Fancourt, Thomas Rev

Record Title : St James'' Church (Lower Hutt)
Photographs
Reference Number : PAColl-2511
Display Dates : 1860s-1980s
Quantity : 32 b&w original photographic print(s)
3 colour original photographic print(s)
Scope & Contents : Views the buildings, grounds and personalities associated with St James'' Anglican Church, Lower Hutt.
Restrictions : Unrestricted
Child Record : Go to Child Records
Collection Status : COLLECTION
Issue Status : Issuable ITEM
Names : St James'' Anglican Church (Lower Hutt, N.Z.) (Creator)
St James'' Anglican Church (Lower Hutt, N.Z.) (Subject)
Fancourt, Thomas (Archdeacon), 1840-1919 (Subject)
Hoare, Laurence A, fl 1960s (as the photographer)
Photo News Ltd (Wellington, N.Z.) (as the photographer)
Parks, C H, fl 1969 (as the photographer)
Eastbourne Studios (as the photographer)
Subjects : Anglican church buildings - New Zealand - Wellington Region
Anglican Communion - New Zealand - Wellington Region
Place : Lower Hutt
Media/Processes : Albumen photoprints
Silver gelatin photoprints
from web site http://tapuhi.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/spydus/FULL/GLOBAL/OPCOMB/14/404190,174 Accessed: 30 May 2011

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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District] 1897
The Venerable Archdeacon Thomas Fancourt, Diocesan Secretary, and Minister in charge of St. John''s Church, Johnsonville, eldest son of the Rev. W. J. Fancourt, an English clergyman, was born 22nd of January, 1840 at Malvern, Worcestershire, and educated at Lancing College, Sussex. Mr. Fancourt studied for the Church at the famous Missionary College of St, Augustine. Originally an old monastery, it was saved from sacrilege by the Hon. Beresford Hope, who, having purchased the freehold, presented the property to the Church of England, and it is now a most important Missionary College. Mr. Fancourt completed his student''s curriculum and received his College diploma in 1863. Before coming to New Zealand in 1865 per ship “Star of Tasmania,” he was for nine months at Cawnpore, India, leaving owing to a breakdown in health. The reverend gentleman was ordained deacon in 1865, being the last to be ordained in old St. Paul''s Church, Wellington, and, singular to relate, he was the first priest ordained in the new edifice. Bishop Abraham officiated on both occasions, the order of priesthood being conferred in 1867. Mr. Fancourt had charge of Porirua, Karori and Johnsonville for nearly five years, ending in 1870. From that year till 1884 he had the care of the Hutt Parish. As Diocesan Secretary the subject of this notice has been indefatigable since his acceptance of the office in 1884. Two years later Mr. Fancourt took up the Johnsonville cure again. In 1888 he was appointed Archdeacon of Wellington. During the vacancy in the see the reverend gentleman administered the affairs of the diocese as Bishop''s Commissary. Archdeacon Fancourt is called a moderately high churchman. His great work has been the General Church Fund, which he helped to establish to induce rich parishes to assist the poorer by providing a common fund out of which all stipends of the clergy might be paid.
from web site http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc01Cycl-t1-body-d4-d22-d4.html

Fancourt Street
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This street was named after Archdeacon Thomas Fancourt (1840-1919), who was the first clergyman to minister to St Mary''s Church in 1866. He was born and educated in England and came to Wellington in 1865, the year of his ordination. Between 1865 and 1870 he was in charge of six church districts including Pauatahanui, Johnsonville, Tawa, Ohariu, Makara and Karori. He lived at Johnsonville where there was a vicarage by 1867. On one occasion he almost drowned crossing the flood-swollen Makara Stream. He was buried, with other family members, in Bolton Street Cemetery. Before 1925 the street was named, for obvious reasons, Church Street, but had to change its name in 1925 owing to the existence in Wellington city of Church Street, off Boulcott Street.
from web site http://www.karorihistory.org.nz/streets.htm

Free BMD Marriage Records show Date Registered: March 1858, District: Bradford Yk, Names: Thomas Fancourt and Emma Perry, Volume: 9b, Page: 17
The district Bradford YK is an alternative name for Bradford and it spans the boundaries of the counties of West Riding of Yorkshire and West Yorkshire

Wellington Independent 14 December 1865
Clerical - The Rev. Thomas Fancourt, of the Established Church, Father Peter Bucas and Paul Sarda;
...
have been appointed officiating ministers in New Zealand

Wellington Independent 19 March 1870
CLERICAL MEETING AT THE HUTT.- The usual quarterly meeting of the clergy of the diocese of Wellington was held at the Hutt on Tuesday last. The clergy met in St. James''s Church at 10 o''clock, when morning prayers were read by the Rev. Thomas Fancourt, and the litany by the Rev. H. W. St. Hill. The Venerable Archdeacon Hadfield preached a very able sermon from Genesis 3, 8, on the distinction between the conscience and the moral judgment. The Holy Communion was administered by the Archdeacon, assisted by the Rev. John E. Herring, the incumbent. At evening service, prayers were read by the Rev. W. H. Ewald, and the lessons by the Rev. H. W. St. Hill. The Rev. T. Fancourt preached from John 17, 20, 21, on Christian unity, and in his closing remarks feelingly alluded to the approaching departure from this diocese of the Rev. J. E. Herring. It is now decided that Mr Fancourt will succeed Mr Herring immediately after Easter Sunday

Wellington Independent 24 November 1870
WELLINGTON DIOCESAN SYNOD
FIFTH SYNOD - SECOND SESSION
...
Since last year several changes have taken place, and others are contemplated, which I briefly notice. The Rev. J. E. Herring, who for six years was Curate of the united parishes of St. James'' and Christchurch (sic) at the Hutt, after giving due notice, resigned his cure in April last, and proceeded to the Diocese of Melbourne. Mr Herring''s exemplary discharge of his duties in those parishes was thoroughly appreciated, and a feeling of universal regret was felt at his departure. He has been succeeded at the Hutt by the Rev. T. Fancourt. The Parochial report is satisfactory. There appears to be no debt. It is, however, mentioned that "the church is still in need of further internal embellishment." The satisfactory state of the finances of the parish leads me to hope that this need may shortly be supplied. Mr Fancourt''s removal to the Hutt occasioned a vacancy in the country districts of Karori, Ohario, and Porirua, where he has been laboring for five years, greatly to the satisfaction of those who had the benefit of his ministrations.
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Evening Post 13 July 1874
A popular entertainment was given at the Masonic Hall, Lower Hutt, on Thursday evening, the proceeds going to St James'' Church Building Fund. The programme consisted of readings, songs, glees, and solos and duets on the piano. Miss R. Riddiford, Miss Julia Buck, Miss Julia Pyke (sic) and the Misses Riddiford gave the solos and duets, Mr. Major Clifford, Mrs Fancourt, Miss R. Riddiford, and Mrs Mudgway played the accompaniments. Mrs Major Clifford, Mr George Beetham, and Mr George Williams, of Sandon, gave several fine song; and Mr Beetham, sen, Mr Thomas Mason, Mr Horsfall, and Mr George Hedges some very select readings. The Rev Thomas Fancourt occupied the chair.

Evening Post 24 August 1878
TO BUILDERS.
TENDERS are invited until noon of Monday, 23rd of September, for the erection of a church at the Lower Hutt.
Plans and specifications may be seen at the office of Mr. F. Knevitt, Architect, Bolton- street, Wellington, and at Mr. R. Cleland''s, Lower Hutt.
Tenders to be addressed to Mr. R. Cleland, and marked "Tender for Church".
Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
THOMAS FANCOURT, Chairman of Building Committee.

Evening Post 21 July 1879
PARISH MEETING, LOWER HUTT
THE Annual Parish Meeting of S. James''. Hutt and Christchurch, Taita, stands adjourned from Tuesday last to Tuesday next, 22nd July, in the Church Schoolroom, Lower Hutt, at 7.30 p.m.
THOS. FANCOURT,
Curate
19th July, 1879

Evening Post 24 July 1879
The annual parish meeting of St. James'', Hutt, and Christchurch (sic), Taita, was resumed on Tuesday evening last at the church schoolroom. The Rev. T. Fancourt occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks stated that the proposed scheme for the establishment of a general church fund would not be brought into operation until after the next session of the Synod, and that therefore the parish would have to continue for the next half year under its present financial system. The churchwardens'' report and balance-sheet were read and adopted, after which the meeting proceeded to the election of office bearers. The Rev. T. Fancourt re-nominated as his churchwarden — Mr. J. H. Brann, for St James'', and Mr. Welch (senior) for Christchurch (sic); Mr. J. R Ransom was re-elected parishioners churchwarden for St. James'', and Mr. W. R. Welch for Taita. Captain Hewitt and Messrs. H. Collett, Ed. Collett, R. Cleland, W. A. Fitzherbert, H. S. Fitzherbert, R. Johnston, Jas. Wilkins, and H. W. Williams were elected vestrymen. Messrs J. H. Brann, J. R. Ransom, Jno. Wilkins, Ed. Collett, and W. R. Welch were elected collectors, and Capt. Humfrey and Mr. Wm. Jones, auditors.


Evening Post 4 July 1880
LOWER HUTT PARISH
The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Church Schoolroom, on Thursday Evening, 15th instant, at 8 p.m.
Buisness:- To elect Parish Officers for the ensuring year, &c.
THOMAS FANCOURT,
Incumbent

Evening Post 4 September 1880
A MEETING of the Residents of Petone, and any others interested, will be held on Tuesday Evening Next, the 7th inst., at 7 o''clock, in Mr. Ridler''s (sic) Building, Petone, near Railway Workshops. Business — To take into consideration the means of Erecting at Petone a Church of England Building, to be used for Divine Worship, Sunday School, and other Church purposes.
THOMAS FANCOURT, Curate.

Evening Post 9 July 1883
THE Annual General Meeting of the Parishioners of St. James'', Lower Hutt, will be held in the Church Schoolroom, TO-MORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING, at half-past 7 o''clock.
Business:
To receive Report and Balance Sheet, and to elect Parish Officers.
THOMAS FANCOURT, Incumbent.

Manawatu Standard 20 November 1884
Diocesan Synod
BISHOP HADFIELD''S ADDRESS
...
During the past year the Rev. F. T. (sic) Fancourt has resigned the charge of St. James'' parish at the Hutt, on being appointed diocesan secretary.
...
During the same period the following appointments have been made:-
...
Rev. E. S. Cross, to the parish of St. James and Christ Church, Hutt.
...

Karori Cemetery
Last Name: FANCOURT
First Name: Thomas Gerald
Service Date: 10-09-1883
Service Provided: Burial
Cemetery: Bolton St
Section: C of E
Plot Number: 1020
Record Number: 96006
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*Death Details Date: 1885, Registration No: 1885/3608, Aged: 17 years, Name: Thomas Gerald Fancourt, so born circa 1868 - Date of Death 10/9/1885 from Death Registration*
- could not see a Death Notice in searchable newspapers

Karori Cemetery
Last Name: FANCOURT
First Name: Elizabeth Emma
Service Date: 18-06-1903
Service Provided: Burial
Cemetery: Bolton St
Section: C of E
Plot Number: 1020
Record Number: 96004

Death Details Date: 1903, Registration No: 1903/3614, Aged: 68 years, Name: Elizabeth Emma Fancourt, so born circa 1835 - Date of Death 18/6/1903 from Death Registration

EP 19/6/1903
Mrs. Fancourt, wife of the Archdeacon of Wellington, died at the family residence on Thorndon-quay early yesterday morning. The deceased lady had been an invalid for a long time. The immediate cause of death was heart trouble. Mrs Fancourt was much respected, and her husband and family will have general sympathy in their bereavement

NZ Freelance 14/?/1905
ARCHDEACON Fancourt, whose health has greatly benefited by the trip to England, arrived back last week, accompanied by Miss Fancourt. Just at present they are staying at Khandallah Whilst in England, Archdeacon Fancourt met many old friends and acquaintances, and he was much impressed with the fact that wherever he went there was sure to be someone enquiring whether he was acquainted with some friend or relation they had in New Zealand.
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Amongst the many anxious to hear about us all were the Rev. John Still for many years vicar of St. Paul''s parish, and the Rev. W. C. Waters — whom many will remember — of St. Peter''s parish. Both live in Norfolk now, but have by no means lost their interest in New Zealanders. Whilst he was in England, Archdeacon Fancourt was present during the ordination of his son, the Rev. William Fancourt, who is now residing in Liverpool, being curate of St. Jude''s.

EP 18/3/1910
Archdeacon Fancourt has taken a house at Island Bay, but is keeping on his home at Plimmerton for occasional use.

EP 1/11/1916
A well-stocked bazaar was opened at St. Hilda''s Schoolroom, Island Bay, yesterday afternoon, by Mrs. Coleridge. The decorations were carried out in pink and black and were most effective. On the book stall was a capital booklet, specially prepared for the bazaar. It contained favourite quotations, and among the contributors were Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Liverpool, the Bishop of Wellington, the Mayor and Mayorees, Ven. Archdeacon Fancourt, Mr Justice Sim, and many other well-known people. The produce stall was in charge of members of the Mothers'' Union; work stall, St. Hilda''s Guild (married members); flowers (unmarried members of the guild); sweets, Sunday School teachers; men''s stall, members of C.E.M.S. and vestry. Refreshments were in charge of members of the choir, and Messrs. T. McEwan and C. E. Proctor were joint secretaries. The Rev. Mr. Castle, vicar of St. Hilda''s received Mrs. Coleridge on her arrival

Karori Cemetery
Last Name: FANCOURT
First Name: Thomas
Service Date: 01-12-1919 (sic)
Service Provided: Burial
Cemetery: Bolton St
Section: C of E
Plot Number: 1020
Record Number: 96005

1919 Wellington South Electoral Roll Thomas Fancourt

*Death Details Date: 1919, Folio No: 471, Name: Thomas Fancourt, Area: Wellington, March quarter*

EP 1/2/1919
Fancourt - On the 1st February, 1919, Thomas Fancourt, Archdeacon of Wellington; aged 79 years
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Obituary
Archdeacon Fancourt
The Man With Many Friends
Very sincere regret will be felt at the announcement that the Ven. Archdeacon Thomas Fancourt, one of the oldest and best-known Churchmen in New Zealand, who had been seriously ill for some weeks, died at his residence in Coromandel-street at 1 o''clock this morning.
The late Archdeacon Fancourt was a quiet, unobtrusive and practical Christian man to all that knew and respected him - and such were not confined to the Anglican Communion. His father and grandfather before him were clergymen in the Church of England, and his son, The Rev. William Fancourt is a vicar of a Wellington parish.
The late Archdeacon was born at Melvern, Worcestershire, on 22nd January, 1840, and was educated at Lancing College, Sussex. He came to New Zealand from Cawnpore, where, after seeing service as a missionary, his health broke down, and he had to give up the work for which he had studied at the famous St. Augustine''s College, Canterbury. When the Archdeacon arrived in Wellington it was a very small town, compared to what it is today. "Possibly some 7000 people - perhaps more," he said when asked by a representative of The Post some time ago to tell something of his experiences here.
"But," he added, "if our life then was simple, we were a very happy family in those days. We had no strikes, no divisions. We lived frugally; we never locked our doors; and always felt in perfect safety. I suppose we were as simple and happy a community as you might wish to find in those days.
"The churchmanship among the lavity was of an old-fashioned type. The people brought out their old ideas and associations with them form England, and these ideas remained unchanged, these associations were revered long after they had undergone changes in England. What is known as the Tractarian movement, or Catholic revival, did not reach the shores of New Zealand until some years later.
"The synodical system was already in vogue in New Zealand when I came. Although there were different schools of thought followed by the clergy, yet during the whole of my ministerial career there has been no party strife whatever in this diocese, and almost uniformity of ritual, and that by no means extreme. Personally, I think it preferable to have uniformity of ritual, for, although you may not get exactly what you like, I think uniformity is better than violent contrasts,"
Early Wellington
There were some twelve or thirteen clergymen in Bishop Abraham''s diocese when Archdeacon Fancourt arrived. Although the episcopal See (sic) did not include South Taranaki, it then took in Hawkes Bay. It was a wide district, and in many parts a lonely one. "Apart from the surveyors," said Archdeacon Fancourt, "I think I knew more about the country than any other man at that time. Travelling was long and arduous, and places were hidden away in the bush that had to be reached."
Archdeacon Fancourt was in charge at Karori and Porirua up till 1870, when he was appointed to the charge of St. James, Lower Hutt, where he remained for fourteen years, when he was appointed diocesan secretary, a post he retained until his death. In 1838 (sic) he was appointed Archdeacon. He was ordained priest (the first) in St. Paul''s pro-Cathedral in 1867. He was examining chaplin and Bishop''s commissary to Bishop Hadfield and Wallis, and also to Bishop Sprott. He had a large experience of parochial work, both in the Hutt and Porirua districts, but the chief work of his ministry during the past thirty years was devoted to organising the country districts, and this it was that had given him such an extensive geographical acquaintance with the Wellington provincial district.
"My health has never been very robust," said the Archdeacon, in conclusion of the interview, "and yet I have been spared to work vigorously for many long years - years not only of hard work, but of great joy and happiness. I would not exchange them for any others were I to begin my life over again."
Archdeacon Fancourt has left a family of one son (Mr. W. M. Fancourt, Vicar of St. Thomas''s, Wellington South), and three daughters, Mrs. Harrison Fletcher (England), Mrs. Nevins (Annedale, Tenui), and Miss Fancourt (Wellington South). Mrs Fancourt died some years ago.
The funeral will take place on Monday. A service will be held in St. Paul''s pro-Cathedral. The interment will be made in the Bolton-street Cemetery


Probate Thomas Fancourt, Place: Wellington, Occ: Archdeacon, AAOM 6029 25339, Filed: 10/2/1919, Will, Archives NZ, Wellington