Re-established June 1989 in current Sunday-afternoon form; tradition stretching back to “Men’s Own” (1904) and Young Men’s Society (1893) Leader of record (2015): Deacon Seymour Williamson [Current leader — to confirm]

The Men’s Fellowship at HBC stands in a tradition that goes back almost to the church’s founding. The Young Men’s Society first held open-air services in Harley Road on 24 April 1893. The Young Men’s Guild was active in the 1920s, with annual outings to Rickmansworth (cricket, tea at Beasley’s, rounders, rowing at Batchworth Lake, clock golf). The Men’s Own meeting on Sunday afternoons was started in 1904. In the modern era, the Men’s Fellowship in its present Sunday-afternoon form was restarted in June 1989, under Pastor Cornelius’s early ministry.

Deacon Seymour Williamson wrote the 2015 chapter: “The group was formed in the 1970’s and is still going strong. We do not meet as often as we would like to, however, we take very active part in the church and endeavour to participate in the activities and functions in the church. Every 4th Sunday we occupy the choir seats and offer a special rendition which is chosen by the individuals of the groups. The highlight of our year is the Men’s barbecue which is well attended.”

The Men’s Fellowship Barbecue is one of the most attended community-facing events HBC runs, and a recurring point of contact between the church and the wider neighbourhood. The Fellowship’s stated philosophy, drawing on Deacon Williamson’s words: “little is much when God is in it.”

The 1990 Centenary celebrations included a Men’s Fellowship Anniversary service at 11 am on Sunday 29 July 1990.

Sources: [125th] p. 49; [Centenary] pp. 7, 13, 22 (Men’s Own, restart 1989); [Scrap] (Young Men’s Guild outings); [Web History].