A Likely Lad
The life of Norman Lesser, Archbishop of New Zealand
Published on 27. May 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
318 pages
978-1-988572-35-2 (ISBN)
Description
How did Norman Lesser, a boy from a terrace house in Liverpool, become the Archbishop of New Zealand?The answer lies in sheer native ability, great energy, a talent for leadership, a happy outlook on life and a bit of luck - or if you prefer, the Grace of God.Following effective ministry in different English parishes, he served as Provost of Nairobi Cathedral for seven eventful years before coming to be Bishop of Waiapu in 1947.Lesser's 24 year tenure saw the building and consecration of the Cathedral in Napier, the establishment of several old people's homes and rapid growth in the parishes.A gifted preacher and speaker, and blessed with the common touch, his quickness of mind, sense of humour and dramatic story-telling are still vividly remembered.As Archbishop he guided the church through the tumultuous changes of the 1960s and for years was at the forefront of Church Union negotiations.Norman Lesser's world might seem different from ours. But the values of faith, resolution and compassion that we see in his life-story are still relevant today, offering challenge and inspiration.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Zealand
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
463 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-988572-35-2 (9781988572352)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Judy Mills is a retired teacher, social worker and local body politician. She graduated with Honours in English from Auckland University where she encountered the Student Christian Movement, and it was here she first learned that you must love God with your mind as well as with your heart and soul.
Her interest in Norman Lesser, beginning in 2008, led her to include Liverpool, Barrow-in-Furness and Nairobi in overseas travel, and these visits have significantly contributed to a greater understanding of his world before his arrival in New Zealand.
She enjoys music, especially the piano and singing, good conversation, time with friends and family, and the outside world. She has held leadership rôles in the National Council of Women and the Association of Anglican Women and remains actively involved in caring for the environment and issues of justice and peace.
Although her roots are in the North, she has lived happily in Napier for the last 35 years with her husband Murray, the 13th Bishop of Waiapu. They have five adult children and a growing whanau.