Wesley Sargent is the new pastor at the Cranbrook Congregational Church.

Mr Sargent was welcomed to his new post by a gathering of friends, local clergy and civic leaders at his induction ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony was led by Rev Peter Mitchell from Iden Green Congregational Church, who had been the Interim Moderator during the interregnum.

The Act of Induction was performed by the Rev Paul Davies, the church’s South East area secretary. The ‘charges’ to Wesley, his wife Claire, and the church congregation were delivered by the Rev Malcolm Newman, pastor of Old Coulsden church, who is a long standing friend of the couple.

Following his induction, Mr Sargent was welcomed by other Cranbrook church leaders, including the Rev Richard Williams of St. Dunstan’s, Father Barry Grant of St Theodore’s, the Rev Roland Wheatley of the Strict Baptist Church and David Goodchild of the Vine church.

Cllr Francis Rook officially welcomed the pastor on behalf of the town.

Cranbrook Congregational Church services are held Sundays at 10.30am. Prayer groups meet on Mondays and Fridays and there is a lively ‘Welcome Cuppa’ meeting on Tuesdays from 10-12am. All welcome.

The Rainbow Pre-school meets in the hall behind the church during term-time.

Congregationalists have been worshiping in the town since 1710, and in the present building in the High Street since 1858.