Rev Yankey Patton (File Photo)
• Rev Yankey was Nagaland’s first State Chaplain
• Funeral service at 9 AM, January 30 at Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 28
Pioneer Naga revivalist and former State Chaplain, Rev Yankey Patton passed away this noon at his residence in Diphupar, Dimapur. He was 94. Born on March 15, 1927, Rev Yankey served as the first State Chaplain in 1989 and went on to serve the State and its people till 2002.
Considered an icon among the Nagas, the late Reverend was known for being vocal in his faith, for his courage and ‘a straightforward minister of the gospel.’
Describing the late Rev as ‘a really magnanimous grandfather,’ Kumlamo Patton told The Morung Express that his grandfather would always motivate them to be a channel of blessing. “He beseeched us to be a Christian with a cross, and that we are nothing without God. He was really a source of inspiration to us.”
“It’s really hard for us to accept that my grandfather left us for his heavenly abode, but we rest assured that he was always there for us, will be there watching over us from heaven above,” he added.
“Heaven must be rejoicing to welcome a worthy soul,” said Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC). He recalled Rev Patton as a man of integrity, a stalwart servant who lived life well professing his faith in words and in action.
Recounting his first meeting with the late Rev after he took over the leadership several years ago, Rev Keyho said that he talked as though he had known him for years. “He blessed me with a warm-hard handshake and said, “Now is your time, don't ever look back and take the church forward.”’
“Personal conversations with him were uplifting and encouraging. He will always encouraged those who come to him in leadership to stand strong and committed and never back off from the truth. There is always utterance of blessings for younger leaders,” he added.
When the NBCC team last went to meet and pray for him before Christmas, Rev Keyho recalled his frail eyes lighting up as he acknowledged them. “I will personally miss him like any other. But I know he has gone to meet his Master whom he has served well. Soon, I and all those who believe in Christ will follow him. May God console the family as we celebrate his life and ministry,” he added.
Former missionary to China, Rev Dr T Alemmeren described late Rev Yankey was a “boyhood friend” who was a “very dedicated, faithful and trustworthy man of God.”
“We were serving in the ministry for many years together. I appreciated him for his faithfulness. He was bold enough. Sometimes he was alone because he was willing to lay down his life for the throne. I am very sorry that he had to leave us,” he added.
The late Rev is survived by his son Nchumbemo Patton, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His wife passed away in the year 2014. After the funeral service the mortal remains of the lat Rev will be taken in his native village Raman for the last rites.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the funeral service of late Rev will be conducted on January 30 at the Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar from 9AM onwards.
Biography
After completing his L.TH (Licence in Theology) in 1953, Rev Yankey left for Vankhosung, the Lotha Baptist Church headquarter and served as Christian Youth Promoter between 1953-56. On December 14, 1954 he married Orenyemi Tsanglao of Shaki village, the first Lotha woman evangelist.
In 1956, when army operation started in the Naga Hills, Vankhosung Mission Compound was not spared and all the staffs were asked to vacate and the army occupied it. Rev Yankey was therefore, compelled to return to his native village New Ralan. Meanwhile, on July 12, 1956 at Sanis village under Wokha district, the NNC established the Federal Government of Nagaland with Khriesanisa of Khonoma village as the newly elected president (Kedahge). Rev Yankey was appointed as the First Chaplain of the newly formed Federal government.
After completing his term as the chaplain for four years, he served as the pastor of Wokha Town Baptist Church from 1960-75.
Thereafter, he was elected as the Executive Secretary of KBES (the apex Lotha Baptist Churches Association) between 1976-1980. In 1981, he moved to Pangti, the biggest village in Wokha district and served as the pastor till 1986.
In 1987, he shifted to 1st NAP headquarters Chümoukedima and served as Police Chaplain. From 1989 till 2002, Rev Yankey served as the State Chaplain. After his tenure ended in 2002, he was inducted as Missionary at large by the Kohima Lotha Baptist Church and served till 2004.
Rev Yankey’s official assignments as a servant of God came to an end on March 1, 2004, completing 52 years of service to God. However, he continued to pursue missionary activities and had visited Karbi Anglong in Assam, Tripura, Arunachal and border areas of China.
