Gregg, John Allen FitzGerald

Gregg, John Allen FitzGerald (1873–1961). As archbishop of Dublin 1920–39, Gregg held high office in the Church of Ireland at a time of critical importance. While encouraging his community to accept with good grace the reality of independence, he left the Irish Free State authorities in no doubt as to Church of Ireland discomfort over many issues, including compulsory Irish. De Valera, to whom he bore a striking physical resemblance, respected him, and consulted him in the formulation of article 44 of the 1937 constitution.

As archbishop of Armagh 1939–59, Gregg presided over the General Synod with notable authority, having a profound and meticulous understanding of the letter and spirit of the church's written constitution. He showed himself highly competent in the financial affairs of the church, as he was in matters theological. He was a robust exponent of the Church of Ireland's doctrinal position: courteous in debate with Rome, and strongly opposed to any ecumenical involvement with Protestant churches that would, in his opinion, compromise the catholic elements in Anglicanism.

Kenneth Milne