THE NEW PRIMATE OF ENGLAND

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume VII, Issue 6, 1 March 1903, Page 495

THE NEW PRIMATE OF ENGLAND

It would surprise no one that the Right Rev. Randall Thomas Davidson, D.D., Bishop of Winchester, was selected for the new Primate of England in place of the late Archdeacon Temple. The nature of his career, his undoubted abilities and the great influence he could command, were bound to lead up to such a preferment. He had only been ordained three years when he was appointed chaplain and secretary to Archbishop Tait, of Canterbury. A year later he married one of the Archbishop's daughters. He continued to hold his post of chaplain and secretary to Tait's successor after that prelate's death. Ihe late Queen showed him the high esteem in which she held him by appointing him to the Deanery of Windsor. He held the Bishopric of Rochester before that of Winchester. ].t is pleasing to note that the new Archbishop has none of the old narrow views which have done so much to retard the greater usefulness of the Church—that intolerant uncharitableness towards other sects which has not unnaturaHv caused so many of its enemies to blaspheme. He is essentially broadminded m his religious views, has a charm of manner which is not too common amongst those in high positions, and never spares himself when work is to be done. The cause oi temperance owes much to his untiring energy. King Edward showed his appreciation of this distinguished and genial ecclesiastic last year by conferring upon him the honour of Knight Commander of the Victorian Order.