Archibald Wentworth MORTON

MORTON, ARCHIBALD WENTWORTH (b. Hamilton, NZ, 7 May 1911- d. Sydney, NSW 27 Feb 1973). Anglican clergyman.

Brought up as an only child in a Scottish Presbyterian home, Morton developed strong evangelical convictions. These strengthened during his study at Auckland University College (MA, Dip Ed 1936), and the associated student pastorates in preparation for Presbyterian ordination. Arising out of his commitment to the new IVF movement in NZ he attended the 1936 planning conference at Katoomba out of which emerged the Australian IVF. Deeply influenced by Howard Mowll (q.v.), he entered MTC in 1937, and was ordained deacon 1938, priest 1939 in the dio of Sydney. After energetic work at Miller's Point and Roseville East he was three years an RAAF chaplain, including service in Papua New Guinea. He then studied at Oxford (D Phil 1949) but did not gain an academic appointment. His principal ministry was at Darlinghurst 1956-1967, then as dean of St Andrew's cathedral, 1967-71.

Though married, Morton was a solitary man. He possessed intelligence, drive and enthusiasm, but never achieved great heights. He supported modern causes, notably the Billy Graham Crusade, and much that was American, eg drop-in coffee shops and TV ministry. He was responsible for establishing a branch of the South American Missionary Society in Australia.

M Loane, Mark These Men (Sydney, 1985)

BRIAN DICKEY