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 5

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.

In 1946 Harold's church in Milton celebrated 15 years since Harold began his ministry there in the Stoke on Trent area. (1)

I wish I had pictures to go along with this, but unlike later celebrations, there are none with this particular article. The Y.P mentioned here simply stands for young people. It seems that rather than just use the Sunday morning service, they added events to the usual ministry. Visiting missionaries, such as Mrs Boyd and special presentations from the young people rounded out the events.

These services were held in February. I don't know whether this means that Harold's ministry began in the beginning of 1931, or whether this was just the month chosen to honour him. If I find this out from any family member then I will edit this blog to reflect the discovery.

The following year, 1947, Harold is presented as part of the NorthWest Midlands District Council for the Assemblies of God.

The scan quality of this image is not the best since it was taken from an old magazine. Harold is sat on the front left. The picture is taken in Crewe. I've included a link to a pdf version in case it allows for better viewing. (2)

A couple of other events happened later in 1947.

Firstly, a note in the Sept edition of the Redemption Tidings magazine has Harold Griffiths playing piano at the Pentecostal Fellowship Camp. "...in his own inimitable way, Bro. H. Griffiths guided the meetings into blessing and liberty by his skilful use of the piano." 

It's another reference to Harold's musical ability. One that I love to read about because so many in the family are musically inclined. Even in my own immediate family, Dad sings, so does my younger brother, while my older brother also plays the guitar. (3) 

Finally, in the same month (3) there's a report publishing in Redemption Tidings about what's happening with the ministry in Milton.

"The Lord has been gracious in pouring out his blessings within the past few months. A good number of precious souls have found Jesus as their saviour. God also has been gracious in filling quite a few with His Holy Spirit. (4) Others have been faithful unto God by following him through the waters of baptism. Approximately six young men and six young ladies obeyed God by this act. 
On June 29th was the children's anniversary where again everyone present was blessed, both by the Gospel in word which was given by Rhys Griffiths (S.Wales) and in song which was given by the children.
On July 15th a farewell service was held on behalf of our dear Bro. I. Davis (son-in-law to our pastor H. E. Griffiths) who sailed for South Africa."

There are a few things worth noting in this small article. Firstly, Rhys Griffiths is Harold's brother. He was pastor of a church in Blackwood, South Wales. At some point I will post a few blogs about him and the small amounts I have gleaned about the ministry in Blackwood.

Secondly, I am not 100% sure what is meant by June 29th being the children's anniversary, except that we already know 1946 was the anniversary of Harold's ministry in Milton. Perhaps then, this event in 1947 is referencing the beginning of a children's ministry in Milton.

Thirdly, and most importantly to me personally, Brother. I. Davis is actually "Brother I. Davies", my grandfather Idris Davies, who left for South Africa in 1947. You can read elsewhere on my blog about his adventures.

Next, we'll explore the events of 1950 and the grand opening of a new church building in Milton.
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(1) Redemption Tidings magazine VOL 22, April 1946.
(2) Redemption Tidings Magazine VOL 23, July 1947.
(3) Redemption Tidings Magazine VOL 23, Sept 1947.
(4) Pentecostals differ to many other Christian denominations by believing that Christians, though already saved, can receive a separate 'baptism of the Holy Spirit' which enables the believer to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in both the book of Acts and the epistles of the New Testament. It's where Pentecostals get their name from - Pentecost - the moment in Acts when the disciples and followers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages.  

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. 

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths. Part 3

Annie Griffiths (Simpkins) on the left with Naiomi on her knee. Iris Griffiths(Davies) behind. David, Jack (Harold) Then Annie, and Ruth, Harold Griffiths.

The above photograph was taken in the early 1930's.

Part 1 can be read here.
Part 2 can be read here.

In the late 1930's Harold and his family were well established in what is called "The Potteries", which is an area surrounding Stoke on Trent, in England. It received it's name from the pottery industry that it became famous for.

His name shows up in the Redemption Tidings magazine, published by the Assemblies of God.

Firstly he is received into service as an official Assemblies of God minister. (2)

You can see his name, clearly highlighted in blue to the right. His congregations meets in Milton, Stoke-on-Trent. His daughter, Ruth, confirmed the location of the church, and he built his own church building there in the 1950's. At this point, I presume, he is using an older building, one potentially with dual use.

It is worth noting that in part 2 of this series I mentioned Harold worked with renowned evangelist, Edward Jeffreys. Despite Edward's older brothers helping to found the A.O.G. there came to exist some doctrinal differences between the younger Jeffrey's teachings and the older Jeffrey's brothers. Many of the churches founded during Edward Jeffrey's campaigns were named Bethel. As his teachings began to shift from that of his older brothers there was some fall out and many of the Bethel churches left and eventually joined either Elim or the Assemblies of God.  A summary of the doctrinal issues as well as the life and ministry of Edward Jeffreys can be found here. 

It's possible that it took a few years for Harold's church to be accepted into the A.O.G. He was heavily involved in the Jeffrey's missions of the early 1930's as has been discussed in part 2. (3)

Secondly, in May 1938 we read about his Easter Monday message as part of an Easter convention in the Potteries.

"The Potteries Convention, held in the Queen's Hall, Burslem, on Easter Monday, was attended by a great measure of blessing. In the afternoon, Bro. Dawson Perry, of Belfast, ministered an inspiring word from Joshua 1. "Go forward" was the key note. An ecellent tea was provided on the premises and many sat down. A good open air witness was held on the Market Square before the evening meeting. Brother H. Griffiths, of Milton, ministered at the evening session, from Isaiah 6, followed by Dawson perry, who expounded the "Glory of God" from Ex 33:18."  

For those unfamiliar with the text of Isaiah 6, it is about the time that the prophet Isaiah was given his commission by God and has the famous refrain, "Here I am, send me." 

In July 1938 it is mentioned that H. Griffiths aided a Christian Campaign/Convention that occurred in June.

Since the text is small, the pertinent section reads,  "Bro. H. Griffiths of Milton, and Bro W.T. Guest of Burslem gave much help in the house visitation, assisted by Bro. and Sister P. Currie, and Bro F. Baker of Stoke. Everyone worked with willing hands."(1)

Harold did a lot of door to door work, even during World War 2, which we will look at shortly.

By late 1938 Harold had moved to Birmingham. I am not sure about why this happened, but his daughter Ruth explained that they were always moving about. At first I thought it may have been to help out another minister, or be due in part to moving where there was work. In an interview in 2012 with Harold's daughter, Ruth, she recalled that they had moved to Birmingham and that she did not believe it was connected to a church because while in Birmingham, Harold would still commute to the Stoke for the weekend so he could lead his church.

I know that by Christmas 1938 his daughter Iris was married in Bethel Gospel Temple, Wardend Road, Birmingham, England. Ruth also recalls that she and her parents moved back to Stoke around 1940 to 1941. They took Wendy with them because the roof was blown off their house during the war. Idris and Iris stayed in Birmingham while the Griffiths looked after Wendy.

During the war Harold would always be out at nights during the bombings, praying with people. In the interview from 2012 Ruth recalled, "My Dad never came in the shelter either he was out there praying with people that were dying." (4)

Just because there was a war on didn't mean that Harold stopped any of the ministry he was involved in. Instead, he saw it as a good time to connect with people and minister to them.
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(1) Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 14, July, 1938
(2) Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 14, March 1938
(3) Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 14, May 1938
(4) I have the full interview and transcript these memories were taken from. It was conducted over Facebook Messages with Ruth on June 18th 2012. The context of the interview was about Ruth and Iris' family life growing up.