Obituaries Australia

Herbert Finnis, n.d.

photo supplied by Robert Childs

The Rev. Canon Herbert Robert Finnis died at Nevendon Rectory (England) on January 9, states a letter received in Hobart yesterday.

Canon Finnis, who was well known in Tasmania, was born in England. He was ordained in 1878, and served in the Isle of Man for two years. In 1880 he came to Tasmania for the benefit of his health, and completely recovered. He was first appointed to the parish of Rokeby. He was rector of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Hobart, from 1883 to 1902, and of Deloraine from 1902 to 1908, when he became Warden of St. Wilfrid's College and Rector of Cressy. He was Rector of Longford from 1921 to 1923 and Chaplain of the Diocesan Mission from 1917 to 1926. He was hon. Canon of St. David's Cathedral from 1921 to 1927, and Curate in Charge of St. Martin's Church, Salisbury (England) from 1926 to 1927. He was Rector of Nevendon in the Diocese of Chelmsford since 1927.

Canon Finnis was an outstanding preacher and scholar, and took a leading part in the councils of the Diocese of Tasmania as a member of Synod during his stay in this State. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. Mrs. Finnis was formerly Miss Edith K. Norris, of Hobart, and graduated as Master of Arts in the University of Tasmania. The son is the Rev. H. P. Finnis, Bishop's Vicar and Precentor of St. Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide. The two daughters conduct St. Hilda's School at Deloraine.