20 August 1823 - The Rev. John Ham, (late of Crewkerne, Somersetshire), was ordained over the Baptist Church in the borough of WARWICK. The service in the morning was conducted in the Baptist Meeting House, when the following ministers engaged: -

The Rev. J. Bate of Braunston commenced with reading and prayer; the Rev. F. Franklin of Coventry delivered the introductory discourse, asked the questions, received Mr. Ham's account of his religious experience, and his confession of faith; and then offered up the ordination prayer, which was attended by laying on of hands. The Rev. Isaiah Birt of Birmingham delivered the charge from Luke xii. 43:

"Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (Luke 12:43)

. . . and the service was concluded with prayer by the Rev. J. Percy, Independent minister of the same town.

In the evening the service was held in Mr. Percy's Chapel, kindly lent for the accomodation of the numerous hearers. The Rev. J. Price of Alcester began with reading and prayer; the Rev. T. Morgan preached the sermon to the people from Philippians i. 27:

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27)

. . . when the whole of the highly devotional and impressive work of the day was closed with prayer by the Rev. J. Barker of Henley-in-Arden.

It is well known, and has been long deplored by many of the friends of Zion, that this church and congregation have been for many years in a declining state; but since Mr. Ham has been there, both have considerably increased, and the greatest peace and harmony prevail among the people. God has heard the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer for this part of Zion. Indications of the Divine presence and blessing were most sensibly discovered, while many acknowledged "It was good for them to be there."