The life and mission of John Patteson

John Patteson’s family home was in Feniton in Devon and he began his education in Ottery St Mary. After completing his studies, he was ordained a priest in Exeter Cathedral and served his curacy in Alfington.

In the summer of 1854, Patteson became a missionary to Melanesia. He spent many years travelling around the islands, teaching the indigenous people about Christianity. In 1861, he was consecrated as the first Bishop of Melanesia. The indigenous people however were wary, more accustomed to bring subject to abuse by white slave traders. Patteson’s gentle, quiet approach was reassuring. He wanted the Melanesian people themselves to worship God not in European ways but in the rich, warm colour of their own culture.

But on 20th September 1871, probably in reaction to abuse and kidnap of their people by slave traders, John Patteson was killed on the island of Nukapu. His name, reputation and example spread throughout the islands and his is still greatly revered in Melanesia today.