Whitten, Herbert Edward

1914-1992. After N.Z. Baptist College training and a few months pastoring in Hawera, Whitten volunteered for the armed forces. Captured in North Africa, he was a prisoner of war for three years in Italy and Germany. After World War Two Whitten had a pastorate at Avondale 1946-1953; followed by Air Force chaplaincy 1953-1958, with subsequent Baptist pastorates at Rotorua 1958-61; Thames 1962-70; and Hawera 1970-75. His war experiences undoubtedly fostered a broader approach to the gospel and ministry. He was Chair of the Maori Board in its inaugural years and was Editor of NZ Baptist 1966-1975. Ref.: Obituary: NZB February 1993.