Born: 1815
Died: 1883
Source: SPG Missionary (Rev Frank Perry, The Church In Madras 1904)
Biography: ALFRED RADFORD SYMONDS was born in 1815, being the son of John Symonds, of Oxford. He graduated B.A. from Wadham College in 1837, and proceeded M.A. in 1840. He was ordained deacon in 1838, and priest in 1839 at London, and was Curate of Whitechapel, 1838-40. In the latter year he became Head Master of Bishop Corrie's Grammar School. In 1846 he became secretary of the Diocesan committee of the S.P.G.; and in 1848 Principal of the Diocesan Theological College at Sullivan's Gardens. These two appointments he held till his retirement in 1872. He was Incumbent of St. Thomas Church, Mylapore, from 1847 to 1856 and 1863-72; and Domestic Chaplain to Lord Napier and Ettrick in 1867. After his retirement he became Vicar of Walmer, and there he died in 1883. He had the training of the local S.P.G. clergy in his hands for twenty-four years; and he ministered at St. Thome for eighteen years. During the time he was at the Bishop Corrie School he was always ready to help the parochial clergy; and he often officiated at the temporary building in the Mount Road, where Christ Church was afterwards built. His departure in 1872 was widely regretted.