Notable South Australians/Ven. Archdeacon Woodcock
Ven. Archdeacon Woodcock,
WHO died at North Adelaide, May 25, 1868, in his 60th year, was one of whom it may well be said, "He was a most worthy colonist, and a man whose whole life was imbued with the spirit of catholicity, true nobleness, and goodness." He came out under the auspices of the S.P.G., and arrived in South Australia with Mrs. Woodcock and family on May 7, 1846. He preached his first sermon in Trinity Church, and it was apparent to all who heard him that the ecclesiastics of the colony had received a valuable addition to their numbers. Prior to his arrival here he laboured for some time in New Zealand, and the East and West Indies, and it is probable that the enervating influence of the climate in these mission fields was the cause of his failing health at a comparatively early age. On Archdeacon Hale being created Bishop of Perth, Mr. Woodcock was advanced to the Archdeaconry. He was a warm, earnest, and zealous worker, his efforts not being confined to his own congregation, as Pulteney-street School, St. Peter's College, and various organizations and mission objects were indebted to him for help. His widow, Mrs. Woodcock, a lady possessed of much amiability of character, resides at present near Adelaide.