The second pastor at Childs Hill, following Mr Rickard’s retirement in 1894, was a man by the name of J Sylvester Poulton. Mr Poulton was born in Dalston, London, in 1861. His father was the principal of a private schoo1 - but he died when his son was only 10. No doubt that caused the boy to give some serious thought to life, but it was eventually the splendid singing of a large Baptist Mission that attracted him to the gospel. He began attending regularly when he was 15 and dated his conversion to a particular service two years later when he was 17.
It seems that from that moment he throw himself into the work of preaching the gospel with great enthusiasm. He preached in various lodging houses, work houses and mission halls, as well as engaging in open-air work.
At the ago of 19 he became a member of Vernon Baptist Chapel, Kings Cross. There he was very much influenced by the preaching of the minister, Rev C B Sawday. At the time one of London’s leading Baptist Churches met in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Elephant and Castle. The Tabernacle had been built in 1860 to house the vast congregations that flocked to hear the Rev C H Spurgeon. Several helpful agencies were commenced by Spurgeon, including and Evangelists Association, which Mr Poulton joined. It was in connection with this association that Mr Poulton first came to Childs Hill, in February 1882, to lead a series of special evangelistic meetings. Little did those who heard him that week realise that he would later be pastor of the church for more than 30 years.
It seems that from that moment he throw himself into the work of preaching the gospel with great enthusiasm. He preached in various lodging houses, work houses and mission halls, as well as engaging in open-air work.
At the ago of 19 he became a member of Vernon Baptist Chapel, Kings Cross. There he was very much influenced by the preaching of the minister, Rev C B Sawday. At the time one of London’s leading Baptist Churches met in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Elephant and Castle. The Tabernacle had been built in 1860 to house the vast congregations that flocked to hear the Rev C H Spurgeon. Several helpful agencies were commenced by Spurgeon, including and Evangelists Association, which Mr Poulton joined. It was in connection with this association that Mr Poulton first came to Childs Hill, in February 1882, to lead a series of special evangelistic meetings. Little did those who heard him that week realise that he would later be pastor of the church for more than 30 years.
