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THE HISTORY OF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The history of VBS is hard to pin down. Some writers say it began in Hopedale Illinois, in 1894. Others say it began in New York, in 1898, to get children off the streets. Since most sources agree with the roots of VBS beginning in New York, I have chosen to present this view of its history, presented in a blog by Christy Fritts, on April 16, 2024.
The origins of VBS began in New York City’s streets in 1898. Mrs. Virginia Hawes (another source cites the name, Mrs. Walker Ailette Hawes) noticed that when schools let out for the summer, “the streets and open squares in a near section of the East Side swarmed with idle and sometimes unruly children.” Hawes decided that she needed to find a solution. So, she began the first Daily Vacation Bible School where she offered Bible stories and great kindness. It was originally called “Everyday Bible School.” Children sang hymns, made crafts, memorized long passages of scripture, and studied the Bible together. Hawes wrote of the pupils in 1900, “They often surprised us by questions about Scriptures that showed they understood and reasoned about the Word of God. A great many questions were asked about living the Christian life and trying to do His will.”
From the early days of VBS, the gospel has been foundational and available to people of all nationalities. Dr. Robert Boville continued the evangelistic tradition of VBS in 1901 when he launched a VBS movement, first nationally and then internationally. By 1916, VBS was “accepted as one of the established, most blessed means of sowing the gospel seed in places where otherwise it might never fall.”
At first vacation Bible schools were interdenominational, but in the 1920’s most denominations became invested in VBS work. In 1922, a young pastor in Georgia, Homer Grice, decided to hold their first VBS in their new education building. In 1924, Lifeway, then known as the Baptist Sunday School Board, made Grice a job offer. Grice became Lifeway’s first VBS curriculum producer with only a desk and a chair. He hired writers, developed curriculum, and set to work. Grice said the Holy Spirit inspired him with a vision for VBS to reach the multitudes. From there, VBS became a force used by God each summer to reach thousands upon thousands of children for Jesus!
Through the years, Vacation Bible School has continued to bring the gospel to children all over the world. Many of the children put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and have grown up to become Godly men and women, who continue to follow Jesus as adults. Virginia Hawes, Homer Grice, and many other godly people like them have served through VBS to evangelize millions.
Today, Vacation Bible School continues to reach children, teens, and adults with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(From VBS Ministries of India) “Saved to Serve,” is the motto of the South India Biblical Seminary.
VBS found its way to India. VBS in India was started by American missionaries, Rev. Lester and Mary Hamilton, along with Margon, who were serving at the South India Bible Institute (now the South India Biblical Seminary) in Bangarapet, Karnataka. They organized the very first Indian VBS in Kovilpatty, a small village in Tamil Nadu, with seventy-five children.
Since its inception in 1952, the movement has grown drastically. Today, VBS materials are published in multiple languages across India, reaching millions of children each year.
Here are some photographs from our own 2026 Camp Firelight VBS!
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