Archibald Ronald McDonald Gordon

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

Life

Early years

Gordon was the son of the distinguished diplomat [ Obituary, The Times, Friday, Nov 29, 1974; pg. 20; Issue 59257; col F ] Sir Archibald Gordon, CMG and Dorothy, the daughter of Charles Silvester Horne [Who’s Who 1971 ISBN 0713611405 p1224] , M.P. [and brother of the humorous broadcaster, Kenneth Horne] : 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) [Who’s Who,19920713635142] BA 1950, MA 1952 ["Crockford's Clerical Directory" (2002/03), p. 289] before studying for ordination at Cuddesdon College.

Priest and bishop

After a curacy in the east end of London [Who’s Who(Ibid)] 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. [LondonGazette|issue=44426|startpage=10909|date=10 October 1967|accessdate=2007-11-21] After 12 years in the city he returned to his almer mater as Vicar of the University church.LondonGazette|issue=46654|startpage=10135|date=8 August 1975|accessdate=2007-11-21]

In 1975 he was appointed to be Bishop of Portsmouth, 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. ["Crockford's Clerical Directory" (2002/03), p. 289]

Retirement

Since retiring in 1991 he has returned to Oxford where he still preaches [ [http://163.1.0.45/gazette/1996-7/weekly/160197/notc.htm Christ Church Sermon] ] and serves on a variety of Church of England committees: namely the "Advisory Board for Redundant Churches"and the "Oxford Mission" [Crockfords, (London, Church House 1995) ISBN 0715180886 ] He was also formerly a member of the Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved [LondonGazette|issue=52828|startpage=2231|date=10 February 1992|accessdate=2007-11-21]

References