DEAN OF CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20254, 14 May 1929, Page 9

DEAN OF CANTERBURY.

REV. H. R. SHEPPARD

HONORARY CHAPLAIN TO KING

Times Cable. LONDON, May 12. The Rev. Hugh Richard Sheppard, hon. chaplain to the King, has been appointed Dean of Canterbury.

The Rev. Hugh Richard Lawrie Sheppard, honorary chaplain to the King, is a philanthropist, as well as a popular preacher. He was educated at Marlborough and Trinity Hail, Cambridge. Entering the Church, he became secretary to the Bishop of Stepney in 1905, and chaplain of Oxford House in the East End in 1907, retailing his connection with it for 10 years. In 1914 he was appointed vicar of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, and there he did work which made him universally beloved. He threw the Church open day and night throughout the war and that practice was continued afterwards for the benefit of the down and out." The crypt was transformed into comfortable club rooms for messenger boys, and the Church Fellowship which Mr. Sheppard started was a great social boon to friendless young people who had gone to work in London.

"Dick" Sheppard, as he is called, acted also as a chaplain in France, receiving many decorations. His popular services were broadcast regularly, and he became known to thousands as the "Wireless Parson." Although he is a High Churchman, his pulpit is always open to preachers of other denominations. A devoted social worker, he initiated the Winter Distress League which did excellent service for family men in need oi work by its employment schemes. In 1921 he was lecturer on pastoral theology and select preacher at Cambridge. Next year lie was appointed Proctor of the Diocese of London. He is honorary secretary of the Life and Liberty Movement. In November, 1926, he was compelled by ill-health to resign his charge, being succeeded by Canon "Pat" McCormick. In the New Year honours list of 1927 his name appeared as a Companion of Honour, a high distinction. He also received an hon. D.D. from Glasgow University. In the following November he was left a legacy of £22,000 by William Bonbright, a banker of New York and London, who admired his work.

Mr. Sheppard succeeds Dr. G. K. A Bell, now Bishop of Chichester.