Dick Milford facts for kids

Theodore Richard Milford (born June 10, 1895 – died January 19, 1987) was an English clergyman (a type of church leader), educator (teacher), and philanthropist (someone who helps others, often by donating money). He is best known for helping to start Oxfam, a famous charity that fights poverty and injustice worldwide.

His Early Life and Education

Theodore Richard Milford was born at Yockleton Hall in Shropshire, England, on June 10, 1895. He was the oldest of three brothers. His father, Robert Theodore Milford, was the headmaster of a local preparatory school. His mother, Elspeth Barter, was the granddaughter of George Moberly, who was the Bishop of Salisbury.

Theodore went to Clifton College. There, he studied traditional subjects like Latin and Greek. He also learned music.

Joining the Army

When the First World War began, Theodore volunteered to join the army. He first served with the 19th Royal Fusiliers. Later, he became an officer in the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He fought in a region called Mesopotamia. He also spent two periods of leave in India.

In 1918, he went to Cairo to train for the Royal Flying Corps. However, in 1919, he became unwell and was sent back home.

University and Teaching

In 1919, Theodore went to Magdalen College, Oxford, to study ancient history and philosophy. He did very well and graduated with a top degree in 1921. While at Oxford, he was involved with the Student Christian Movement (SCM). This connection led him to teach in India.

He taught first at Alwaye College in Travancore from 1921 to 1923. Then, he taught at St. John's College in Agra from 1923 to 1924. After that, he returned to England. He worked as a local secretary for the SCM in Liverpool between 1924 and 1926.

Becoming a Church Leader

In 1930, Theodore began training to become a priest at Westcott House, Cambridge. He was officially made a priest in Lucknow, India, in 1934. In 1935, he came back to England. He worked as a curate (an assistant to a priest) at All Hallows church in Lombard Street, London. At the same time, he continued to work for the SCM as a study secretary.

Leading a University Church

Later, he became the Vicar (the main priest) of St Mary's, which is the Oxford University church. In this role, he started a group called the Colloquy. This group discussed philosophy and theology.

Founding Oxfam

On October 5, 1942, a very important meeting took place. Theodore Milford met with several other important people at St Mary's church. They were brought together by Dr Henry Gillett, a Quaker. They wanted to find a way to help people suffering from a terrible famine in Greece. This famine was caused by Allied naval blockades during World War II.

This meeting led to the creation of the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief. This organization later became known as Oxfam. Theodore Milford was the first chairman of this new charity.

Later Church Roles

In 1947, Theodore left his jobs at St Mary's and the Oxford Committee. He became a canon and chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral. His special job there was to oversee religious education in the area, including at Lincoln Theological College. During this time, he wrote his first book, Foolishness to the Greeks, which was published in 1953.

In 1958, he became the Master of the Temple Church in London. He sometimes disagreed with other church leaders on important issues, such as a court case about publishing a book. He also served again as chairman of the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief from 1960 to 1965. In 1961, his second book, The Valley of Decision, was published. This book looked at the moral problems related to atomic weapons.

Retirement

In 1968, Theodore left the Temple Church and retired to Shaftesbury. In retirement, he led a group that studied the ideas of a thinker named Teilhard de Chardin. He also wrote a book of poems called Belated Harvest (published in 1978) and some personal memoirs. He passed away on January 19, 1987.

Personal Life

Theodore Milford married Nancy Dickens Bourchier in 1932. She was the great-granddaughter of the famous writer Charles Dickens. They had two daughters. Nancy died in 1936.

The following year, he married Margaret Nowell Smith. Her father had been the headmaster of Sherborne School. Theodore and Margaret had a son who died as a baby, and then two more daughters.

Theodore Milford enjoyed playing chess, listening to music, and sailing.