An enthusiastic and optimistic man of vision and leadership, with an
undoubted gift for management, Archdeacon MacMurray can be given credit for
having changed this "parish with a Cathedral Church", into the
Cathedral Parish of Auckland. During his 27 year tenure (an unbeaten record)
under four Bishops (Cowie, Neligan, Crossley & Averill), and through World
War I (1914 - 1918) he completed St Mary's, oversaw the development of the
parish infrastructure, and was deeply involved in the establishment of Queen
Victoria and Dilworth Schools.
While there is little to indicate that he built an affectionate relationship
with his parishioners, the large number of social and ancillary organisations
which sprang up around the Cathedral Church and beyond usual ministries
was outstanding, and indicate that Archdeacon MacMurray did not neglect his
pastoral work. The country's first Scout troop, a gymnasium club, a cricket
team, and tennis club were among the social outlets for parishioners, and the
obvious enthusiasm and fervour with which parishioners became involved and
tackled the many tasks which resulted from his vision give reason to believe
that he inspired them and was highly respected.
Born in County Donegal and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he
gained his M.A., the Revd George MacMurray was ordained priest in 1879.
Following three years as Vicar of the Parish of Kellinagh, County Cavan, he
accepted the invitation of the Bishop of Ballarat, and sailed for Australia to
become Vicar of Ararat, Victoria, a position he held for 10 years.
During the voyage to Australia he had met fellow Irishman James Dilworth, who
became a founder of the ASB Bank and a very successful businessman, with whom he
shared an interest in education. On the resignation of the the Revd George
Preston as Vicar of Parnell, James Dilworth recommended the Revd MacMurray to
the position. To the great good fortune of the Church and Parish he accepted the
invitation to take the position, moving to Auckland in 1892. In 1894 he became
an original trustee of Dilworth School, a free private primary school
established and endowed by James Dilworth for the education of boys from
straitened circumstances. Under the umbrella of the Auckland Diocese the school
continues to provide excellent education for about 575 boys aged 5 to 13.
During his tenure St Mary's was completed and consecrated, the new organ -
considered to be the best that George Croft ever made - was installed. In 1916
women were given the right to vote at meetings, and at the end of World War I
(1914-1918) pew rents were discontinued and electric lighting installed
In 1912 he became Archdeacon of Auckland, and on his resignation in 1919 was
in the unusual situation of having held only three incumbencies in his 40 year
career as a priest, though he continued to assist the church for the rest of his
life. He became Chairman of the Board of Dilworth School, and is regarded as
having built the foundations for success it has achieved. Archdeacon MacMurray
died in 1941.