Past ministers

Here is some information about past ministers of the church.

1. William Thomas Rickard (1837-1896)

Born Pennycross, Devon.

Founder and first pastor. Minister 1865-1894.

Previously at Hunton Bridge, Herts and Heath Street, Hampstead.

Married to Mary S Rickard. Three children including daughters Mrs Moore and Emily.
Lived in Homelea, The Ridge.
2. J(ames) Sylvester Poulton (1861-1942)

Born Dalston, London.
Studied Spurgeon's Pastor's College.

Second pastor. Minister 1894-1928.

Previously at Winslow and Cote.

Married to Emily Poulton. Six children (Percy, etc).
Lived in Fernleigh, Avenue Villas.
3. Ernest Kennard Alexander (1885-1956)

Born Newport, Monmouthshire.

Third pastor. Minister 1928-1953.

Previously a missionary in the Congo then briefly minister at Highams Park.

Married to F Alexander (nee Clare). A first son died in the Congo. There was also a second, F H Alexander.
Lived in Crewys Road and retired to Nant Road.

4. Leslie Wright (d 1990)

Born ?
Fourth pastor. Minister 1954-1961.

Subsequently at Netherton (61-68?), Potters Bar (69-76) and Clacton (82-90).

Married with children.
Lived in Crewys Road manse.
5. John Lionel Pretlove (b 1939)

Born South West London
Studied Spurgeon's College
Fifth pastor. Minister 1963-1970.

Subsequently ministered in Sheffield then America (Criswell Seminary, Dallas)

Married to Rosemary Violet Wigan from the congregation. Two daughters born while in Childs Hill (and later a son). Later remarried following Rosemary's death.
Lived in Crewys Road manse.
6. Anthony Sandys (d 2007)

Sixth pastor. Minister 1971-1975.

Subsequently involved in various churches and various occupations.

Married to Joy Sandys. At least one child.
Lived in Crewys Road manse.
7. Mark P Sharman (b 1949?)

Studied Trinity, Bristol
Seventh pastor. Minister 1976-1981.

Subsequently ministering in Newcastle. Married to Sandy Sharman. Two children while here, one later.
Lived in Crewys Road manse.