Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The Rev. Frederick James Paton is the second son of the late Dr. John G. Paton, famous as the Christian Apostle of the New Hebrides and whose name used to he a household word throughout Australia. Mr Fred Paton was the first white child born in Aniwa, New Hebrides. He was educated at Scotch College and the Melbourne University, and completing a brilliant course at the University he afterwards entered the Theological Hall at Ormond College to study for the Christian ministry. At the conclusion of his course he was ordained and inducted to the charge of one of the largest and most important districts in the Island of Malekula. New Hebrides. He entered upon his great task with all the boundless enthusiasm of a young man, and endowed with a super abundance of energy and rare courage he faced problems and responsibilities which might well have daunted a man of lesser faith and endurance. From his mother Mr Paton had inherited a keen sense of sparkling humor which both in his work as n Missionary in the Islands and also as an A.I.F. Chaplin in the Great War has stood to him a in winning out in many difficult and sudden emergencies. His Mission station on the Islands is one of the host known throughout the entire group and his charming home is an open house to friend and traveller. Like other servants of God who have served Him in the high places of the field, however, Mr Paton has had his dark days, and his ere now endured serious personal bereavement in his own family. During a term of thirty two years of ceaseless activity as a Missionary in the Pacific he has again and again refused his well-earned furlough, and only when recalled by the General Assembly of his Church for important deputational work in Australia has he been induced to leave his lonely vigil. One of the finest and most enduring pieces of work ever accomplished by him was his work as Chaplain in the Great War. Far off in the Pacific on his lonely Mission Station he heard the call of Empire and responded. By his genial humor and over-flowing good-will he captured the hearts of both officers and men and exercised an influence amongst the Australian troops that can never be effaced.

Geelong Advertiser Saturday 28 November 1925 page 5

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT SCOTS CHURCH

"The missionary mindedness of the Presbyterian Church in Australia, and as a direct result, the measure of spiritual mindedness the Church has attained, owe more to the Paton family than to any other," said Rev. J. Noble Mackenzie at a memorial service for Rev. F. J. Paton in Scots Church yesterday. "Rev. P. J. Paton inherited the iron constitution of his father, Dr. John G. Paton, who may well be called the missionary apostle of Australia. He could always do with little sleep, could walk farther, and do more strenuous work in a given time than anyone I have ever known. Giving himself heart and soul for his people, he kept on through all difficulties and troubles. Everyone in the New Hebrides Islands knew Rev. F. J. Paton for his generosity and goodness of heart. He was very popular with officers and men of warships patrolling the Islands, and preached to them effectively when occasion offered.

"In his last letter to me received shortly before his death, he enumerated some of his disabilities, but said that as long as he could do full work he would not resign. He died, as he had always wished, in full harness. Like St. Paul, he had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith, and he has now received the crown of victory." Rev. Dr. John Mackenzie presided at the service. Rt. Rev. Dr. C. N. Button, Moderator, who is in another State, expressed regret that he was unable to attend.