1972 50th Anniversary Service
The history of the church from the Order of Service for the
50th Anniversary 6th Dec 72
Hurst Green Evangelical Free Church
SEEKING TO GLORIFY GOD FOR FIFTY YEARS
Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His Name together!
Ps.34.3
A laundry stood on the corner of a piece of common grazing land, called Hurst Green, and it was here in the mess room that Sunday evening meetings were begun.
A children’s meeting could not be held there, so Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Crittall opened their home in Mill Lane and the kitchen was filled and often the front room too with children from the neighbourhood.
When these friends had to move, concern and prayer resulted in the good news that an ex-army hut had been found. The good sized piece of land on which the present Church now stands was originally rented for one shilling per annum, and later purchased.
Mr. Ryde of Oxted and later of Cowden was in charge of the work. On the 16th November, 1922, the Hall was opened and known as the Gospel Mission Hall. The first service was taken by a local school master now Sir Kenneth Grub. Mr. R. Gurr shared with Mr. Ryde the preaching ministry on Sunday evenings.
Many others have worked to keep the witness going, and we give thanks to God for local people, especially Mr. and Mrs. Heryet and Mr. and Mrs. Seller, and their family.
The following full time workers are remembered for the service they gave in preaching and visitation:- Miss O'Driscoll,
Mr. George Ashton,
Mr. and Mrs. Battens,
Miss Ida Rodwell,
Mr. Henry King,
Mrs. Mollie Mackenzie,
Mr. Angus Ross (whose ministry was cut short by his illness and death)
Mr. Mullen
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Edwards
The Friends' Evangelistic Band (now the Fellowship for Evangelising Britain's Villages) was asked to take responsibility for the work in 1939, Mr. Ryde continuing at first as Superintendent until he went to be with the Lord. The Church owes much to him and to Mr. A. Bryers, Field Secretary of the Fellowship, who frequently visited and preached after Mr. Ross died, until 1950 when Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Edwards arrived to take up their ministry.
During Mr. Edwards's 14 years' ministry the house was built, and in 1955 the present brick Church was wonderfully provided in answer to prayer. Membership and a constitution were instituted. Money was given for the purchase of the organ. In 1964 Mrs. Edwards went to be with the Lord whom she had served with such utter devotion.
Mr. and Mrs. Empsall took over the work in 1966.
In 1972 the structure of a new hall at the rear of the present Church was erected and. is being prepared to provide accommodation for the Sunday School, now held in the house, as well as other activities for young and old, in the ever growing community.
The Church has ministered to the spiritual need of the village now for fifty years and sought to bring the Lord Jesus to the people. Some. have found the Saviour and have been encouraged in their faith. Many have not responded to the Saviour, but the Word of God has been faithfully proclaimed.
