entral Figure in Unique Event
Rev. Robt. Brent Drane, D.D.
75 years old and he has had only one job in his life. Dr. Drane will be observing the 50th anniversary of his Rectorate of old St. Paul’s Chuch at Edenton Monday, when the 225th year of the founding of the parish will be observed. Zoeller photo.
50 Years at Old St. Paul’s. . . Venerable Rector to be Honored on the 225th anniversary of the Oldest Corporation in State
Shrouded deep in the cloak of history, the moss clinging to its gray walls, its solemn spire piercing the heights above, surrounded by the strains of marble markers of decayed royalty and pomp departed more than two centuries ago, Old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at Edenton will be the scene of a unique event Monday, November 1.
For on All Saints Day, the 225th anniversary of the founding of this parish, were dwelled Governor Charles Eden whose bones lay resting in the historic churchyard, hundreds of Episcopalians of eastern North Carolina will wend their way next week, likewise to apy homage to the Rector, Rev. Robert Brent Drane, D.D., venerable veteran of the Episcopal ministry, who has served his parish 50 years.
The beloved veteran of the ministry will assist in celebrating the service of the church he loves so well. At 11 a.m., holy communion will take place. The celebrants are the Rt. Rev. Joseph Blount Cheshire D.D. of Raleigh, and the Rt. Rev. Thos. C. Darst, D.D., Bishops of the church. Bishop Cheshire will be the preacher of the service.
The service will be followed by a luncheon in the Parish House at 1 o’clock and at 4 p.m. will be presented the historical pageant of the church: “The Bells of Old St. Pauls”. This pageant, written especially for the occasion by Mrs. Theodosia Wales Glenn of Atlanta, will be produced from a special stage in the church yard under the shadow of the church spire, and will be taken part in by 150 people of Edenton. It begins with the “Far Away Bell of the Early Settlers in Episode One,” the organization of the first Vestry of St. Paul’s Paris, the oldest corporation in North Carolina, dating from December 15, 1701. Covering the principal events of the historic old church, and coming down to the present date, the pageant will conclude with an impressive glimpse into the future, “The Golden bells beyond St. Paul’s Churchyard”.
The day will close with a reception in the Parish House at 8 o’clock, to which a thousand people have been invited. All Edenton is cooperating wholeheartedly to make the event a great one.
All Edenton knows and loves Dr. Drane, whom it will honor that day. On November 1, 1876, the young man of 25 entered on his duties as rector of the Church. It is his first and only charge. During the years he has grown old gracefully, and he appears younger in many respect that his white hair and beard would indicate.
From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Oct. 29, 1926
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-10-29/ed-1/seq-1/