Alfred J Holiday

Early Life

Alfred J. Holiday was born and educated in London, where he benefited from an excellent education and grew up within an artistic and literary environment. This background left a lasting impression on his character, shaping both his clarity of thought and his expressive ability throughout life.

Conversion and Early Zeal

Holiday was converted at the early age of sixteen, and from that moment his devotion to Christ was wholehearted and unmistakable. His conversion was striking in its simplicity. One Sunday evening, while attending church, he heard the Gospel clearly explained, believed it immediately, and was saved—without the prolonged inner struggle often associated with conversion. After the service he turned to his companion and said, “I am saved,” only to discover, to his delight, that his friend had come to the same conclusion that very night.

This new joy could not be contained. Almost at once, Alfred and his friend began sharing the Gospel with others, and several of their acquaintances professed faith in Christ. Before long, Reginald Radcliffe, the well-known lawyer-preacher, recognized Holiday’s gift and encouraged him to begin preaching publicly.

Open-Air Evangelism

Holiday quickly proved himself especially gifted in open-air evangelism. He held large outdoor meetings, notably at Primrose Hill and in other parts of London, where his clear, simple Gospel preaching was accompanied by evident blessing. Throughout his life, nothing characterised him more than his love for the open air. Even in later years, when many would have preferred more comfortable settings, he was always at his best when preaching to people where they were.

Around this time, Holiday was introduced to the deeply godly Howard family of Tottenham, who, like Aquila and Priscilla, helped him understand Scripture more fully. Through their influence he was led out of denominational systems and into the liberty of gathering simply with believers to worship the Lord and remember Him in the breaking of bread.

Marriage and Move to the North

Business responsibilities later took Holiday to Birmingham, where his energetic Gospel work continued to be widely appreciated. During this period, he married Miss Atchison of London, an event he regarded as the most important of his life apart from his conversion. Their marriage was a deeply happy one, marked by spiritual unity and intellectual companionship. She proved to be a true helpmeet in every sense.

After some years, Holiday moved to Bradford, where he became financial manager for Lord Masham (then Mr. S. C. Lister). He earned his employer’s confidence and goodwill in a remarkable way. Spiritually, the small assembly in Bradford was soon strengthened by the arrival of Alfred and his wife.

Trial, Recovery, and Pastoral Work

However, difficult days followed. A long and serious illness completely laid Holiday aside, making all work impossible for a time. When he eventually recovered, the assembly had dwindled significantly and was meeting in a poor, makeshift room known as “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Yet Holiday’s faith and energy were undiminished.

He threw himself once again into Gospel work—preaching in music halls, tents, and open-air meetings. Many fellow workers assisted him, and the assembly began to grow rapidly. As one observer wisely noted, the many new converts required careful pastoral care. This brought out another strong side of Holiday’s character: his pastoral heart.

For years he devoted one long evening each week—regardless of weather—to visiting believers, often returning home after midnight. He had a remarkable ability to organise others, drawing fellow Christians into active service with wisdom and tact.

Character and Generosity

Alfred Holiday was known for his deep love, generosity, and gracious spirit. Though firm in his convictions, he was never harsh. He forgave easily and harboured no bitterness. One year, during a period of widespread hardship in Bradford, he deliberately gave up eating meat so that the money saved could be given to those in need. This was typical of him. He gave freely and sacrificially, often denying himself even lawful comforts rather than saving money while others were in distress.

Later Years at Featherstone

For the last thirteen years of his life, Holiday lived at Featherstone, where he managed Lord Masham’s estate and colliery. When he arrived, there was no assembly of believers there. Through his faithful labour, a strong and healthy assembly was built up and firmly established.

Teacher, Counsellor, and Peacemaker

In addition to his evangelistic and pastoral work, Holiday was a gifted teacher, able to express biblical truth clearly and forcefully. His ministry at conferences was widely valued, and assemblies facing difficulty frequently turned to him for counsel. He travelled countless miles—often at the cost of sleep and personal comfort—to help resolve problems, heal divisions, and restore unity among believers.

Final Days and Home-Call

Alfred J. Holiday passed away on 8 February 1905. His death was not only peaceful but triumphant. Though his physical strength faded, his spiritual joy increased noticeably during his final hours. It seemed to those around him that he was already catching sight of the glory to come. Among his last recorded words were these:

“I have had many happy, happy years of service for the Lord down here, but now I am to be promoted higher, higher, higher.”

Legacy

Alfred J. Holiday is remembered as:

• A fearless open-air evangelist

• A devoted pastor with a shepherd’s heart

• A wise counsellor and peacemaker

• A man of unusual generosity and self-sacrifice

• A servant who combined strong conviction with deep love

His life stands as a testimony to joyful, tireless service for Christ, carried out in humility, faith, and wholehearted devotion until the very end.