Rev. Ernest George Rudman

He arrived in 1947 and many still remember him as a man of powerful preaching, his pastoral care, his zeal for world wide mission and his exposition of Biblical prophecy.

He was always known as 'Pastor'. Mr. Rudman saw it as his responsibility to challenge people to wholehearted discipleship. Baptismal services were always important events and one had to arrive early to ensure a seat.

Over his 25 years of ministry 790 were baptised. During his time both the 'Car Ministry' helping those unable to get to church by themselves by asking someone to collect them, and also the 'Tape ministry' enabling even those who couldn't leave home to hear the services. Missionary work - with Mr.

Rudman's zeal for missionary work, he himself had planned to be a missionary with BMS in Africa, that 46 people went into full time service from Holland Road during his ministry. In 1957-58 Holland Road built a new church in the new estate at Hangleton Valley, and in 1962 an extension was built to Holland Road to include a new kitchen and toilet facilities. The children's work continued to expand with 'Children's Hour' during the evening service seeing the hall regularly packed for a varied programme which included slide shows, films, Bible games and quizzes. In 1960 and 1971 the morning service was televised, the second occasion being in colour.