 Hollingdale was employed in the local steel works and later as a policeman (PC number 22 on the Neath Police Force), before studying theology at King's College London, where he became an Associate of King's College (AKC).Following his ordination, he worked as a curate in Upminster and subsequently as vicar of the parish of Stratford in East London.From 1948 to 1959 he was vicar of St Peter's, Colchester — a living controlled by the Simeon Trust.