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.

Tony Sandys

Anthony Sandys, the sixth pastor. Minister 1971-1975.

Tony studied at London Bible College and Childs Hill was his first charge. After various moves Tony and Joy ended up in Wales, in Cwmtwrch, where Tony was part of the eldership team in a local church. He went to be with the Lord early in 2007.