Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - 19 April 1913

SHIRLEY.

Induction of the New Vicar.— The newly appointed vicar (the Rev. R. E. Coates) was formally inducted on April 10th, to the benefice of Shirley, by the Ven. the Archdeacon of Derby (Dr. Noakes), a fair congregation be present to witness the proceedings. After the hymn "Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire" had been sung, The Archdeacon explained to the congregation the meaning and origin of the ceremony, and afterwards read the mandate of induction. Then, following the quaint custom, which, as the Archdeacon explained, has been in vogue in England for centuries past, the vicar went outside the church door, and, after knocking, was admitted by the Archdeacon, who, placing the vicar's hand upon the handle of the door, formally put him in possession of the temporalities of the living. Accompanied by the Archdeacon and the churchwardens, the vicar then proceeded to the belfry, where he rang the bell. The communion table and other parts of the church were subsequently visited, the Archdeacon reading the prescribed injunction at each spot. The Archdeacon afterwards spoke a few words of earnest and helpful counsel to pastor and people, and the service was concluded by the singing of the hymn "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly done" followed by the Benediction.