ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 30 January 1936, Page 3

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

APPOINTMENT AT AUCKLAND REV. G, V. GERARD [By Telegraph—Preßß Asso’ciation] AUCKLAND, 28th January. The appointment of the Rev. George Vincent Gerard, M.A., M.C., at present vicar of St. Augustine’s parish, Petone, to the charge of St. Matthew’s Church, Auckland, was announced to-day by Archbishop Averill. The Rev. Mr Gerard, who is a son of Mr George Gerard, a well-known Canterbury runholder, was an outstanding Rugby player ten years ago. He represented Canterbury in 1922, and South Canterbury' from • 1923 to 1926, and played for the South Island in 1925. From 1927 to 1929 lie was a member of the famous Blackheath Club in England. In 1930 in 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 there, a member of the firstfifteen, and captain of the rowing eight for two years. Shortly after leaving school lie gained a- commission in the West Kent Regiment (Bulls) and served in the Great War, winning t.lie Military Cross. Mr Gerard gained his B.A. degree at Braseuose College, Oxford, in 1921, and his M.A. in 1925. He was ordained as priest by the Bishop' of Christchurch in 1923, and was curate at Tiinaru from 1922 to 1926. From 1927 to 1929 he was at St. Saviour s Church, Croydon, and, St. Margaret’s Church, Barking, England. He wgs vicar of St. Peter’s, Pahiatua, from 1929 to 1932, when he was appointed vicar of St. Augustine’s, Petone.