Billy Wynne (minister) facts for kids

Robert William Maurice (Billy) Wynne (1919–2000) was a special kind of church minister in Ireland. He is best known for starting the Samaritans organisation in the Republic of Ireland. This group helps people who are feeling sad, lonely, or struggling with difficult thoughts.

Billy Wynne's Journey

Early Life and Education

Billy Wynne went to school at Portora Royal School and Kingstown Grammar School. He left school when he was 15 to work in a seed shop in Dublin. Four years later, he decided to study to become a minister.

He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1944. After becoming a deacon, he worked in different churches. He served in Clontarf and Rathmines. In 1952, he became the Rector of Delgany in Co. Wicklow. Later, in 1958, he moved to Monkstown, Co. Dublin. His last church was St. Ann's in central Dublin, where he worked from 1979 to 1987.

Starting the Samaritans in Ireland

The idea for the Samaritans in Dublin began in 1959. Billy Wynne had written a letter to a friend who needed help. This letter was seen by Chad Varah, who had started the Samaritans in England. Chad Varah asked Billy if he would start a similar service in Ireland. Billy Wynne was very keen to help.

At first, Billy Wynne answered most of the phone calls himself. Slowly, his friends and people from his church joined in to help. In 1970, the Dublin branch of the Samaritans officially opened. They used a temporary place on Kildare Street.

Facing Challenges

Starting the Samaritans in Ireland was not easy. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, John Charles McQuaid, thought such a service was not needed. He believed that church leaders of all faiths were already good at helping people in trouble. He felt there was no need for a new group.

However, by the time the Dublin branch opened, some important Roman Catholics were involved. They included Rev. John F. Brennan SJ and Vincent Grogan SC. This showed that many people believed in the Samaritans' mission.

Helping the Community in Other Ways

Starting the Samaritans was just one of Billy Wynne's ideas to help people. In the 1960s, he created a 'Friendly Room' at Monkstown's church hall. It was a place where anyone could come to talk, listen to music, and share coffee. It didn't matter what their religion was; everyone was welcome.

When he was at St. Ann's Church, he expanded its work even more. The church started helping people with practical things. This included advice on housing and social support. They also offered counselling and other services. Billy Wynne truly wanted to help people in a "practical way."

Awards and Recognition

Billy Wynne's dedication to helping others was widely recognised. In 1977, he became a Canon of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. This is a very important church in Ireland.

He also received several awards for his work. In 1983, he got a People of the Year Award. In 1988, he received a Lord Mayor of Dublin's Millennium Award. In 1996, he was given an honorary Doctorate in Laws from Trinity College Dublin.

Why Billy Wynne Helped Others

Billy Wynne understood what it was like to struggle. He once remembered a young person from his church who seemed to be having very difficult thoughts. He realised this person had no one to talk to. He also knew from his own life what it felt like to feel very sad or depressed. This personal experience made him want to help others.

Billy Wynne was known for being a bit different. One of his friends said he was "unpredictable." He would sometimes use toy airplanes, tennis balls, or even a bicycle to make a point during his church talks! Even though he was seen as unusual, Billy Wynne saw himself as someone who wasn't afraid to try new things and "break old moulds."

After he retired in 1987, he continued to write. He wrote a column for the Irish Times newspaper. These columns were later published as a book. He also helped an organisation called the Missions to Seamen, which supports sailors.

Billy Wynne's Family

Billy Wynne was born on April 12, 1919. His family had strong ties to the Church of Ireland. His father, Rev. George Robert Llewellyn Wynne, and his grandfather, Archdeacon Robert Wynne, were also ministers. His mother, Alice Deane, came from a family in Barbados.

On April 26, 1949, Billy Wynne married Cecil Florence Collins. They had three sons: John, Peter, and Stephen.

His family came from Hazelwood House in Co. Sligo. Billy Wynne once said his family was "staunchly unionist." This meant they strongly supported the union with Britain. In 1984, he explained that the Protestant community in the Republic of Ireland had only recently started to feel truly at home in the country. He remembered his father's fear when de Valera, a republican leader, came to power in 1932. His father even put their furniture in storage and thought about moving to England! However, his father stayed in Ireland until he died in 1945.

Billy Wynne passed away on January 17, 2000. His funeral was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin on January 20. During the service, Canon Cecil Hyland said that Billy Wynne's most important quality was his compassion. He said that because Billy Wynne "struggled within himself," he was able to help others with their own struggles.