Page:Distinguished Churchmen.djvu/295

 THE REV. MONTAGUE FOWLER, M.A. 253

of the cutting of the first sod of the Soudan Rail way. Out of this, no doubt, arose his first interest in Egypt and in everything connected with it.

A few years with a private tutor and at King s College, London, and he proceeded to the premier college at Cambridge, viz., Trinity. At this point it is well to note that Sir John Fowler, unlike most parents, evinced so much faith in his own profession as to desire his son to train for it. The latter, however, succumbed to the ecclesiasti cal influences of Varsity life, and, with his father s sanction, resolved to take Orders. This he did after taking a double degree, ranking among the Senior Optimes in the Mathematical Tripos, and in the second class in the Theological Tripos.

On leaving Cambridge, Mr Fowler embarked on what must be considered a unique career for a clergyman. In the first place, he became Curate to the present Bishop of Peterborough at St Mary Abbot s, Kensington, but before many weeks had elapsed he was invited to become Assistant Chap lain and Secretary to Archbishop Benson. When Dr Randall Davidson (now Bishop of Winchester) went to Windsor as Dean, Mr Fowler had the honour to succeed him as Domestic Chaplain to the Archbishop, in which position he remained for five and a half years. His next piece of work was as Vicar of St Lawrence, Isle of Thanet the Mother Church of Ramsgate where he com pleted four years successful ministry. Subse-

�� �