From The Middlesex Courier, October 17, 1890.
CHILD'S HILL. BAPTIST CHAPEL.—The 25th Anniversary Services in connexion with this Chapel were held on Sunday last, when two sermons were preached, that in the morning by the Rev. W. Rickard, the pastor, and that in the evening by the Rev. G. D. Hooper, of Hendon, to large and appreciative congregations. On Monday evening a public tea meeting was held in the schoolroom to which a large number sat down. After tea an organ recital was given in the chapel, followed by a public meeting, presided over by Mr. B. H. Lyon, an interesting feature of which was the presentation of a beautiful illustrated address accompanied by a cheque for 200 guineas, to the Rev. W. Rickard in appreciation of his long and faithful services, as pastor of the church for 25 years. The Secretary Mr. Thomas Roberts having read the address, the chairman in a few well chosen remarks, then presented it to Mr. Rickard. It was as follows;—
To the Reverend William Rickard, on the completion of 25 years ministry at Child's Hill Baptist Chapel.
Dear Sir.—
As we review your quarter of a century of loving service in this part of the Master's Vineyard our hearts are full of gratitude to our heavenly father for inspiring you with such untiring devotion. You have preached the Word with great clearness, faithfulness and force, and your ministry has been constantly marked with the fervent aim of rousing conscience and driving the sinner from all false hiding places to Christ, and of leading the Saints to a livelier walk with God. And whilst this part of pastoral work has been nobly done you have never neglected to visit us in our homes, being to us at all times of need, Counsellor, Comforter and Friend. We are not forgetful also that this service has been rendered oft-times by you in the midst of great weakness and suffering, and as we think of this our hearts are touched with the deepest sympathy towards you in your present weakness and our prayer is that God may grant you renewed strength for future work. We recognise gratefully the blessing you have proved to Child's Hill for you have not only been the principal instrument in founding the Baptist Church here 25 years ago but you have undertaken the burden of establishing and finding the funds to carry on the day school where many hundreds of children have been educated. You have started and carried on very successfully for over 20 years, Provident Clubs for men and women which have encouraged thrift and afforded help to hundreds of families in times of sorrow and need. As a token of respect for you and of appreciation of your work, we desire, on behalf of the Subscribers, to present you with this address and a cheque for £210. We are, dear Sir, Yours faithfully. Deacons of Childs Hill Baptist Church, Richard Keevil, James T. Cox, E. L. K. Muir, John Gillard, George W. Clark, Thos. Roberts, (Secretary), Benj. A. Lyon, (Treasurer of the Fund). 13th Oct. 1890.
— Mr. Rickard in reply said he could hardly thank them sufficiently for the beautiful present, and in a few brief remarks said that he hoped his strength would be spared for many years of work amongst them in the future. Addresses were also delivered by the Revs. W. Brock, G. D. Hooper, and F. B. Monk, Messrs. W. R, Ricketts, C. Richards, and W. T. Roberts. The Vicar of Childs Hill also sent his best wishes, accompanied by a book entitled "The Life of a Soul in the World." The collections which were taken at each of the services were in aid of the Church Funds.
BAPTIST CHAPEL.— The temperance meetings for the forthcoming season were began on Wednesday evening last in the British Schoolroom, when an entertainment was given by the Chapel choir and friends, and consisted of solos and duets, quartets and choruses, recitations and were well rendered. Amongst others, a recitation by Miss F. Watts, a solo by Miss Russell, and a comic song; by Mr. Barratt were well done. Altogether a very attractive programme has been got together, and the meetings will be held each alternate Wednesday, in the British Schoolroom.
