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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
The Rev. Algernon Gifford
The Rev. Algernon Gifford , retired Anglican clergyman, who has resided at the Glebe, Oamaru, since 1862, was born in 1825 at Fulham, London, and is the third son of the late Mr. Edward Gifford, civil engineer. He was educated at St. Mark's College, Chelsea, as a student, and afterwards became junior master. He studied Divinity at St. John's Theological College, Newfoundland, was ordained deacon in 1849, and priest in 1850. Mr. Gifford was appointed the first resident Anglican missionary (S.P.G.) at Labrador, where he served for ten years, after which he returned to Newfoundland, where he continued his ministry for a further three years. In May, 1862, Mr. Gifford arrived in Lyttelton, by the ship “Zelandia,” having been appointed incumbent of Oamaru by the Commissioner in England for the diocese of Christchurch, in New Zealand. In the early days of settlement in Oamaru, Mr. Gifford did a great deal of laborious work and was for a large portion of his time engaged in travelling from settlement to settlement throughout North Otago. He witnessed the gradual growth of the district during his long period of service, which extended to the year 1890, and has had reason to be gratified at the results of his work and ministry. The beautiful church of St. Luke's was commenced and carried to its present state during his term of office, and under his guidance other valuable work was done by and for the parish. Mr. Gifford was appointed Rural Dean of Otago, in 1876, an assessor of the Bishop's Court in 1873, member of the first Cathedral Commission in 1887, and elected clerical representative for the Diocese of Dunedin at the General Synod of 1868 and 1886, both held in Auckland.
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Rev. A. Gifford.