MINISTER’S DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20539, 14 February 1935, Page 15

MINISTER’S DEATH.

The death occurred in Christchurch yesterday of the Rev George William Dent, who was well known as a priest of the Church of England in many parts of New Zealand, and particularly as curate at St Luke’s Church, Christchurch. The late Mr Dent was sixtytwo years of age. Born in London, Mr Dent was the , eldest son of Mr J. M. Dent, founder of the famous publishing house of J. M. Dent and Sons. Mr Dent began life in his father’s business, and would probably have become head of it (a position now held by his brother Hugh), but at the age of twenty years illhealth made it necessary for him to leave England, and he went to Australia, where he studied for the ministry of the Church of England. He was ordained deacon in 1899. Two years later he was ordained priest. Coming to New Zealand, he served curacies in Dcvonport and Paparoa, and in 1903 he \vas appointed vicar of Wairoa. After that he held in succession the position j of vicar at Eltham, Brooklyn and ! Grey town, going on to Palmerston North as assistant priest. In 1929, Mr Dent came to Christchurch to take up service as curate at St Luke’s Church : He remained in that office for three years, and subsequently, for a short term, was chaplain at St George’s Hos-i pital. His last charge was that of vicar j

of Courtenay, to which he was appointed last year. Mr Dent was an inspiring churchman, his indomitable spirit and great energy fitting him as a leader. He had been ill for some time before his death, but did not give up his work until it became no longer possible for him to carry on. He took special interest in youth work, playing a prominent part in Bible class and Sunday school activities. Gifted as a musician, he was recognised as a pianist of great skill, and also as a talented singer. Mr Dent was married twice. His first wife died while he was in the North Island, leaving two daughters and two sons. They are:—Mrs Loughnan, of Hawke’s'Bay; Miss Eva Dent, of the staff of the West Christchurch District High School: and Alfred and Hugh Edward Dent. Mr Dent’s second wife was Miss Annie Connal Roose, of Christchurch, who survives him.