Hertford Town Church
Saturday 16 June saw the ordination and induction of Hertford Town Church’s pastor, George Platt.
The church was founded by Charles Bancroft in his living room, just over 10 years ago. His desire was for Hertford to have a church ‘teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Acts 28:31).
A year after starting, Mr Bancroft and his wife Tanya were struggling with the difficulties of running a church from home, when God provided a former Brethren chapel financed by a Christian businessman.
Over the years, the church has seen some conversions and benefitted from Christians moving into the town. It has about 25 attending at the morning service.
Mr Platt grew up in a Roman Catholic family. His mother, Carol, was converted through the witness of a Christian friend, and her husband and two young sons followed suit.
Carol’s prayer was that her sons should grow up to preach the gospel of Christ. She saw that prayer fulfilled in her other son, Jonathan Platt, as well (he works with Birmingham City Mission), though the Lord took her to himself a month before she could see George Platt ordained.
Mr Platt recently completed a course at London Theological Seminary (LTS) and was introduced to the church by one of its tutors, Chris Bennett, who has supported the church for many years.
About 100 people came for the ordination. Basil Howlett of LTS led the service and preached from 1 Kings 22, on Micaiah’s burden to tell Ahab only what the Lord had told him.
Mr Bancroft spoke about the church’s history and Mr Platt recounted God’s leading to Hertford. Other local ministers and elders joined for the ordination.
There was a great sense of celebration on the day. Hertford Town Church is praying that many will hear the gospel and the Lord will give much increase.
James Horgan
