VICAR OF PETONE

Evening Star, Issue 22249, 29 January 1936, Page 2

VICAR OF PETONE

APPOINTED TO AUCKLAND CHARGE [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND. January 28. The appointment of the Rev. George Vincent Gerard, M.A.. M.C., at present vicar of Petone, to the charge of St. Matthew’s Church was announced today by Archbishop Averill. Mr Gerard, who is a son of Mr George Gerard, the well-known Canterbury runholder, was an outstanding Rugby player 10 .years ago. He represented Canterbury in 1922 and South Canterbury from 1923 to 1926, and played for the Smith Island in 1925. From 1927 to 1929 he was a member of the famous Blackheath Club in Fugland. In 1930 he represented Bush Districts and played for the combined Wairarapa-Bush team against the British touring side. Mr Gerard was educated at Christ’s College, from 1913 to 1916. He was a prefect, a member of the first fifteen, and captain of the rowing eight for two years. Shortly after leaving school ho gained a commission in the West Kent Regiment (the Buffs) and served in the Great War, winning the Military Cross. Mr Gerard gained his B.A. degree at Brasenose Colleo'e. Oxford, in 1921, and his M.A. in 1925. He was ordained as a priest by the Bishop of Christchurch in 1923, and was curate at Timarn from 1922 to 1926. From 1927 to 1929 he was at St. Saviour’s. Croydon, and St. Margaret’s. Barking. England. He was vicar of Pahiatua from 1929 to 1932. when he was appointed vicar of Petone.