Jean-Baptiste Rolland (priest)

Jean-Baptiste Rolland was a French-born missionary who was present at battles during Tītokowaru's War while acting as chaplain for soldiers. Rolland was present at the Battle at Te Ngutu o Te Manu where Major Von Tempsky was killed.

Jean-Baptiste Rolland
Personal details
Born(1834-12-08)8 December 1834
Sivry, Verdun, France[1]
Died13 July 1903(1903-07-13) (aged 68)
Reefton, New Zealand
BuriedReefton Cemetery
OccupationPriest, Teacher.

Biography

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Fr Rolland arrived in New Zealand in 1864 where he was stationed in Napier under Fr Jean Forrest. It was there he learnt English and Māori to help further his mission.[2]

Death

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Rolland died on 13 July 1903 at Reefton where he had spent nineteen years as parish priest.[3] He was buried at Reefton Cemetery with three volleys fired over his grave by Inangahua Rifle.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Unverricht, Michael. "Rolland, Jean-Baptiste". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Catholic pioneers: Fr Jean-Baptiste Rolland SM". Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington New Zealand. September 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Death of Dean Rolland". The New Zealand Herald. 14 July 1903. p. 5. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  4. ^ "Burial of Dean Rolland". Evening Star. 18 July 1903. p. 4. Retrieved 21 October 2022.