William Rickard 25 Years

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.

Anniversary 1896

On October 31, 1896 The Middlesex Courier reported

Baptist Chapel.—The anniversary of this church was held on Sunday last, when appropriate sermons were preached by the pastor, the Rev. J. Sylvester Poulton, to good congregations both morning and evening. On Tuesday a public tea was held in the British School, when the prettily-arranged tables were well filled with provisions and guests. The evening public meeting was held in the chapel, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. Mr. Herbert Marnham (of Hampstead) took the chair and was supported by the Rev. W. Brock (of Heath Street, Hampstead), Rev. H. B. Murray (of Canterbury Road, Kilburn), and the pastor. A letter was read from the Rev. W. Whittley. (of the Lown Memorial Church, Cricklewood*) expressive of his regret at being absent, which had been occasioned by the sudden and serious illness of a relative. The meeting was a very hearty one throughout, suitable and stirring addresses being given by all the speakers. The report, which was read by the secretary (Mr. J. Moore), showed that a quiet, steady work was being done by the church, and that a decided progress had been made in all the organisations. The pastor expressed the thanks of the church and congregation to the speakers, and to all those friends who by their offerings of money and service had contributed to the success of the anniversary.

*This is the church that began in 1885 as an iron mission chapel in Cricklewood Lane, an outreach of Lyndhurst Rd, Hampstead church 1885. The congregation moved the other side of Cricklewood Broadway to ao brick building, Lown memorial hall in Howard Rd, in 1893. A new chapel in the Gothic style with a tower was opened 1902 in Chichele Rd. In 1903 the attendance was 187 am and 402 pm. By 1978 it had only 21 members and closed. It reopened as a mosque in 1980. 

Anniversary Dates

September 4, 1865 - Arrival of William Rickard to work at Heath Street Home Mission
April 8, 1866 - First Sunday Service in Childs Hill in an upper room of 'The Model Laundry' in The Mead (later Granville Road)
May 20, 1866 - Launch of the Sunday School at Mr Elphick's Laundry in The Mead
January 10, 1867 - Mission Hall opened in The Mead
July 28, 1870 - Foundation stone of present chapel laid (by James Harvey)
November 17, 1870 - Chapel formally opened
June 12, 1877 - Formal founding of the Childs Hill church with the transfer of 63 members from Heath Street, Hampstead
June 24, 1877 - First pastor, William Rickard, formally received

Also note that it was in June, 1861 that the chapel in Heath Street, Hampstead, opened.