Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson was Australia's very first Chistian minister. He arrived in 1788 with the First Fleet. He came well supplied with Bibles and other Christian literature to give out to the people. He was also appointed chaplain to the prison colonies. This meant he was looking after the spiritual needs of about 1000 people. Nearly 800 of these people were convicts.

He also needed to care for Governor Arthur Phillip and his staff. His duties meant Richard Johnson had to travel many miles every week on horseback and by boat to care for the people.

Richard Johnson was called upon to act as a magistrate. The Governor needed men of sound moral character and judgement to do this very important job.

Richard Johnson held the very first Christian service in Australia on Sunday 3rd of February 1788. His text was Psalm 116:12: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me."

It is said Richard Johnson was the father of formal education in Australia. In his own letters, he stated his desire to see the children growing up in the colonies receive education based on the Bible.