Alexander Sargent (1895 - 1989)
[Archdeacon of Canterbury 1942-1968]

Alexander Sargent was born in 1895 and educated at King's School, Canterbury. He then studied at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and was ordained priest in 1920.  He held two curacies in Canterbury diocese before spending four years as chaplain at Cuddesdon.   In 1927 he became sub-warden of St. Paul's College, Grahamstown; but two years later the returned to Canterbury and became Archdeacon in 1942.
An obituary in 'The Independent' dated January 10, 1989 states "He was a whole man, secure in his faith and vocation and this made him a good confidant and friend.   Traditional in his views and devoted to the prayer book, his humour and stability delivered him from any anger or rancour in the face of modern change.  Contemporary trends and fashions were viewed with amused detachment and modern 'mavericks' were compared to other he had known in the past.
His life was simple and looked after himself until well past 90 years, yet he was a convivial man who enjoyed good dinners and, when younger, travelled widely.  He embodied many of the values and ideals traditionally associated with the established church, in particular the belief that the church was an integral part of the community.
He was born a Victorian and integrity, conscientiousness, duty and faith governed his life.  Above all he loved people.
Alexander Sargent died on January 5, 1989. His funeral service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he is commemorated on a Roll of Honour in the Cathedral cloister.

Alec Sargent with HRH Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
and Dorothy Mowll, his sister, in the precincts of
Canterbury Cathedral

Photos on this page courtesy of Marion Sargent, Tasmania