Archdeacon Francis BoycePrint Page 
The bronze tablet commemorates Archdeacon Francis Bertie Boyce who was Canon of St Andrew`s Cathedral and Archdeacon of West Sydney and minister of St Paul`s Redfern for 46 years. The tablet was unveiled by his son in St. Paul`s Redfern in 1932.
Francis Bertie Boyce (1844 – 1931) was an Australian clergyman and social reformer. His first parish was George's Plains near Bathurst, New South Wales, followed by Molong in 1873 and Orange from 1875. Boyce was a hard-working and enthusiastic country clergyman, he travelled many miles on horseback to reach his people; he also raised money to build churches where no church had been before. The church built at Orange cost £7000, had accommodation for 600 people, and few seats were vacant when Boyce was holding the service. In April 1882 he went to Pyrmont, an industrial area, and in 1884 to St Paul's, Redfern. He remained there for 46 years, was elected a canon of St Andrew's cathedral in December 1899, and in 1910 was appointed archdeacon of West Sydney.
He believed in old-age pensions, and on 9 September 1895 wrote to the Sydney Daily Telegraph advocating the appointment of a committee to inquire into and report on this question. Early in 1896 he called a meeting to form a pensions league. J. C. Neild had also been advocating the granting of pensions in parliament, and eventually a committee was appointed which recommended that pensions should be paid out of the public revenue. Boyce worked hard to keep the question before the public, but it was not until the end of the 19th century that pensions became law. The first pensions were paid on 1 July 1901.
The affection and esteem which the late Archdeacon Boyce inspired was shown by the size of the congregation which attended a memorial service at St Pauls Church, Redfern, last night when his son Mr Boyce unveiled a memorial tablet. The service was conducted by the Rev. John Bidwell and the tablet was dedicated by Archdeacon Charlton. Speaking at the service, the oldest parishioner Sir Alexander Gordon said that it was fitting that the service should be held on the 77th anniversary of the opening of the church with which Archdeacon Boyce had been for so long associated. Of him it might be said that he hated sin but loved the sinner.
In addition to his many public services Archdeacon Boyce`s life had been one of self-denial and service. The tablet which is of bronze bears the following inscription: "In loving memory of the Venerable Archdeacon Francis Bertie Boyce F.R.G.S., F.R.H.S., Canon of St Andrews Cathedral and Archdeacon Of West Sydney. Born at Tiverton April 6th 1944, died at Blackheath May 27, 1931. Appointed rector of St Paul`s in 1884, he remained for 46 years as the faithful Minister of the people of this parish. He was a faithful servant of his Master, an honoured citizen and a deeply loved Minister and friend. The tablet also sets out the many activities with which the late Archdeacon Boyce was associated.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW ), 25 August 1932.
Note: St. Paul`s Redfern, Sydney is now the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. It is unknown by Monument Australia when the tablet was moved to St Andrew`s.
Location
| Address: | George & Bathurst Streets, St Andrew`s Cathedral, Sydney, 2000 |
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| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.874006 Long: 151.206581 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Religion |
| Link: | http://adb.anu.edu.au/ |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Wednesday 24th August, 1932 |
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| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: | 1932 |
In loving memory of the Venerable Archdeacon Francis Bertie Boyce F. R. G. S., F. R. Hist. Soc. London
Canon of St Andrew`s Cathedral,
Archdeacon of West Sydney.
Born at Tiverton, Devon, 6th April, 1844
Died at Blackheath, 27th May 1931, aged 87.
Appointed Rector of St Paul`s in 1884, he remained for 46 years as the faithful Minister of this Parish.
In 1874 he was organising missionary for the Church of England to the River Darling, on which journey he covered 2000 miles on horseback and he was the first clergyman of the Church of England to visit many centres in the Far West.
After a strenuous life in the country where he was responsible for the building of a large number of churches, he came to Sydney in 1882.
In that year he founded the New South Wales Alliance, of which he was President for 24 years.
He was President of the British Empire League and fathered the Empire Day Movement in Australia.
He was untiring in his work for the poor and organised the movement for old age pensions.
He was a faithful servant of his Master, an honoured citizen and a deeply beloved Minister and friend.
"He rests from his labours."
"With Christ which is far better"
