The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths - Part 7 1953

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
An earlier post also provides a music sheet for hymn music he re wrote and published.

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The first article(1) I discovered about Harold in 1953, actually sheds light on an event in 1952, and the different church practices that occurred then, vs now.

The news is located in Milton, Staffs, and reads, "The Boxing Day Convention in the Milton Bethel Hall (A.O.G.) was a real source of blessing. The speakers were Mr. Beckett, of Chesterfield, and Mr. W. Turner, of Leek. The Pastor, Mr. H. E. Griffiths, convened the meetings. Inspiring solos were beautifully rendered by Mrs. Turner and Brother Robert Norman, both of the Leek Assembly. The services were thoroughly enjoyed, the presence of God being very real. Backsliders returned unto the Lord. Praise God for a real, happy and blessed time in  God's presence."

Being very familiar with the Assemblies of God in the United Kingdom, I can't imagine them convening a convention on Boxing Day. Christians will go to church Christmas Day morning, and on a Sunday, regardless of whether it's a national holiday or not. To pull off a convention takes a lot more effort, and I think that Boxing Day(2) is generally seen as a time for the family.

1953 Also saw Harold announced as the Chairman for the North West Midlands District of the Assemblies of God. The address which follows is 318, Longton Road, Bucknell, Stoke-on-Trent. At first I didn't know if this was a house address or church address. A quick look on Google Maps shows an A road with no building. I think it should also be noted that Mr. D Griffiths is listed as the secretary here, which I believe is Harold's son, David.(3) This same information is given again in August of the same year. After speaking with Ruth Griffiths, I discovered that this was the address the whole family lived at. The road used to be called Dividy Road.

Another historically interesting tidbit is provided in the March Redemption Tidings.

Harold and his son David are now listed as being on the telephone. The following information is provided.(4) "Mr. H. E. Griffith's, Milton; Mr. D. Griffiths, Longton; 318 Longton Road, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent. Hanley 1629."

A four digit phone number always makes me smile. 

June brought an announcement in the Redemption Tidings(5), that Harold would be officiating the opening of a new church, Boundary Street Chapel, on Saturday July 4th at 3pm. 

In the August issues of Redemption Tidings(6) we find a couple of articles which provide pictures of Harold and some of the family as they open two new Assemblies of God churches. One details the opening of the church on Boundary Street listed in the June issue, the other is found in Leek. The opening of the building in Leek was also mentioned in the Post and Times, a regional newspaper in the Stoke on Trent area. I have not found the original article yet, but will share the copy in Redemption Tidings.

Before I provided a transcription of the article, I first want to note the family members in the photograph.

Back row, fourth from right is Harold. Rhys (His brother) may be the older gentleman opposite him.
Front row, center is David Griffiths and his wife Rosemary.

Here is the transcription:

"It was a joy to see the happiness on the faces of God's children at the opening of the Mount Zion Church in Boundary Street, on Saturday, July 4th. After twenty years of wandering from one unsatisfactory hall to another the Stoke Assembly has found a home. The Lord has wonderfully answered the prayers of His own; a little Methodist Chapel will live again and praise God it will now know the glory of Pentecostal fullness.
   The Church is on the Newcastle-under-Lyme boundary and thus a new field of evangelization is opened up in a town which has known little Pentecostal witness.
   After a brief service outside the building, H.Griffiths. District Chairman, turned the key in the lock and the Church was declared open for the work of God. The messages of our two visiting ministers were delivered under the unction of the Holy Spirit. During both meetings the theme was the need for the complete consecration of the Church and with gladness we read 11 Chronicles 5. Phillip Betty of Cannock reminded us of the many churches empty owing to the lack of complete and continual separation. Trevor Williams of Manchester spoke oft he significance of the Cross - a sacrifice, not a martyrdom-God in His great love suffering for our sin. One man decided for Christ in the evening service when Brother Williams gave the appeal. This man had been suffering from the effects of a third seizure but had been restored to health by the Lord after the Pastor had prayed for him. He is going on steadily and maintaining a faithful witness. His daughter has since accepted the Lord and is now rejoicing in salvation. A Sunday School is gradually being build up and there is a new expectancy in the air. A sound of a going in the mulberry trees! The Lord is Hosts is with us!"

The second article provided another photograph.

Harold in the center, playing the piano accordion.

The second article transcription is as follows:
Firstly, it notes the article and photograph is used courtesy of the Post and Times newspaper. Secondly, beneath the photograph it reads: "Typically hearty singing was a feature when the new meeting hall of Leek Assembly of God, which the members have built in Strangman Street, was opened on Saturday. Varied ages were represented among the congregation. Playing the piano-accordion is H.E.Griffiths of Milton, chairman of the North West Midlands district of the Assemblies of God, who opened the hall. With him are A.G. Roberts of Leek (centre), who conducted the service, and H.Webb of Droylsden, who preached."

The rest reads as follows: "New Building Opened at Leek. The following report is taken from the Post and Times. "SACRIFICAL WORK BROUGHT NEW MEETING HALL INTO BEING."
Droylsden Pastor's tribute at Leek Assembly of God opening ceremony. "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord of hosts, and in this place will I give peace."

This verse from the Book of Haggai was read by Pastor H. Wewbb of Droylsden at the formal opening of Leek Assembly of God's new brick-built meeting hall in Strangman street on Saturday.
  The hall was completed last week after 18 months' voluntary labour by members.
  Pastor Webb said he believed the text could be a practical word for the occasion and in the days to come.
  "We are about to witness the opening of this building as a house of God" he said. "It has been built by voluntary labour to God by the members and we give thanks to God for all who have helped in such a sacrificial work to bring into being what is before your eyes and what in future will be called the new Assembly of God, Leek.
  The assembly's work had been going on locally for over 20 years, witnessing to the saving power of the Lord and to His glory in saving men and women.
Joy in Hearts
  "As we are about to enter this building, joy is filling our hearts, at least mine", he said. "Although I am not a native of Leek, I am proud to say that these are my beloved brothers and sisters.
  "We do not in our movement place great emphasis on buildings because we believe that the dying souls of men and women are more important to the Lord.
  "But we realise also that we have to have a house or place in which to worship and we believe tat the glory we have enjoyed in the past is going to be surpassed in the future and that God's glory will be in this place, speaking to men and women, and healing the sick."
  After the hymn singing the key of the new building was turned by Pastor H.E. Griffiths of Milton, chairman of the North-west Staffordshire district of the Assemblies of God. 
  The service, conducted by Pastor A.G. Roberts of Leek, was attended by 150 people.
  Pastor Roberts thanked, "All friends in the town who have so kindly helped to raise this building to the glory of God."

These events give a fascinating insight into where and why the district chairman of AOG would travel, and I am thankful to have found these documents. Just one remains about Harold from 1953. It is found in the November(7) edition of RT and is brief.

I will not transcribe this one, it simply states that the farewell service for a Brother W.T. Guest of Tunstall was conducted by Harold in his office as District Chairman.

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(1) Redemption Tidings January 1953, Volume 29
(2) Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day, and a national holiday in England. It is also Saint Stephens Day.
(3) Harold's son,  David, was a minister with the Assemblies of God. I am not 100% sure he is the man mentioned in this article but another article lists his phone number as being the same as Harold's and at this location.
(4) Redemption Tidings March 1953, Volume 29
(5) Redemption Tidings June 1953, Volume 29
(6) Redemption Tidings August 1953 Volume 29
(7) Redemption Tidings November 1953 Volume 29

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths. Part 6 - The Opening Of Milton Hall

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.
An earlier post also provides a music sheet for hymn music he re wrote and published.

In mid 1950 Harold is found ministering as a guest speaker in Scarborough. His son David was now the pastor of the Assemblies of God church there. (1)

It's a Whitsuntide service, which means it was often used as an occasion to invite other ministers. I love that it gives an address to write to David. I don't know if it was his actual parsonage, or a church office, but it would not surprise me if it was his actual abode. 1950 was a different time and place. I also find the phone number quite quaint. 33, that was it. There were obviously not many people with phones at the time.

Later, for the summer, Harold is speaking at another Christian camp in the Staffordshire area.(2)

There's not a lot to add to this, but as the latter part of 1950 was entered it became a very big year for Harold Griffiths and his family.

Harold had been working on building a church in Milton for quite some time. It seems they had been renting out rooms and using unused space since the church began in 1931. On Saturday, September 16th, the new church building was officially opened.

In December of that year, the A.O.G. published a short article about the opening of the hall, but the picture from the event made the front cover.

Redemption Tidings Vol 26, Dec 1950 Front Cover.
Far left opening the door is Rhys Davies.
Front center is Harold Griffiths, Front second from right is David Griffiths.

 The caption at the bottom of the picture reads, "Bro. Rhys Griffiths opening new hall at Milton, supported by local and visiting ministers."

Inside the short piece appears.

There's just a couple of points I want to make about the article. Firstly, the "local labour" reference here doesn't go into much detail, but Harold's daughter Ruth explained it. Harold, the family and church members would 'sell' bricks to the public. So any member of the public was able to buy a portion of the wall that built the church. Harold and others would do the actual building. £1,090 was quite a bit of money in the 1950's and it was a great effort to raise the amount.

Secondly, I don't know who many of the visiting speakers were but David and Rhys were invited because they were both ministers and family members.

Thirdly, Ruth also supplied an additional 'leaflet' or 'booklet' that was produced by Harold at the time of the opening. It provides a great many more details.

Page 1 has a picture of the pastor, Harold Griffiths, begins to explain more about how the church was built, what the opening day was like and how the church came into existence. It continues for another two pages. Here is the transcription of page 1.

"This little book marks the end of a chapter - a chapter in the lives of a group of people whose church was situated in an old dilapidated building. Trusting in God and the goodness of their friends, and fired by their own enthusiasm they built a church with their own hands. Now it is finished at a cost of over two years in time and over £900 in money, but their work goes on...."

The transcription for page 2 and 3 is as follows:

   "Saturday, September 16th, 1950, will ever remain a memorable day-the day on which the new building, officially opened by Pastor Rhys Griffiths (Brother of the resident Pastor), became another House of God. 
   What inspiring scenes there were...nearly 200 people singing their hymns of praise... a cold, cheerless day transformed into one of sunshine by the fervour of the Milton adherents...a fruitful and enriching climax to long months of earnest endeavour.
   Unmindful of the restless wind and the occasional showers of rain, the congregation gathered outside the main door for prayers offered by Mrs. Adams. Then there were hymns; hymns of adoration and thanksgiving sung from the heart by young and old. One hundred and eighty voices, some as sweet as the Spring air and others mellowed by the passing years, caught the glory of those inspiring words and sent them soaring- up and over the rooftops. For were not their hearts soaring and rejoicing just as the meadow lark climbs trilling into the heavens.
   Pastor J.Phillips (Secretary of the District Council of the Assemblies of God) told them that the joint Pentecostal movement was founding a new church every fortnight and, he imagined, it was the only religious movement in the country doing anything like that. "Most of them are closing churches; thank God we are opening them."
   Referring tot he 18 churches established in the Potteries during the last few years, he said the buildings had gone up by the sacrificial giving of those who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. They had no stunts or jumble sales, dances or whist drives. "We believe the church should be self supporting. We have no right to go to the people outside to keep us inside," he said. 
   It was a day of thankfulness too for Pastor Griffiths. Although his father, aged over 80, was not able to perform the opening ceremony, this long-awaited duty was admirably performed by his brother. And also taking part was his son, David, who is ministering in Scarborough.
   Extra seating had to be provided inside the church for the first service - a service that will long be remembered; a service studded with the wisdom of the speakers (including Pastor C.L. Parker, of London) and a service as beautiful as the lovely golden chrysanthemums that graced a table 'neath the platform.
  A building had become a church.

Pastor H. E. Griffiths

Pastor H.E. Griffiths was converted June 7th 1922, and from that day was characterised with a great fervour of the Gospel. Within a week of his conversion he was singing and preaching in the open-air. During those early years he and his brother Rhys were instrumental in the opening of several Assemblies in their home district (Blackwood, S. Wales). Throughout this period he was still employed as a collier.
   In the year 1928, he received an invitation to take some services in Ireland. Seeing the great need for evangelistic work, he sent for his wife and family (5 children) to join him. They made their home in Ballyclare, then using a Gospel caravan, he itinerated throughout N. Ireland, holding evangelistic services wherever possible. He lived by faith and trusted God for the support of his family, as he did not take up offerings. A box was attached to the caravan into which free-will gifts could be placed.
   In 1930 Pastor Edward Jeffreys was holding a great Revival Campaign in the Potteries. Hearing of Pastor Griffiths, and needing someone to campaign the outlying villages and towns, he sent Pastor Griffiths an invitation to join him. The invitation was accepted. He conducted his first service for Pastor Jeffreys at Silverdale on 3rd. December, when 120 souls were converted. He was a talented singer and musician. Many will remember his unique rendering of "I fell in love with the Nazarene." This proved to the the commencement of 20 years of active Gospel work in the Potteries. He established churches at Milton, Leek, Uttoxeter and Leigh. These churches are now in fellowship with Assemblies of God.
   The Milton work was first housed at 70 Market street. Of recent years they used a humble hall behind the dwelling houses, below the New Inn, Leek-road.
   Under the inspiration of Pastor Griffiths and through the voluntary gifts and labours of the people, they have now erected the new Bethal Hall. Something os his personality and character are seen in this recent achievement. His optimism, born of his faith in God's ability to meet every need, won the whole-hearted, unanimous support of the members. His eager participation in acting as labourer to the bricklayer, created a like eagerness in others to assist in the work. 
   It will be readily seen that Pastor H.E. Griffiths is a practical preacher. He teaches by example." (3)

Personally, this filled in some details I was unsure about and had previously had to guess at. I now know that he was converted June 7th 1922. I know also that it was 1928 when he left for Ireland. On top of that I can now confirm it was 1930 when he joined Edward Jeffreys. In a previous post I could only speculate on the date.

I had not realised he had been involved in planting churches in South Wales, or how instrumental he had been in planting several churches throughout the potteries. From this document I can also confirm that my earlier thoughts about where the church was housed were correct.

For those interested in the particular rendition of "I fell in love with the Nazarene" that Harold sang, I have recorded that in a previous post and provided the music sheets. If you want an image of the music that is easier to enlarge I have provided this link.

So 1950 was a good year. What would the rest of the decade hold?

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(1) Redemption Tidings Magazine, Vol 26, May 1950
(2) Redemption Tidings Magazine, Vol 26, June 1950
(3) A friend of my fathers provided the following information on Facebook about this church building. "The building he refers to was demolished and a replacement built. That was sold and is now a nursing home. The congregation moved to a nearby venue which was renovated and they now have a thriving AOG church."

It's good to know the church is still thriving, even if the building is unfortunately not. As for the booklet I have provided pictures of, it is impossible to say if there are many more in existence. I can't imagine more than a couple of hundred were produced, and I find it difficult to believe that anyone outside of family would have kept them. I am thankful I have the pictures and the text.

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths. Part 4 Ministry During The War

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

As previously noted, Harold and the Griffiths family did move house during world war 2. I think they also moved the church a few times as well.

In his book, "The City of Stoke-on-Trent: Protestant Nonconformity" J.G. Jenkins lists "A Bethel mission hall in a room under the Archway, 2A Leek Road was registered by the Assemblies of God in 1941. The meeting may have lapsed or moved in 1944 when the rear of 4 Leek Road was registered as Bethel Hall. In 1950 the group moved to the rear of 2 Leek Road. (1)

What makes me sure that this Assemblies of God church is that which Harold started? Well, firstly he personally planted the Bethel Churches when working with Edward Jeffreys. Secondly, it became an Assemblies of God church and I can easily imagine the name Bethel and A.O.G. churches being interchanged by pastors. Today many churches are of the A.O.G. denomination in England and America but go by a specific name. Thirdly, 1950 is when Harold and the family finished work on their new Bethel Hall building.

I will cover the new building in much more detail in one of the next two blog posts. It is, fortunately, one of the things I know much about with regards to Harold's involvement and life.

Redemption Tidings continues to give a little insight into Harold's ministry during the World War and afterwards.

This is taken from an article in 1940 that listed different campaigns and religious events that were taking place. Here we find H.E.Griffiths of Milton ministering as a guest speaker at the Ball Green "Bring Another" campaign.(2) With this particular name, I can imagine the event revolved around encouraging church members to bring another individual to the church or event with them.

Later, in 1942, there's another campaign occurring in Woodfieldside, Blackwood. Blackwood is where Harold's parents and some of his extended family lived. It is mentioned several times in the Redemption Tidings magazines. For this event, which began on July 11th, 1942, he took his son David(3) with him.

Right below the event in Blackwood we see that Harold's church in Milton had an earlier event on June 27th, where young people from the church and surrounding area went together to Badderley Edge. There was tea, followed by singing and listening to what appear to be missionaries. It's interesting to note that there is also mention of a 12 year anniversary of the birth of the church, which would place Harold as church planting in Milton right around 1930.

In 1943 (4) we find him back on Stoke On Trent (S.O.T.) in Leigh, conducting a camp meeting with fellow minister W.C. Bentley. This short snippet lets us know that the camps contained bible readings and evening talks given by pastors in the local area.

The last bit of news we find out about Harold's ministry during World War 2.

This is a list of church events happening across the A.O.G. It was published May 19th 1944. (5) Harold can be seen speaking at the Whitsun event in Gloucester Assemblies of God. The event took place on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday. His son David joined him once more, this time as a gospel singer. I believe the address of the place is 121 Barton Street, though that is difficult to make out due to the print and scan quality of the image. 

That brings us to the end of what I know about Harold's ministry during World War 2. 

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(1) The city of Stoke-on-Trent: Protestant Nonconformity', in A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 8, ed. J G Jenkins (London, 1963), pp. 276-307. British History Online.

(2) Taken from Redemption Tidings November 1940. Ball Green is in Gloucestershire. 

(3) Taken from Redemption Tidings August 1942 Vol 18. David, his son, was not a Christian in the early part of Harold's ministry but came back from a revival meeting one day and told his sister Ruth that he 'got saved.' He was then sent to a bible college and entered full time ministry himself. His ministry would eventually take him to Rhodesia where he would connect with his sister Iris again, and then to America before he returned once more to the United Kingdom in the 1990s. 

(4) Taken from Redemption Tidings August 1943 Vol 19. 

(5) Taken from Redemption Tidings May 1944, Vol 20. 

Stories that lead to stories

One of the great joys I've experienced since starting to trace my family tree is the joy of meeting and talking with people in the family I never really knew. Not only does this speak to me on a profoundly emotional level, but it also helps out a great deal with the giant jigsaw that is a family.

As I've previously blogged about, I decided to try and interview whoever I could about my family. To begin with, I spoke with my Mum and Dad. My parents are moving out of the country, and as they are doing so, they have dug up a few old photographs that had been shared with them. As we spoke about the photos, Dad was able to remember several little events and point out to me who the people were in the photographs. People have names, names lead to questions, which lead to stories, which lead to more things to talk about :)

As I asked questions about Dad's Mum, Iris Griffiths, he pointed me in the direction of her sister Ruth. I do not think I have ever met Ruth but someone had taught her how to use Facebook. I instantly felt a strong connection with her as Ruth began to answer the many many questions I have about Iris, her family and life as she grew up. I now count Ruth as a good friend and I am honored to spend time each week picking her brain for little tidbits of information. As we spoke (or rather, typed) Ruth thought of someone else I should contact. She helped me get in touch with the daughter of her brother David.

Today I had the first conversation with my "First cousin once removed." At least I believe that's the term! Her mother (Betty or Rosemary) is still alive and now I will be able to send some questions to her mother via email. Just from the few minutes I have spoken to my newly found cousin, I have already found out some great information. More details will be forthcoming.

I'm a Christian and deeply interested in my ancestors faith as well. Turns out my Great Grand Parents on Grandma Iris' side were descended from theJews. Rosemary might be able to shed some light on this and I am super excited about asking questions and hearing the stories that will help explain this connection! So this tree here - will hopefully become more than blank slots!





So for those who still have relatives living that can share stories you yourself have not experienced, or remember information you simply do not know - ask them about their life while you still can! This week there are more people I'm hoping to connect with. My Auntie Wendy (Dad's sister), my Aunt Winnie (My Mum's aunt), and my Uncle Michael (Mum's brother). So much to learn and so little time. I can't wait to hear from them!

There's an old African proverb that says, "When an old man dies a library burns down." I think this was made famous during a 70's T.V. program called "Roots." I'm glad that part of the "library" these people contain can now be passed on!