Samuel Crooks facts for kids

Samuel Bennett Crooks was an important church leader known as the Dean of Belfast. He held this special role in the Belfast Cathedral for 15 years, from 1970 to 1985. He is especially remembered for starting a famous Christmas tradition called the "Black Santa" sit-out, which raises money for people in need.

Who Was Samuel Crooks?

Samuel Crooks was born on January 20, 1920. His family was very involved in the church. His father, the Reverend S. B. Crooks, was also a church leader, serving as a Rector in different places in Northern Ireland.

Early Life and Education

Samuel went to school at Down High School. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin, which is a famous university in Ireland. These schools helped prepare him for his future work in the church.

A Life in the Church

Samuel Crooks became a priest in 1944. He worked in several important church positions throughout his life.

• He started as a Vicar at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
• Later, he became the Rector of St John’s in Orangefield.
• He then moved to Christ Church Lurgan, which was the largest church parish in the Church of Ireland at the time.
• He also served as a Rural Dean in Hillsborough and an Archdeacon in Dromore.

In 1970, Samuel Crooks became the Dean of Belfast. This was a very important leadership role at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast. He stayed in this position for 15 years, until 1985.

The Black Santa Tradition

While he was the Dean of Belfast, Samuel Crooks started a special Christmas event. He would sit outside the Cathedral every year, dressed in his black clerical robes, to collect money for local charities. People started calling him the "Black Santa." This tradition became very popular and continues to help many people today. You can learn more about it here: Black Santa.

Honored for His Work

Samuel Crooks received several honors for his dedication and service.

• In 1976, he was made a Chaplain of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem. This is a royal order that recognizes people for their service, especially in healthcare and humanitarian work.
• In 1981, he was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). This is a high honor given by the British monarch to people who have made a big difference in their community.

Remembering Samuel Crooks

Samuel Crooks passed away in 1986 at the age of 66. He was in a car accident near Carryduff while on his way to a meeting at Belfast Cathedral.

In December 2014, a special blue plaque was put up in his memory at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast. These plaques are placed by the Ulster History Circle to remember important people and events in Ulster's history. It helps people remember his important contributions to the community.