THE AUCKLAND CLERGY.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 229, 31 January 1885, Page 6

THE AUCKLAND CLERGY.

Tin-: above is a very fair likeness of the Rev. William Tebbs, incumbent of St. Matthew's Episcopalian Church. The rev. gentleman was bom in 1542, in Bedford, England, where also the late Colonel Burnaby was born in the same year, the hero of the journey to Ivhiva, a ride through Asia Minor, who at the battle of El/I'eb knocked over seven Arabs with a clubbed musket, was known among his numerous friends and schoolfellows (one of whom was the subject of this biography) as " Fred.'' Many other men lnrdly less famous began their education at the same Grammar School — Mr Justice Hawkins, Captain Bailey (the first men to enter Delhi when the gates were blown in at the memorable siege), DrMaclear (the eminent master of King's College), Lieut. Lie Mesurier (who so distinguished himself on the occasion of the expedition to the Persian Gulf), and many others who have made their mark.

The Rev. W. Tebbs finished his education at Tollbridge School, whore he gained the prize for mathematics two years in suceessior. For some time he studied law and modern languages, having been promised an appointment in the highest branches of the Civil Service, and he entered the Queen's College, 'Cambridge in 18(>:5. He became a scholar of the College, was subsequently appointed precentor of the Chapel and Librarian, the Queen's library being one of the finest in England, especially in the departments of Law and Medicine. It was at Queen's College that he formed the acquaintance of Mr James Hice, which, passing through the stage of a friendly and temporary rivalry whilst they were competing- as essay writers for a prize which was ultimately divided between them, ended only with the early death of the esteemed novelist. Mr Tebbs numbers many authors and publishers among his friends, having been fond of literary pursuits from his youth, and although lie has not written any large work, he has assisted in bringing out several, and produced stories and social articles, among the latter one series which has been several times reprinted, one of the number being inserted by the late Archbishop of Canterbury in the documentary evidence submitted to the Select Committee of the House of Lords on Intemperance. In 18(iO he took the degree of 8.A., having obtained first-class honours in Arts and Science. In the ensuing Oct. he passed through the then trying ordeal known as the " Voluntary Theological Examination." The Professors under whom he studied were Professor Fawcett, (late Postmaster-General), and Professor Selwyn, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, and brother of the late Bishop Selwyn, of New Zealand, and afterwards of Litchfield. Mr Tebbs was ordained J)eacon in 18(>(>, and priest in 1 807, by the late Samuel Wilbcrforce, then Bishop of Oxford. He served the curacy of South Banbury (a virtual sole charge) until 187 G. In this year he took the degree of M.A., being admitted a life member of the Senate of the University. In the same year he was summoned before a Select Committee of the Ifouse ot Commons on Facilities for Public Worship to furnish information concerning the formation of

cession to Archdeacon Emery, appointed canon), and at the same time being offered the living of Ashwick, Somerset, he accepted the latter, and was Vicar of Ashwick under Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wills till 1874. In this year, being offered a second time the incumbency of St. John the Evangelist, Catersham Valley, then in the diocese of Er Harold Browne, Bishop of-^-Winchester, but subsequently in that of Rochester (Dr Thorold), he accepted the charge, which he retained until 1880, when, having been appointed to the incumbency of St Matthews, Auckland, he came to this city at the end of May of that year. Hr Tebbs' views seems to be simply those of Church and Prayer Book, with no leaning to any extreme division in the body. In religious matters he confines himself exclusively to his own communion, but is tolerant to the last degree of freedom of thought and action to all. He is fond of scientific pursuits, and showed his enthusiasm in research by taking part in the exploration of the Drift in the Ouse Valley. He is a member of the Archeological and Architectural Society of the County of Bedford, with its allies of York, Lincoln, Northampton, Worcester, and Leicester. He was offered by his friends election to a Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries, but declined the honour for the time. Lastly he is a member of the Institute and t Society of Arts. Mr Tebbs is also a prominent member of the Masonic body, a regular attendant and participant in the business of the Grand Lodge, English Constitution, as well as being a representative and attendant of the General Committee of the Grand Lodge and Board of Benevolence. He is also a member of the Supremo Grand Chapter, a P.M. of the craft, and a Past First Principal of several chapters of the Royal Arch. He was twice Grand Chaplain of Somerset, of which province the Earl of Canarron, Prov. -Grand Master of England, is Grand Master. Mr Tebbs has served, here as Grand Registrar and twice as Grand Chaplain, besides being a member of the various Committees and Boards of the Masonic body. He has worked hard to establish Royal Arch Masonry in Auckland, having already consecrated two chapters of this, the highest degree of Pure and Ancient Masonry. In church matters he displays great industry, and is a regular attendant at the various Boards. He is also a member f| of the Standing Committee of the Diocese. In all matters affecting the welfare and prosperity of the community he takes a lively interest, co-operating with all who are sincerely devoted to the advancement of Auckland and the good of their fellowmen.