bust, portrait

Rev. Artur Guyon Purchas, born 1821, first came to New Zealand as ship's surgeon in 1844 and following a return visit to England returned to New Zealand in 1846 and joined the staff of St John's College, Auckland, as medical officer while studying to join the ministry. He was ordained as deacon in 1847 and priest in 1853 and served as vicar of St Peter's Onehunga until 1875 when he resigned to resume medical practise. Purchas was one of the founders of the Auckland Institute, a member of the SCenery Preservation Society, and was involved in the activities of the Blind Institute.

Arthur Purchas died in Hastings in 1906 and was buried at Purewa, Auckland.