FRASER, Robert M., Rev. (1851-1921)
Assembly memorial minute 1921
The Rev. Robert M. Fraser, son of the late Rev. Donald Fraser, was born at Granton, Invernesshire, Scotland, in 1851. He died at Vila Hospital, New Hebrides, on 22nd March 1921, a victim to the same disease as carried off his predecessor — black-water fever.
It was devotion to the chosen field of his life-work that cut short his life. He had the distinction of being the first missionary of the Tasmanian Church in the New Hebrides, labouring in the difficult sphere of Epi from 1882 till 1905, when he retired from failing health.
He returned to help the Mission until a successor to the late Rev.I. B. Weir was appointed, but it was to lay down his life.
Mr. Fraser’s linguistic abilities were very great, and were devoted to many translations for the native Church. In the years of his retirement, he served the Church in Tasmania.
The Assembly records with sorrow the death of a man so successful, so devoted, and so saintly in character, and expresses its deep sympathy with his widow, his five daughters and his son. his brothers in Scotland, and his brother and sister in Canada.
Gender
- Male