Sydney Edgar LANGFORD-SMITH

LANGFORD-SMITH, SYDNEY EDGAR (b. Rangiora, New Zealand, 1 June 1869; d. 11 Nov 1950). Anglican clergyman.

Langford-Smith grew up on his father's farm, trained as an optometrist but left a flourishing practice to cross the Tasman and enter Moore College. He was ordained deacon in 1900 and priest in 1901. His whole ministry was spent in two parishes, as rector of Wahroonga (19021916) and Summer Hill (1916-1936). He became a member of the Cathedral Chapter in 1919 and archdeacon of Cumberland in 1932. He was one of the most influential clergy in the diocese of Sydney and played a leading role in synod discussions on successive drafts of a constitution for the Anglican Church in Australia. He was more tolerant than was commonly recognised towards men who were more liberal than he in their outlook, but he would not compromise when conviction or principle was at stake. Quick on his feet, precise in speech, skilful in debate, he was held in honour as the trusted leader of evangelical Churchmen.

MARCUS LOANE