The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]
The Very Rev. Dean James McKenna
The Very Rev. Dean James McKenna,
Rector of St. Joseph's, New Plymouth, is a native of the North of Ireland, received his early education at St. Macarten's Seminary, Monaghan, and afterwards studied theology at All Hallow's College, Drumcondra, Dublin. On his ordination in June, 1886, Father McKenna came to New Zealand, was appointed to Hawera, and in 1899 took charge of his present parish. Dean McKenna's
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charge extends over a very wide district, where he is well known for his
good qualities and readiness to help those in trouble.