic discipline. In a university setting, a chair is an elite faculty position. By its very nature the establishment of a chair calls for the highest in academic rigor and attracts to its forum the best and brightest minds in the field

The Edward R. Sofer Chair was installed as part of the ICEA’s educational endeavors and will be implemented through the ICEA and the regions that Suff. Bishop Sofer developed and loved. Given his works, this is a fitting tribute and an opportunity to further his legacy and concerns for the success of the ICEA and the P.A.W.

This year we are honored to once again have our former presider of the P.A.W., Bishop Horace Smith M.D. who will be doing a part-two session entitled “Healthy Spirit, Soul & Body”.