CLERGYMAN FROM NEW ZEALAND

Southland Times, Issue 25514, 7 November 1944, Page 6

CLERGYMAN FROM NEW ZEALAND

POST IN NEW YORK (P.A.) , AUCKLAND, November 6. An appointment to St Ann’s Church, New York City, one of America’s leading Episcopal Churches, has been received by an Auckland clergyman, the Rev. Melville Harcourt, Vicar of Birjkenhead, The appointment of a New Zealand clergyman to this important church is regarded as a significant and far-sighted attempt on the part of American churchmen to encourage the development of understanding and cordiality between the peoples of the two English-speaking nations and the occupant of such a pulpit is in a position to wield considerable influence with a wide section of its people in America. “People in the States have a profound respect for the contribution New Zealand has made during the war and apparently want to know more about your nation, people and church/' said Chaplain Wesley Wilde, an American naval chaplain in New Zealand, commenting on the appointment “Mr Harcourt goes to America not merely as a priest, but also as an ambassador for New Zealand.” St. Ann’s was established .160 years ago and is famed for its missionary enterprise. Mr Harcourt, who was educated in England and Christchurch, has the reputation of being a brilliant preacher. He is the author of several books and was formerly an Auckland journalist.