Nagaland’s first State Chaplain Rev. Yankey Patton passes away

January 29, 2022 69 Views No Comment

January 29, 2022:

Nagaland first State Chaplain Rev. Yankey Patton passed away on January 28 afternoon at his residence in Diphupar. He was 94. His wife predeceased him in 2014 and is survived by his son, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

According to DPRO report, the funeral service of late Rev. Patton will be held on Sunday (January 30) at 9 a.m. at Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar.
After the funeral service the body would be taken to his native village, Raman for burial. Born on March 15, 1927, Rev. Patton served as the State Chaplain for 15 years from 1989 to 2004. He also served as the Police Chaplain for two years (1987 to 1988).

CM, DyCM condole

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy chief minister Y Patton have condoled the demise of State’s first chaplain Rev Yankey Patton. Terming Rev Yankey as one of the most well-known and respected pastors in Nagaland, Rio in a message said in his death, the State lost a stalwart in the field of church and public service, and the void created by his death would be difficult to fill.

He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them solace and strength in their hour of bereavement, and his soul rest in peace.

Recalling that Rev Yankey became the first State chaplain in 1989 and continued to serve the State and its people in that capacity for around 14 years, till 2003, the chief minister however mentioned that he felt comforted in the knowledge that he was now with the Lord, whom he had served faithfully throughout his life.

Further, describing Rev Yankey as a dedicated and humble servant of God, Rio recalled that during his earlier days as a State chaplain, no government facilities were given to him, not even a vehicle for his movement.

“So, holding his humble umbrella and walking on foot, he used to visit the legislators at their respective homes. Such was the degree of his sense of duty and humility. At the same time, he was a very honest and courageous servant of God, always saying the hard truth, including those that are uncomfortable to say,” Rio added.

DyCM: In a separate message, the deputy chief minister said he was saddened to learn about the demise of Rev Yankey Patton.

He described Rev Yankey as one true dedicated servant of God and a very outspoken revivalist, recalling that he committed his life from a young age to take up the cross and carried it till his death.

Mentioning that the late reverend had served as pastor in various churches, including Wokha Town Baptist Church, missionary at large and also executive secretary of Lotha Baptist Churches Association from 1975 to 1980, Patton said in his death, the Nagas lost a patriarch whose spiritual guidance and exceptional life would illuminate “our” paths.

He said his wife and family joined him in conveying their deepest condolences to the bereaved and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/nagalands-first-state-chaplain-rev-yankey-patton-passes-away/