On that occasion, Mr. Sheppard of Wrentham, commenced the service with prayer and reading of the Scriptures. Mr. Walford of Yarmouth, delivered an introductory discourse, on ordination, as practised among protestant dissenters; asked the usual questions of the minister; and received his confession of faith. Mr. Newton of Norwich, offered up the ordination prayer, which was unaccompanied by imposition of hands. Mr. Ford of Stepney, gave the charge, from Col. iv. 17. Mr. Ray of Sudbury, preached to the people, from 1 Cor. xvi. 10. Mr. Shufflebottom of Bungay, Mr. Gardiner of Southwold, and Mr. Craig of Bocking, engaged in other parts of the service; and Mr. Atkinson of Ipswich, preached in the evening. More than twenty ministers were present. {206} The important union thus formed and recognised, was, on the 16th of August, in the same year, followed by Mr. Sloper’s marriage; and both events were productive of felicity, for which, to his very last days, he constantly blessed God. After his ordination his ministry created considerable attention; the congregation gradually increased; and through the divine blessing, his preaching was rendered effectual to the conversion of some, and to the improvement and comfort of many. Previously to Mr. Sloper’s pastorate, it was usual in this, as in many other Congregational churches, for persons desiring to unite with the society, to send in a written account of their christian experience. And it was also customary to hold three church meetings before the reception of a candidate. In December, 1803, as prudence did not appear to require a rigid adherence to these regulations, it was agreed, at a church meeting, that the writing a paper should be left to the inclination of the candidates, and that they should in future be proposed at one meeting, and received, or rejected, at the next. {207a} In 1804, a secession of a few members took place. They formed the nucleus of the Baptist church which has since existed in Beccles. {207b}