Kirke Smith

"DEATH OF REV. A. KIRKE SMITH. - Former Curate at Biggleswade.
"We regret to announce that the Rev. Arnold Kirke Smith, rector of Boxworth, Cambs., whose health had been failing for some time, passed away suddenly at the Rectory on Saturday morning. Born 77 years ago, the son of the late Mr. William Smith, of Barnes Hall, Greenside, Sheffield, Mr. Kirke Smith was educated at Cheltenham and University College, Oxford (B.A. 1873). Ordained deacon in 1875 and priest in 1876, all his clerical life was spent in the diocese of Ely.
"He was curate at Biggleswade, 1875-7, of Aspley Guise 1877-8, of Eaton Socon 1878-81, curate-in-charge of Somersham, Hunts., 1881-2, Vicar of Somersham from 1883 until 1889, when he was presented to the Rectory of Boxworth. He was appointed Rural Dean of Bourn in 1903, but relinquished the office some years ago, being succeeded by the Rev. L. Iggulden, then Vicar of Caxton, but now Rector of Elsworth.
"During the 38 years Mr. Kirke Smith has been at Boxworth he has effected many improvements in the parish church, which at the time of his acceptance of the living was in a deplorable condition. Among the more notable may be mentioned an oak reredos, and the filling of every window with stained glass by Kemp. The spot chosen for his grave is beneath the window last filled.
"At Boxworth, Mr. Kirke Smith took the most sympathetic interest in the welfare of the people of the village. He knew every man, woman and child, and where help of any kind was needed, it was always given kindly and unobtrusively. His death is felt most keenly, for the people know they have lost a true friend.
"Throughout life Mr. Smith too a warm and active interest in all healthy sport. The village cricket clubs had his enthusiastic support, and until  prevented by advancing years, many were the games in which he played. At Sheffield he was noted hurdler, while at Oxford he was captain of the University Association football team. He also played for England. While at Boxworth he was a prominent member of the Cambridgeshire Hunt.
"Sunday, 25th September, was Mr. and Mrs. Kirke Smith's golden wedding day, but owing to the state of his health, all festivities had to be postponed. The villagers, however, marked the occasion by the presentation of an address accompanied by a cut glass bowl and a brass kettle on stand. In addition to his widow, Mr. Smith leaves one son, Mr. Arthur Kirke Smith, of Bombay, and two daughters, Mrs. Sykes and Mrs. Douglas Crossman. He had three sons, all of whom served in the war. The youngest, Lieut. Martin Kirke Smith, 4th Home Counties' Howitzer Brigade, when in command of a battery of trench mortars, was sot dead on Dec. 14th, 1915, while carrying a wounded officer of Engineers out of action, and his second son,  Lieut-Col. Douglas Kirke Smith, R.F.A., D.S.O. (mentioned in dispatches), died suddenly at Blackheath of heart failure on 21st May, 1923, and was buried at Boxworth. Mr. Arthur Kirke Smith served in India.
"The funeral took place at Boxworth on Tuesday afternoon."
- The Biggleswade Chronicle & Bedfordshire Gazette, Friday, 14 October 1927.

Playing Career

England Career

Beyond England