Archbishop Averill: A Legacy of Faith and Leadership in New Zealand
The history of the Anglican Church in New Zealand is marked by figures who bridged the gap between traditional English roots and a distinct national identity. Among these leaders, Archbishop Averill stands out as a pivotal figure who guided the church through a period of significant structural evolution and ecumenical growth.
Early Life and Education
Born in Castle Church, Staffordshire, Averill's early years were defined by a balance of academic rigor and athletic achievement. He attended the King Edward VI School in Stafford before pursuing higher education at St John's College, Oxford. While studying Honour Theology, he proved himself a versatile student-athlete, rowing for his college and earning colors in both rugby and association football (soccer).
After graduating in 1887, he furthered his training at the Ely Theological College. His formal entry into the clergy began in 1888 when he was made a deacon at St Paul's Cathedral by Frederick Temple, the Bishop of London. He was subsequently ordained as a priest on December 22, 1889, and began his ecclesiastical career serving as a curate at St George's, Hanover Square.
Ministry in England and Migration
In 1891, Averill expanded his ministry by accepting a position as an assistant curate under the vicar of Holy Trinity parish in Dalston, located in north-east London. During this period of his life, he married Mary Weir on November 30, 1893, at Christ Church Lancaster Gate in London.
Seeking new horizons, Averill emigrated to New Zealand in 1894. He quickly integrated into the local church, becoming the Vicar of St Michael and All Angels in Christchurch on March 2, 1894. This role served as the foundation for his rapid ascent within the church hierarchy.
Rise Through the New Zealand Hierarchy
Averill's leadership capabilities were recognized early in his New Zealand tenure. Between 1902 and 1909, he served concurrently as a Canon of ChristChurch Cathedral and the Archdeacon of Akaroa. By April 7, 1909, he was appointed the Archdeacon of Christchurch.
His trajectory toward senior leadership culminated in 1909 when he was elected Bishop of Waiapu. He was consecrated on January 16, 1910, at Napier Cathedral by Samuel Nevill, the Bishop of Dunedin and Primate of New Zealand. His influence continued to grow, leading to his translation to Auckland on January 31, 1914, following his election on September 30, 1913.
Archbishopric and Institutional Reform
On April 21, 1925, Averill reached the pinnacle of his career when he was promoted to Archbishop of New Zealand. His tenure as the second Archbishop and Primate was characterized by a drive toward independence and inclusivity.
At the 1925 Synod, Averill championed the amendment of the church constitution to ensure the Anglican Church of New Zealand enjoyed full autonomy from the Church of England. Furthermore, he supported the 1928 creation of the bishopric of Aotearoa, which led to the appointment of Frederick Bennett as the Bishop of Aotearoa and the Spiritual Leader of the Māori people.
Ecumenical Outreach and Retirement
Beyond the Anglican fold, Averill was a proponent of interfaith dialogue. He engaged in meaningful discussions with Bishop James Liston of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as ministers from Presbyterian and non-episcopal churches. His commitment to unity was further evidenced by his appointment as the first chairman of the Council of Christian Congregations early in his Auckland episcopate.
Archbishop Averill served as Primate until 1939. He officially resigned from his See in Auckland on March 31, 1940, and retired to Christchurch. Following his passing, he was cremated and interred at Purewa Cemetery in the Auckland suburb of Meadowbank.
Key Facts
- Education: King Edward VI School, St John's College (Oxford), and Ely Theological College.
- Key Appointments: Bishop of Waiapu (1910), Bishop of Auckland (1914), and Archbishop of New Zealand (1925).
- Major Reform: Advocated for the Anglican Church of New Zealand's full autonomy from the Church of England.
- Māori Ministry: Supported the establishment of the bishopric of Aotearoa in 1928.
- Ecumenical Work: First chairman of the Council of Christian Congregations.
| Year/Period | Role/Position | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1888 | Deacon | St Paul's Cathedral, London |
| 1889 | Priest | London |
| 1894 | Vicar of St Michael and All Angels | Christchurch, NZ |
| 1902–1909 | Canon and Archdeacon of Akaroa | Christchurch/Akaroa, NZ |
| 1910 | Bishop of Waiapu | Napier, NZ |
| 1914 | Bishop of Auckland | Auckland, NZ |
| 1925–1939 | Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand | New Zealand |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Archbishop Averill educated?
He was educated at King Edward VI School in Stafford, St John's College, Oxford, where he studied Honour Theology, and the Ely Theological College.
What was Averill's contribution to the autonomy of the New Zealand church?
At the 1925 Synod, he supported amending the constitution of the Anglican Church of New Zealand to grant it full autonomy from the Church of England.
How did Averill support the Māori people within the church?
He supported the creation of the bishopric of Aotearoa in 1928, which resulted in Frederick Bennett being appointed as the Bishop of Aotearoa and the Spiritual Leader of the Māori people.
Which other denominations did Archbishop Averill engage with?
He engaged in dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church (specifically Bishop James Liston) as well as ministers from Presbyterian and non-episcopal churches.
When did he retire and where is he buried?
He resigned his See in Auckland on March 31, 1940, and retired to Christchurch. He is interred at Purewa Cemetery in Meadowbank, Auckland.