Ernest Hilton - Ancestor Template by son Michael Hilton

As with all family ancestors, I sent out what I called "Ancestor Templates" to family members who were still alive and might remember them, or stories about them. This particular template was answered and filled out by his son, my Uncle Michael.

General Information

Name of person answering: Mike Hilton

Relation to ancestor: Son

Name of Ancestor: Ernest Frederick Hilton

Name of ancestor’s parents and siblings: George Hilton and Clara Hilton nee Drakeley

Siblings were: Jessie Irene; Winifred May; George Stanley; Kenneth; Maurice; Evelyn Joyce.

Please note that I have birth and death details for most.

General Facts

Birth Date: 11th August 1923

Address/es: Spinning School Lane Tamworth, Edward Street Tamworth, Barcroft St Cleethorpes and finally 55 Richmond Road, Cleethorpes. There may have been others when he was in the Navy. He was stationed at Hartlepool before moving to Grimsby. I also believe he stayed with Phyllis Hedison when he first came to Cleethorpes. She was May’s friend and made the cake for their wedding.

Date of death: 24th March 2003.

Physical appearance

Height: 5' 10''

Hair colour: Dark or black? Turned white instead of grey when he was older.

Eye colour: Not sure

Anything else distinctive? He did have a large nose which was typical of the Drakeley side of the family.

Memories

What was their favourite food? He ate anything and everything. He always finished off food that needed eating and I remember him having bread and dripping. Nothing special though.

What was their favourite pastime? Like May, he enjoyed gardening. Like me he was not very good at DIY even though he did try carpentry in early days after the war. He enjoyed sport and had played football until he broke his leg playing for the Post Office. In later years he took up Bowls and the club instituted a prize in his name. Christine and I attended the celebration. He liked watching sport but it was not an obsession with him. He even started a computer course with Auntie Edna Timpson. Mum and Dad used to play tennis when younger.

What did they like to read (If anything)? He was not a great reader but obviously the Bible and papers.

What is your favourite memory of them, when did it happen?  There are many. I was always closer to my Mum when younger but after May died he came out of his shell and loved seeing his grandchildren and nieces etc.

What are some things you did together and when? Holidays most years, and of course going to church at Elim. He did go to the football once but that was enough. After Mum died he loved coming to Kenilworth

Can you share one funny story? There were quite a few. One holiday we came across a written statement on the beach that said Ernest was a lump. it obviously wasn't him but we teased him a lot. Trying to follow road directions was not easy (Chris interjected that she always remember when they went on Holiday that May would get annoyed because he always got lost.) for him and once he left the car on a patch of green in Skegness only to find on return there was a cricket match going on around it.

Can you share one serious story? When he came to Kenilworth he stayed in Bed and breakfast and the last time I saw him he was looking out of the window waiting for me to pick him up. For some reason I felt very sad for him and now I know why. Also not long after Mum died he stayed with Maurice in Southwold and was taken ill. What I didn't know was that he was diagnosed with a heart problem and was advised to have an operation. He chose not to and never let us know. Whether he was frightened, didn't want to worry us or just didn't want to prolong his life we will never know.

What was your favourite thing about them? His patience with Mum. She was often ill  as you know and took her frustrations out on him at times. He rarely let it get to him and although he knew he was not her intellectual equal he was most times happy and loved her very much.

Here are some of the pictures that Uncle Michael has also been able to provide.

Circa 1944

Ernest and May in front of the Humber Bridge, which joined the
north and south side of the river Humber in the U.K.

Ernest and his son Michael.

Ernest playing the accordion

Other notes:

1. Uncle Michael is the genealogist of this side of the family. He has done a lot of research on Ernest's side of the family. Many of my notes, stories and pictures from this side of the family come from Uncle Michael.

2. I love that addresses are provided. The 1921 census is not accessible by the public until 2021. I have not yet researched the pre WW2 survey that was done of the U.K, therefore these addresses are the best I can find of their location.

3. It is interesting that Grandad only went to on football game. From what Uncle Michael has told me, he actually helped build the foundation of the Grimsby Town stadium at Blundell Park. The atmosphere at a typical football game in the U.K is very different to American sports games which tend to have a much more family friendly atmosphere.

Interviewing Auntie Winnie: Part 2

Today I am posting the second half of my interview with Auntie Winnie back in 2013.
The first half can be read here.

Do you have any personal stories you would like to share? Any memorable events/occasions?

Your Grandad was a very pleasant lad, he used to play with children in the street and play very happily. They made their own pleasure with hoops and marbles and tracking around the streets. It was safe in those days. We all had a very happy life and he joined Crusaders(1) which he loved and he used to play the organ some Sunday evenings. One Pastor who used to come to mams a lot always used to chase your grandad under the table was great uncle Maurice, and we all had a laugh. I remember when we had the anniversary service at the assembly rooms when your grandad was helping to move
the piano when it fell on his toe and he broke it. Everyone was trying to make him laugh so he would not cry.

If there is anything you have learned in life that you wish to share with others what is it?

Being born into a lovely Christian family we were taught real Christian values which we knew it would help us through the difficult times we would have to go through. We were taught to pray over things and ask God to help, which we did and that was a big help to us. The worst thing that happened to me was when I was 18 I had rheumatic fever. I had been in bed for almost 7 weeks when four people from church asked Irene how I was. She told them I was very poorly, so they asked
if they could come to our house and have a prayer meeting for me. Mam said they could. After they left I sat up in bed with the pain gone and when the doctor came in he said to mam, a miracle has happened and she told him about the prayer meeting and he said I wish I had a few more patients who would do that.

Do you know how your parents met?

My parents met a Bolebridge Street Mission in Tamworth, both Christian people.

Did you ever meet any of your Grandparents? If so, do you remember anything about them?

I met both sets of grandparents. Dad's mom was called Sarah Sharret before she married dads dad also called George Hilton the same name as Dad. Moms mom’s maiden name was Pickering and when she married she was grandma Drakeley. When her husband died she married again and her new husband was called John Walker. Mom then had two sisters from Grandmas first husband and then three half-brothers from grandmas second husband.

Did you go to school and if so where did you go? Do you remember anything about the school or any stories that are worth sharing?

I went to Marmion School in Spinning School Lane in Tamworth. All my siblings went to the same school. We stayed at the same school until we left at the age of 14. I loved school and I was quite a bright child. The teacher called me out to the front one day to praise me because my work was good, but as I was very young I thought I had been naughty and I started to scream. As we only lived across the road from the school, mom heard my screams and came running into my classroom. The teacher assured her that I wasn't in trouble but quite the opposite.

Can you describe one or two ways that life has changed since you were born?

We didn't have much money in those days, we couldn't afford any luxuries, not like families of today, but we had a wonderful life and lots of fun, which we made ourselves. Today its all technology.

When did your family get their first car? and T.V?

We did not have a car even when I married we still did not have one. When I was small we had a wireless and gramophone. We did, however, have a telephone. I think we were one of the first in the area to have one. The people mom worked for (house-keeper) were very rich and it was them who had the phone installed.

****

Here are some things of note from this half of the interview.

1. I love the stories about Grandad as a child. I doubt there was anywhere else I could learn these particular stories at this time. It also seems just like Grandad that something would fall on his toe while he was moving it. 

2. Auntie Winnie is one of several people in my extended family that have experienced a miracle. My Great Grandmother Annie Griffiths had one that was well documented. 

3. I particularly love the details of where Winnie's parents met, and those she could provide about her grandparents. I know my Uncle Michael has researched that side of the family quite extensively, but this also makes it easier to begin some of my own if I wish.

4. Last but not least, the details Winnie remembers of her own school is a story worth cherishing.


*****
(1) I believe Crusaders to be the same church organization I went to as a young child. It was set up with activities that happened at church and was a place to socialise and learn about God. 

Interviewing Auntie Winnie: Part 1

I don't remember the date that I interviewed Auntie Winnie about both her own life and that of my grandad, Ernest. It was a phone interview and she was hard of hearing so I never managed to ask all of the questions I wanted, or if I did, she often never answered them directly. Much of the conversation was just me listening to what she wanted to share, which is how it should be. The order of the questions may, therefore, seem somewhat random, but I've edited out those that weren't answered. You will see that we jump around a bit.

I did conduct one other short interview with Aunt Winnie but she has since passed away and there is no opportunity for another. As with all good interviews, she often left me with more questions to ask than those she answered.

Without further ado, here's the beginning of the interview.

****

Full name: Winnifred May Hilton

Who were your parents?
Clara Drakely, and George Hilton. They met at Bolebridge Street Mission in Tamworth and were both Christian people.

Do you remember Ernest and May's wedding?
Yes, I was at the wedding of May and Ernest, it was a lovely day, they were married at the Elim Church. Your grandma wore white, and she looked lovely. Your grandad, I am sure, wore his navy uniform. Pastor Byatt (1) married them. They went to live in rooms (2) until they got a council house which they bought later in life.

When did Grandad join the navy, why did he join?
It was WW2 and at 17 1/2 years of age, you had to join either the army or the navy. Morris and Ernest volunteered for the navy because they believed it would be a little safer than the army and still a way to serve their country during World War 2. Morris was Ernest's younger brother.

Where did the family live when you were a child?
Number 5 Spinning School Lane, Tamworth.

What was life like growing up? How many siblings did you have?
My siblings were Irene, Winnie, George, Joyce (Died at 5 1/2) Ernest, Ken, and Morris (Married Auntie Gill).
We were a very close knit family and we had a lovely home life but there were times when we didn’t do as we were told. For example, when I was a little girl I loved to go and watch dad at his allotment. Mum said I could go as long as I didn't go anywhere else. But when I reached the top of the road I saw my friend and she said, "shall we go and play by the river at the top of our street?" This was something ma had forbidden us to do. I went with my friend and ended up falling into the river. I was very lucky to get out. Mam was furious and kept me in for quite a while after that.

Do you remember the name of the church your family would attend?
First of all we all went to the Bolebridge Street Mission Tamworth, and from there to the Gospel Hall which was later bought by the Elim Church and that was where we spent our lives. Dad, your great grandad George was the assistant Sunday School attendant until he died, and by doing this meant we never left Elim. Me and your great aunty Irene started the Sunshine Corner(3) with Pastor Banks.

That's the end of part 1, and I'll transcribe the rest of the interview in part 2.

****
1. I am not sure if this is the correct spelling of the pastor's name. I will have to do some more research to find out.

2. I am sure that rooms refer to some form of cheaper boarding, but I don't know the entire history behind this reference.

3. To the best of my knowledge, Sunshine corner is the children's department of Elim church.

Remembering Nanna and Grandad

It's been a while since I posted, and I think a lot of that is down to not really knowing where to begin with describing the life of my grandparents. I was quite close to them and it has been more difficult to work from a starting point that I am satisfied with. I did write this poem, however, and felt like it is worth sharing, along with a few remarks about its content. I am not sure whether I will stick their lives for a while or change back to a different ancestor. We will see. But for now, I present this.


I remember the silver tray with tea set

A little bell to ring, announcing it is ready.

I can still smell the flowers of the garden

And hear the stern warning -

Don’t hit the plants with the ball.


I remember Friday nights with beans on toast

Or egg and soldiers on the table

Later, Omlettes, on special occassions, a roast.


Walking through the bedroom door,

Turning round to see the wall

And bookcase filled with wonder.

Robin Hood and Arthur, best friends every visiting weekend.


Fish and chips for Saturday lunch

Walk along the promenade

Or by the boating lake and nature

Before 3pm and time to leave


And one day, home for ever after.

****

I want to break down the lines in the poem and explain the memory they come from.

"I remember the silver tray with tea set

A little bell to ring, announcing it is ready."

Nanna and grandad had a little trolley and ray that they often kept in their living room, and on this tray was a silver coloured tea set. I don't believe it was real silver, but to my childhood mind it was. There was also a bell and I remember pushing this trolley into the living room and ringing the bell loudly, shouting "Tea's ready." 

"I can still smell the flowers of the garden

And hear the stern warning -

Don’t hit the plants with the ball."

Nana and grandad's garden was really quite amazing. It seemed that flowers grew all year around and were stunningly beautiful. I was trying to find a copy of it, but don't seem to have a good photograph in my collection, so if you are reading this and have one, please feel free to send it my way.

As for not hitting the plants with the ball. My brothers and I, being British, loved football (soccer) and would take a small tennis ball and play it in the front garden. Often the ball would go into the flowers lining the grass, but we were always sure it did no damage. Nanna and Grandad were always sure it did.

I remember Friday nights with beans on toast

Or egg and soldiers on the table

Later, Omlettes, on special occassions, a roast.

In my pre-teenage years, Nanna and Grandad would pick my two brothers and I up from school and take us to their house on a Friday evening. There we would have our favourite meals. They were simple, beans on toast - a British delicacy, which is self-explanatory, or egg and soldiers. Egg and soldiers is a soft boiled egg with bread cut into strips and buttered, lined up like soldiers for inspection. The bread was then dipped into the yolk and eaten before using a small teaspoon to eat the egg white. I loved it and still make it today on occasion.

Omelettes and roast are also self-explanatory. I loved those Friday evenings and couldn't wait for them to roll around. My grandparents would also bring a radio or small black and white television into the kitchen (They had a large colour one in the living room) so we could sometimes watch kids tv or listen to Grimsby town play football while we ate. 

Walking through the bedroom door,

Turning round to see the wall

And bookcase filled with wonder.

Robin Hood and Arthur, best friends every visiting weekend.

One little bedroom at my grandparent's house had a large bookcase at the foot of the bed. I believe it used to be my Uncle Michael's room. I loved running up there whenever I visited and selecting one of my favourite classics to read. The two most read were Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable. I grew up loving their legends and wanting to be Sir Lancelot or Sir Galahad. I often also brought The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe to read over the weekend, as we would stay over Friday night and come back home Saturday. At first the three of us would stay but we grew to be a hand ful and then we would alternate who stayed. 

Fish and chips for Saturday lunch

Walk along the promenade

Or by the boating lake and nature

Before 3pm and time to leave

Whoever stayed for Saturday would be treated to fish and chips, usually from a local place called Sutherlands. We loved eating Fish and chips, they were absolutely delicious. The fish was haddock. To this day I go out of my way to try and eat good old English Fish and Chips, but they are few and far between in Texas. 

My grandparents lived near the beach and the promenade was a walkway that ran along the shoreline, with a pier which had a short walkway because it was cut back during world war 2. Sometimes were taken to walk along this and eat doughnuts, fish and chips, ice cream by the beach or sugar-filled candy floss. I still associate the smell of freshly made doughnuts and candyfloss with the smell of the sea, and vice versa.

The boating lake was a small lake, Americans would probably call it a pond, and you were able to rent rowing boats to go out onto it. I remember Grandad sometimes taking us out on one. Next to the lake they ended up building a small nature house where you could observe bee's making hives and other little creatures natural to the area. We loved this area as well.

"Before 3pm" refers to the time we always left to go home. Usually they would give us treats to take back with us, such as a packet of Rowntrees Fruit Pastilles or a Yorkie chocolate bar. I loved it.

Those are my fondest memories and even writing them down and sharing the poem has sparked a few others. Thanks for reading. 

Memorial Corner

Last year for Memorial Day I undertook a somewhat momentous task. I transcribed the names of all those names mentioned in Veterans Park memorial, Arlington Texas. This was all part of the Honour Roll project first started by Heather Wilkinson Rojo.

My family and I are away in Rhode Island this Memorial Weekend so I thought there may not be a contribution. As we walked the beautiful neighbourhood we are staying in I stumbled across a small memorial.

It's found on the corner of High Street and Church Street, in Bristol and reads as follows:

Memorial Corner, dedicated to honour the memory of Specialist Michael Andrade.

SPECIALIST MICHAEL ANDRADE

115th Military Police Company

R.I. Army National Guard

Killed in Combat Zone

During Convoy Operation

North of Baghdad, Iraq.

Sept 24, 2003

Iraqi Freedom Campaign

A quick search online reveals more information on the Military Times website. He was a 28-year-old resident of Bristol, Rhode Island.

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths Part 13 - A Tribute

If this is the first post you are reading about Harold Griffiths, or if you want to remind yourself about his life and ministry up to and through World War 2, then please take the time to read these older blogs. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11 and Part 12.
An earlier post also provides a music sheet for hymn music he re-wrote and published.

*****
Harold passed away towards the end of 1967. In 1968 tributes appear in the Redemption Tidings Magazine.

Obituary in January Copy of Redemption Tidings, VOL 44, 1968

"Obituary

Harold Griffiths WITH THE LORD

Brother Harold Griffiths passed away on Thursday December 7, after a short illness. He was 73 years of age. The funeral service was held in Community Hall next door to his bungalow, at Abbey Hulton, Stoke-on-Trent. The hall was filled to capacity.

Many ministers were present from the District Assemblies, also Brother Whitehouse of the South Midlands. Two Elim ministers were present; also an officer of the Salvation Army.

There were numerous floral tributes mostly in sprays - Brother Griffiths had expressed a wish that the flowers would be given to hospitals and shut-ins. Brother Charles Harthern officiated, supported by other ministers. Mrs. Griffiths and family had great grace and appreciated the note of victory evidenced throughout the service. The fine company sang "The Lord is my Shepherd," to the tune of Crimond as though they were a trained choir.

Brother B.Dixon, District Secretary, led the meeting in prayer, and was followed by the reading of Psalm 90 by Brother E. Howes, Tunstall. The meeting was rising to a Convention atmosphere as everyone sang so fervently, "What a Fellowship." Sister Margaret Donaldson Currie, who was closely associated in the ministry with Brother Griffiths in his pioneer days, recalled other names of persons who shared the enthusiasm and sacrifices with him in those early days. Sister Currie also ministered at the piano. Brother Webb, District Chairman, also referred to those early days when he shared fellowship with Brother Griffiths, in the Crosskeys and District area.

Another highlight of this beautiful service was when the ministers sang, "The Last Mile of the Way." Brother Harthern has been on the sick list but he rallied his strength and brought the meeting a timely and appropriate message. The meeting closed with the chorus, "I Fell in Love with the Nazarene." The weather was dark and dismal with slushy snow under feet, but a fine crowd gathered at the graveside and sang, "There's a Land that is Fairer than Day." Brothers Harthern, Howes and Whitehouse ministered at the graveside.

Bert Dixon, District Secretary"

I want to unpack this obituary a little more. 

Firstly, the Psalm in question reads as follows:

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You turn people back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered.

7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Secondly, Brother Webb provides his own short tribute to Harold in the Redemption Tidings which I provide here:

Statement in January Copy of Redemption Tidings, VOL 44, 1968

"A TRIBUTE TO H.E. GRIFFITHS
From the first time that I met our late Brother Harold Griffiths, about 1928, until the end of his earthly pilgrimage, I knew him as one with a great passion for souls. His evangelistic fervour, his piano playing, and his singing, were directed to winning men and women to Christ.
We in the North East Midland District will miss his zeal for the Kingdom of God, his counsel and his bright fellowship. He certainly loved his Lord, and his Lord's work.

J.G. Webb, Chairman of the N.W. Mids. District Council." 

Thirdly, at the time of writing, I have not unpacked the hymns listed in this obituary, but I will be doing so here. The one exception is "I fell in love with the Nazarene" to which Harold penned his own music. 

Fourthly, the Crosskeys district mentioned by Brother Webb also happens to be where my paternal grandfather and grandmother's line first connected, with both sides of the family doing ministry in Crosskeys, Wales. This provided the connection which led to my grandparents Idris and Iris pursuing a relationship later in the 1930's.

Another tribute lands in the February edition of Redemption Tidings. This is provided by Charles Harthern who also attended the funeral and is mentioned in the original piece.

Feb 1st 1968 Redemption Tidings, VOL 44

"TRIBUTE TO HAROLD GRIFFITHS
The West Midlands District has suffered a loss with the "home call" of Harold E. Griffiths. He was truly a Pentecostal Pioneer in the Reieval days in the Potteries. When many pastors denied a good part of the Pentecostal in-heritance, he held fast to the old ancient landmark. How well I remember on Whit-Sunday 1931, at the Milton 7am prayer meeting, I received my Pentecost, "As at the beginning." This was the turning point of my spiritual life. Many people walked nine miles to be at the early morning watch.
Like his master, he went "To the villages," in all weathers, on an old motor cycle. He was very much at home in the old fashioned cottage meetings at Leigh, Wetley Rocks, and many other places.
The Memorial Service was conducted by Pastor Ernest E. Howes, one of Harold's old boys. One lady accepted Christ as Saviour. The musical arrangement were ably handled by Mrs. M. Donaldson Currie. Both services were held in the Barratt Cmmunity Hall, Abbey Hulton, in accordance with Pastor Griffith's instructions. Mr. T. Harthern-Ashley was the steward for these meetings.
Mrs. A. Griffiths and family were delighted to have a letter of condolence from Pastor Edward Jeffreys, from Bournemouth. All flowers were taken to hospitals, shut-ins, and sick people. Another Pentecostal veteran has passed "Within the veil." 
Charles H. Harthern, On behalf of the N.W. Mids. D.C." 

Once again, there are a couple of items I want to address.

Firstly, the reference to many pastors denying a good part of the Pentecostal in-heritance is, I believe, with regards to a 1930's theological discussion within the Bethel church movement that was begun by Pastor Edward Jeffreys. Harold had helped Edward Jeffreys in an evangelistic campaign across the middle and north west of England.(1) I unpack this a little further in the footnote.

Secondly, the reference to cottage meetings is a church meeting that takes place in the home. We would probably call them home groups today, though they were often larger than what is associated with that term and still often followed the structure of a full worship service rather than a small group meeting. Another of my great grandfathers (Price Davies) writes about some of the cottage meetings in great detail, but that is another blog post.

Thirdly, Pastor Edward Jeffreys was quite famous and sometimes controversial in his day. Receiving a letter from him was no small feat and I know meant a lot to the family, particularly Anne.

In the 1968 Assemblies of God Conference, Harold was added to the deceased minister's list along with 5 others.(2)

I would just like to add my own thoughts before I finish this post.

I never knew Harold Griffiths. I don't even recall hearing talk of him when I was a child, though I am sure Dad probably mentioned him from time to time. When I first began to research his life I had no idea how much information I would find. During the course of this project, I feel like I came to know him quite personally. As a man of faith myself,  his passion for God is something I admire greatly. I have friends who attend churches that he pioneered in the 1930's. I have others that I have met simply because of pastors he put in place to lead churches. So, although I never knew Harold, my life, and that of my friends, has been touched by his work in more ways than just being a direct descendant. This is perhaps the biggest tribute I can give.

It will be strange now to focus on someone different, but I hope for as much success in researching my other ancestors as I have had in researching him.
______
(1) Harold believed that speaking in tongues was a necessary and initial sign that baptism of the Holy Spirit had taken place within a believers life. Edward Jeffreys and many other pastors from the Bethel movement he began, came to believe it was not. This led to a split from the Pentecostal movement, and is, I believe, what led to Harold re-joining the AOG and leaving Bethel in the mid 1930's. This theological difference of opinions has been well documented elsewhere but I don't see the need to unpack it any further in this blog post. 

(2) Redemption Tidings July 1968, VOL 44

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths Part 12 - His Passing

If this is the first post you are reading about Harold Griffiths, or if you want to remind yourself about his life and ministry up to and through World War 2, then please take the time to read these older blogs. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10 and Part 11.
An earlier post also provides a music sheet for hymn music he re-wrote and published.
****

The first we read of Harold in 1967 occurs in July.

Harold Griffiths is the man in the middle of the picture at the very back.

The article(1) is about a new church opening in Prestatyn. Harold was one of the guest speakers they invited. The pertinent information about Harold is fairly simple:

"H. Griffiths retired pastor read Psalm 134."

Psalm 134 reads:

"Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth." (New International Version.) 

It's a fairly common Psalm to read at church dedications. Short and to the point, encouraging praise and Thanksgiving.

Before moving on, I will also point out that there was a telegram sent by D. Griffiths (Harold's son) from Umtali where he was working as a missionary.

Later in the year there's a simple thanks printed by Harold and his wife Anne.(2)

"Our elder brother, H.E. Griffiths, retired minister, wishes to thank all friends who have prayed for him and his dear wife through their time of illness. Both are now much stronger and praising God for His goodness."

It's the first sign that all was not fully well with the family. Despite them being better at the time of publishing their death is announced only a few months later. Before that announcement, there was one more found in the Redemption Tidings Magazines.(3)

It merely states he was one of the officiating ministers for the funeral of one Cecil Allen on October 6th 1967. This man died within the district that Harold was once Superintendent for. Doubtless, he knew him well. 

Little would he have known that only a month or so later he himself would pass away. (4)

"HAROLD GRIFFITHS WITH THE LORD

Verteran Minister Harold Griffiths died at his home in Stoke-on-Trent on December 7th, after a brief illness. He was 73 years of age. A well-known figure in Pentecostal circles in the Potteries, he was particularly prominent in the Edward Jeffreys revival in the early thirties as pianist and singer. He pioneered Milton Assembly and was its pastor for many years. Our sympathies are with Mrs. Griffiths and the family in their bereavement."

I have a couple of observations to make from this.

Firstly, as of the time of writing this blog I do not possess a death certificate for Harold Griffiths. It's on my list to apply for but right now this blog and the word of his daughter will have to do for attesting to the date of his passing.

Secondly, this has his age as 73, which would make his birth 1894. This confirms the 1911 census record and as far as I can figure out also confirms that the age is wrong on their marriage certificate, though I can't figure out why that would be the case. 

It's not until 1968 that we see tributes for Harold appearing in the Redemption Tidings magazine, but those are for part 13 of this series which will be a tribute to his life, and the final piece I write for now.

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(1) Redemption Tidings Vol 43, July 1967
(2) Redemption Tidings Vol 43, Sept 1967
(3) Redemption Tidings Vol 43, Nov 1967
(4) Redemption Tidings Vol 43, Dec 1967

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths Part 11

If this is the first post you are reading about Harold Griffiths, or if you want to remind yourself about his life and ministry up to and through World War 2, then please take the time to read these older blogs. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9 and Part 10
An earlier post also provides a music sheet for hymn music he re-wrote and published.

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There's a few years silence about Harold in the Redemption Tidings magazine. Then, suddenly, in 1965 he turns up as full minister at a church in Newcastle under Lyme.(1)

I have a few thoughts on why there is a five-year gap here. I believe Harold stepped down from being a District leader for the Assemblies of God, and it might be likely that he either planted a new church at Newcastle-under-Lyme or was simply requested as pastor. I am positive this is still my great grandfather as further articles confirm it.

In the same year, he prays at a funeral for fellow pastor Harry Weston. I've included the full article about the funeral for a few reasons I will explain next.(2)

So why contribute this full article? 

Firstly, because it mentions Harold's association with the Assemblies in this district since its early days. 

Secondly, because this man was, like Harold, also a pastor who worked full time in the secular world, and noticeably the mining community. 

"For the last 20 years he was the canteen manager at the local colliery. He was also the Vice Chairmen of the North West Midland District Council."

Harold was not unique among the pioneers of the A.O.G. Church and the Pentecostal movement. Church planters and ministers of small community churches did not have the overhead to cover a salary. They worked for the church out of a sense of faith and passion.

I also have a photograph of Harold, Annie and their grandson Glyn Davies which was taken in 1965.

I don't know where this was taken, but it's quite a clear picture and I cherish it for that.

The following year there is a brief summary of a funeral which Harold conducted as minister at Newcastle under Lyme. (3)

It reads simply, "Frank Baker of Newcastle Assemby, Staffs, died on January 27th. He was well known throughout the Potteries for his faithful and unceasing labours for the Lord Jesus Christ. The funeral service on January 31st was conducted by the Pastor, H. E. Griffiths, assisted by K. Robinson (pastor of Hanley) and S. Dyson (Biddulph). Our sympathies are with his wife and family."  

The second and final article of 1966 has a simple, yet sad, absoluteness about it.(4)

"Brother H.E. Griffiths, owing to advancing years, has resigned from the Newcastle-under-Lyme assembly. Correspondence for the Assembly should now be sent Mr. G. Foddy, 35 Astro Grove, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs.

So 1966 was the year Harold officially resigned from being a full time minister of a church. I do not believe it an accident the he passed away the following year, but as my next blog post shall clearly state, there were still a few more things for him to do before he left this earth for a better place. 

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(1) Redemption Tidings Magazine Vol 41, August 1965
(2) Redemption Tidings Magazine Vol 41, December 1965(3) Redemption Tidings Magazine Vol 42, February 1966
(4) Redemption Tidings Magazine Vol 42, May 1966

There Was A Man In South Wales - The Life and Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths Part 10

I am taking a brief break from following the chronological order of Harold's life.
If this is the first post you are reading about Harold Griffiths, or if you want to remind yourself about his life and ministry up to and through World War 2, then please take the time to read these older blogs. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8 and Part 9
An earlier post also provides a music sheet for hymn music he re-wrote and published.

The reason I'm breaking with chronology is because the other week someone left a comment on a blog post from three or four years ago. It read as follows:

"Dear Michael. I have a friend who attends the Penralt Baptist Church in Bangor. I have just listened to a sermon(preached on Sunday 28th January) by a man called Donald Poirot who attends that church. In his sermon he mentions your relative Harold and that as a baby Harold took Donald in his arms and blessed him. You can listen to the sermon for yourself. Jan Kelson-Martin ( Hanford, Stoke-on-Trent)"

This is a major reason I am a big proponent of family history blogging. It brings in comments by all kinds of people, from all kinds of places. These comments then lead to information that would otherwise be lost.

I responded to the comment, but also did a search for the church and sermon in question. Sure enough, the sermon is online and Harold's story appears from 11 minutes and 32 seconds, continuing to 14 minutes and 30 seconds.

I've transcribed it in case the link is moved in the future.

There was a man in south Wales. He was a miner. Big fellow. He’d come home and he’d be covered in coal dust, and he found the LORD for himself, this big burly man. He found the Lord. And fell in love with Him. This big man when he got over his shifts he wanted to go to the meetings, and if his shifts didn’t coincide just right he’d be seen at the back of the church before he would have taken his shower, because he didn’t want to dirty anywhere up. He wanted, he wanted to serve the LORD and understand about the Lord. He witnessed at work, and the men would scoff at him. They would often actually physically hurt him. On one occasion they pinned him down and they wanted to make him swear. But he just loved the LORD. Years later he went into ministry. He went from village green to village green. And then he had a building he found. He just loved to preach. He loved to sing, and he sang at the piano and I was thinking about him the other day, and there was a chorus that was around at that time. And he penned another tune to it. And it’s absolutely lovely, and he composed this tune, it goes like this.

“I fell in love with the Nazarene, the beautiful Nazarene, who’s face with glory was alight, the fairest I’ve ever seen. Near his side I would abide, when ne’er a vale between. Since I fell so deep in love with Jesus the Nazarene.”

Can you imagine a coal miner, singing that and loving that. You know in 1947 a couple, a christian couple brought their little baby to him to be dedicated. And his name was Harold and he held this baby and he prayed for this baby and he said, “Lord would you bless this baby, we thank you for the life of this baby. We pray that in the years to come he will fall in love with Jesus too. That baby is me. Me. Me. And it’s so lovely to tell you I love Jesus Christ.”

-- Donald Poirot, speaking at Penrallt Baptist Church, Bangor on Sunday 28th January 2018. -- 

The church contact information was present on the website, so I emailed to see if they could put me in contact with Donald. It appeared that he knew something of my great grandfathers ministry and I wanted to know more. The church responded and forwarded my request to Donald. Donald emailed me with the following response:

"As a miner he was persecuted for his faith - verbally and I believe physically. There was one man - a fellow miner who particularly hated him.
One day there was a serious roof collapse down in the mine. This miner was trapped and they could only shout through to him. He shouted back fetch Harold! Harold was called and this man asked Harold to pray for him - amazing. I can’t remember the outcome of that story.

You already know that in 1947 I was born and was dedicated to the Lord by my parents. They took me to Bethel in Milton where Harold Griffiths prayed for me. When my mum had come to Christ through the ministry of one of the Jeffreys brothers (Stoke-On-Trent Town Hall.) she had been introduced to Harold Griffiths. My mum came to Christ as a teenager. Harold Griffiths encouraged my mum in the things of God and asked her to speak. He advertised something along the lines - come and hear this teenage preacher! My mum would tell me stories of Harold’s evangelical work - village green services - a caravan. She told me of his zeal and love for the Lord. It was my mum who often sang the chorus you heard me sing. (In fact my mum went on to be an Assemblies of God minister - which was unusual in those days for a woman.) So we would often visit Harold in Milton and his assembly.

One incident which has stuck in my mind - the date I’m not so sure. I think I would be around 11 - so that would be approx 1958. We had been visiting Harold Griffiths and was staying for the evening service. As I climbed the steps to go into the building I started with a nose bleed. Harold who arrived ready to take the service - immediately stopped and bent down to me and prayed for me. He had the responsibility of the service ahead of him - but all that was put aside in that moment as he prayed for me.

Years later I found the Lord for myself and I wanted to tell him. I was going out with a young lady called Glenys - she found the Lord at the same time as me.(We married and Glenys is by my side right now - we both love the Lord.) I told her about Harold Griffiths and we went to visit him and his wife several times. He was then living at Woodhead Road not far from Milton. It was a retirement bungalow which looked over trees and green grass - a lovely outlook. (It actually was and still is Carmountside Cemetery & Crematorium.) He would laugh and smile with us and said jokingly - they have put us here so that they can cut down on the expense of funeral travel costs when we die. This would be in the mid sixties.

I ask myself if this email can also be a vehicle for greater blessing to you and your family. It would be my prayer that the life, testimony, and voice of Harold Griffiths reached over to you and your family and all who consider this man Harold Griffiths to see that his heart was for the Lord. Harold’s message was simply put. If Harold would speak to you right now I believe this is what he would say to you:

The Bible is the Word of God.
We are all sinners.
There is eternal judgement coming for all who reject Christ.
There is eternal bliss in heaven for those who put their trust in Christ.
That Christ died on the cross and shed his blood for our sins - for my sins.
That Christ rose the 3rd day from the dead & he lives for evermore.

The Bible message has not changed - man cannot save himself.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

God bless you Michael - you have a pedigree second to none!

Donald. 7th. February 2018"

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I have just a couple of observations from this.

1. The story of the roof collapse is something I had never heard before, and fascinating. It's one of those things that would be lost to history if not for the recollection of someone who had heard it told.

2. I've already documented how the Assemblies of God in the U.K gave opportunities for women to preach and lead churches. I am gratified to find that my great-grandfather was one of those who encouraged a woman to preach and advertised it. That she then went on to become an Assemblies of God minister is very encouraging. 

3. The story of the nosebleed and the comments he made while in the retirement bungalow are yet more tidbits that I could not have known without contacting Donald. They are once again those stories which give more insight into his character and condition. 

4. It's reminded me once again to contact the gentlemen in my grandfather's old bowling league who knew him, and see if there's still any chance he might email me the testimonial he had considered writing. 

That's all for now, and I'll continue Harold's story again in the next blog.