South Yorkshire Times, November 25th 1944
The Ven. M. Clarke
Institution of Vicar of Denaby Main
The Ven. Maurice Clarke, Archdeacon of Madras, was instituted and inducted Vicar of Denaby Main last night at the Parish Church. The institution ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Sheffield (Dr. L. S. Hunter) and the induction by the Archdeacon of Doncaster, the Rev. R. W. Stannard.
The new Vicar was presented to the Bishop by Mr. L. C. Hodges, patron, who represented the trustees and the Rev. E. A. C. Gundry (Mexborough) officiated as Bishop’s Chaplain.
Among the clergy present were the Rev. E. P. Cook (Barnburgh), the Rev. J. H. Shaw (Rossington, Assistant Rural Dean), the Rev. E. H. P. Rawlins (Mexborough), the Rev. J. Vesey Roome (Scarborough), and the Rev. G. Needham (Conisbrough).
Mr. T. Holcroft (Lay Reader), the Rev. J. H. and Mrs. Cretney (Mexborough), Pastor and Mrs. J. Kirby (Epworth Hall) and Adjt. W. Netherwood (Salvation Army) were also present. The congregation included representatives of any local organisations, including Coun. G. Oldfield J. P., Chairman of Conisbrough Urban District Council and Council officials.
Dr. Hunter said the parishioners were fortunate in having as their new Vicar a man who brought with him the variety of experience through serving in other places. “He is a Yorkshireman,” he said “and now with the wisdom of advancing years he has returned to his homeland and I am sure that you, as true Yorkshire people, will give him a real welcome.” It has been their good fortune to have had Mr. Powley as Vicar for a long period and the new Vicar was entering into a goodly heritage, a church life which was happy and strong.
Parishioners met their new Vicar afterwards at a gathering in the Church Hall.