Ronald Gordon

Archibald Ronald McDonald Gordon (born 1927) was, amongst other Episcopal appointments, the Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth from 1975 to 1984.

Contents

Life

Early years

Gordon was the son of the distinguished diplomat[1] Sir Archibald Gordon, CMG and Dorothy, the daughter of Charles Silvester Horne,[2] M.P. [3]: his great grandfather Lord Cozens Hardy was Master of the Rolls from 1907 until 1918. He was educated at Rugby School and Balliol College, Oxford (Organ Scholar)[4] BA 1950, MA 1952[5] before studying for ordination at Cuddesdon College.

Priest and bishop

After a curacy in the East End of London[6] Gordon returned to his theological college as Chaplain in 1955. After four years he moved to Birmingham, firstly as a Parish Priest and latterly as a Canon Residentiary at the Cathedral.[7] After 12 years in the city he returned to his alma mater as Vicar of the University church.[8]

In 1975 he was appointed to be Bishop of Portsmouth,[8] a role he was to hold for 9 years, elevation to the House of Lords coming in 1981. He was head of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s staff as Bishop at Lambeth from 1984 until 1991, and additionally Bishop to the Forces 1985-90. From 1991 until 1996 he was Sub-Dean of Christ Church, Oxford.[5]

Retirement

Since retiring in 1991 he has returned to Oxford where he still preaches[9] and serves on a variety of Church of England committees: namely the Advisory Board for Redundant Churches and the Oxford Mission.[10] He was also formerly a member of the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved.[11]

References

  1. ^ Obituary, The Times, Friday, 29 November 1974; p. 20; Issue 59257; col F
  2. ^ Who’s Who 1971 ISBN 0713611405 p. 1224
  3. ^ and brother of the humorous broadcaster, Kenneth Horne
  4. ^ Who’s Who,19920713635142
  5. ^ a b Crockford's Clerical Directory (2002/03), p. 289
  6. ^ Who’s Who(Ibid)
  7. ^ London Gazette: no. 44426. p. 10909. 10 October 1967. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  8. ^ a b London Gazette: no. 46654. p. 10135. 8 August 1975. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  9. ^ Christ Church Sermon
  10. ^ Crockfords, (London, Church House 1995) ISBN 0715180886
  11. ^ London Gazette: no. 52828. p. 2231. 10 February 1992. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
Church of England titles
Preceded by
John Henry Lawrence Phillips		 Bishop of Portsmouth
1975–1984		 Succeeded by
Timothy John Bavin
New title Bishop at Lambeth
1984–1991		 Succeeded by
John Yates
Preceded by
Geoffrey Stuart Snell		 Bishop to the Forces
1985–1990		 Succeeded by
David John Smith

Archibald Ronald McDonald Gordon • John Yates • Frank Pilkington Sargeant • John Richard Allan Llewellin