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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Mr. George Frederick Tendall

Mr. George Frederick Tendall, Mus. Bac., and sometime Organist and Choirmaster of Christchurch Cathedral, was born in Essex, England, in 1845. At an early age it was decided he should follow the musical profession, and he was educated accordingly. When thirteen years of age he became organist of Yattendon church, Berkshire, and was thenceforward a professional musician. He was appointed locum tenens for the organist of Newbury Parish church, Berkshire, in 1863, and, subsequently, studied under Dr. (afterwards Sir John) Stainer at Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1872, he took his Mus. Bac. degree at Oxford, and two years later succeeded his fellow-pupil and friend (afterwards Sir George Martin, organist of St. Paul's), as organist to the Duke of Buccleuch, at Dalkeith, and was also organist at St. Peter's church, Edinburgh. Although thus having every chance of stepping to the front rank of his profession. Mr. Tendall was obliged to resign on account of ill-health in 1880, and landed in New Zealand in the following year. His fame having preceded him, he was offered appointments immediately on his arrival, at Christchurch, Wellington, and Nelson, but on account of the local educational advantages for his children, accepted the organistship of St. Michael's church, Christchurch. In 1885, Mr. Tendall was appointed organist at the Cathedral, and five years later became lecturer on music at Canterbury University College. He was one of the examiners in music for the New Zealand University, an honorary member of the Royal College of Organists, and honorary local representative of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, London. Mr. Tendall's eldest son, who was his assistant for many years, went to the Royal College of Music, and afterwards obtained a scholarship at Cambridge of the value of £60 a year, tenable for three years, graduating B.A. in 1897. Miss Tendall, M.A., Tinline Scholar, is a mistress in the Wanganui Girls' College. Miss Mabel Tendall is a diplomee of the National Training School for Cooking, South Kensington, and Mr. C. E. Tendall commenced his musical career as assistant organist at Christchurch Cathedral. Mr. Tendall died on the 25th of October, 1901.

The Late Mr. G. F. Tendall.

The Late Mr. G. F. Tendall.