PATON, Frederick James, Rev (1867-1941)
Assembly memorial minute, 1942
Frederick James Paton was born on 5th March, 1867, on the New Hebridean island of Aniwa, the natives of which named him “The White Chief of Aniwa. ” A fall from his nurse’s arms, when he was only eleven months old, left his right arm withered.
During the years of education in Melbourne at Scotch and Ormond Colleges he was constantly impatient to be back in the islands, whither he returned in 1892, aboard the “Dayspring II, ” as representative of the Victorian Church at Onua on the east coast of Malekula. A few years later he married Nellie Robertson, of Erromanga, but after five years she died of blood-poisoning, leaving an infant son who was sent up to Sydney for education. Later Fred Paton was again happily wedded to a cousin of his former wife, but after twelve months was a second time bereaved. But the strength and faith of this man were not to be denied and he went forward to a great task, alone.
Like Paul he was prepared to become all things that he might save some. Service in the Group was received as a legacy handed down by his father and he never lost sight of this, whether he was advocating in Synod, or championing a native cause before white settlers, or surmounting barriers to have access to the far-flung homes of his people. Furloughs to him were a waste of time. He was far too busy to come up for conference or deputation work in Australia, although he toured many countries on behalf of the J.G. Paton Fund. During 49 years he enjoyed only four furloughs. His thoughtfulness and generosity were well known to natives and whites alike, who often admired the sincerity and extent of Paton’s sacrifice. For some two years he was away in France as a chaplain, winning the men by his wit and humility and practical Christianity.
In later life, a poisoned foot resulted in an amputation, but zeal and determination were not impaired, although the artificial limb compelled him to undertake more launch work than treks into the interior. Someone said that Fred Paton was “old for a long time, ” but really he was very much alive. His great faith led him towards great tasks, and he was ever confident that strength would be recuperated and endurance made equal to the work in hand. He was a faithful and eager member of the New Hebrides Synod, several times being Moderator. If ever he mentioned his disabilities, he was ever quick to add that as long as he could do full work he would certainly not resign.
When, after nearly fifty years of missionary labour, he realised the Divine Hand was about to close the chapter, he was content and allowed no regrets to enter his heart. He had fought a good fight: he had kept the faith. Fred Paton died on 11th December, 1941, among the people he loved and for whom he gave his entire self unto the Master, ever with the prayer that his Lord would always find him work to do in the New Hebrides. Rest was quietly accepted as a gracious balm from the Father’s hand, as he slept away under the skilled and devoted care and attention of the doctor and staff of that hospital which bears the name of “Paton. ” God had fulfilled the prophecy of his infant name to a greater extent than the Aniwans could ever conceive—“The White Chief of the New Hebrides. ”
The Resident Commissioner in the New Hebrides writing to express sympathy on behalf of His Majesty gave the information that “the deceased had been recommended to His Majesty for the M.B.E. I would like in addition to express to you all my own sympathy and deepest regret at the death of this courageous and fearless pioneer. We have lost one of the great milestones in New Hebridean mission history. ”
The Assembly offers its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Gillan, his sister (whose son John is Principal of the Training School at Tangoa); to his brother, Mr. J.W. Paton, at Kunmunya; and to his son, Mr. John G. Paton, who is a journalist at Sydney.
Gender
- Male