KEMPTHORNE, JOHN PRATT (1849-1931) was the son of Sampson Kempthorne, and was born at Auckland. Educated at the Grammar School under Dr Kinder (q.v.), he settled at Nelson (1868) and at the age of 20 became a theological student at Bishopdale (Nelson). In 1873 he accompanied Bishop Suter to England and, having passed first, he was the gospeller at his ordination (by the Bishop of Canterbury) on 21 Sep.

Kempthorne was curate of Stoke (1874-76); became a priest in 1876, and was appointed curate of All Saints, Nelson, and headmaster of the Bishop's school. In 1878 he was appointed vicar of Reefton, and married Mary Louisa, daughter of Dr L. Boor. In 1880 he became vicar of Trinity, Greymouth, and he built the new church before being appointed to the Cathedral church at Nelson (1885). In 1916 he was elected a canon, and appointed vicar of Brightwater and Archdeacon of Waimea. He retired in 1926 and died on 18 Sep 1931.

Kempthorne was closely associated with all diocesan activities, and for 30 years was commissary of the bishop. For many years he was president of the Harmonic Society. He left a widow and a large family, three of his sons being in holy orders. He was a grandson of the Rev Josiah Pratt, secretary of the C.M.S. (1802-23). His son, Leonard STANLEY (1886-) became Bishop in Polynesia (1923).

Williams Papers; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; Nelson Gazette, 1 Oct 1931; New Zealander, 11 May 1864; Nelson Evening Mail, 5 Oct 1926.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

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