The following notice appeared in The Middlesex Courier for February 1, 1896 on Page 4.
CHILD'S HILL. Funeral of the Rev. W.
Rickard—On Saturday last the funeral of the Rev. W. Rickard took
place. The reverend gentleman had for the' past thirty years laboured
for the - Nonconformist cause in Child's Hill, and just over twelve
months ago was compelled, through ill health, to give up his work. It
was felt by those who knew him that the end was gradually
approaching, and on Tuesday, the 22nd inst., notwithstanding a
painful operation, he breathed his last. If 'anything were needed to
show the universal respect and love to which Child's Hill residents
regarded Mr. Rickard, it was in the vast crowd of all denominations
which assembled on Saturday in the Baptist Chapel to pay their last
adieus to their departed minister and friend. The service was
conducted by the Rev. W. Brock, of Hampstead, and after a very
impressive ceremony the funeral cortege moved in the direction of
Marylebone Cemetery, at Finchley, where the remains of the loved
pastor were laid to rest. The coffin was surrounded with wreaths, and
many were the expressions of sympathy. On Sunday a memorial service
was held in the chapel at Child's Hill, when the Rev. J. S. Poulton
was present (but unable to preach through a bad cold), but the Rev.
W. Brock preached an eloquent sermon to the crowded congregation. He
dwelt on the virtues of Mr. Rickard, and urged upon all the necessity
of perfection in this worldly state, to fit ourselves for the
glorious hereafter.
