The death of the Rev. James Yelverton Wilson, late incumbent and first Episcopal Minister of St. Stephen's Church, Portland, is announced in our telegram.

Mr. Wilson arrived in the colony on the 15th day of November, 1839, by the ship "William Metcalf," so that he was amongst the earliest colonists and most of his time was spent in Portland. At an early stage in the history of this town Mr. Wilson took an active part in our Benevolent Asylum, and when funds were raised he designed the present building which was constructed under his superintendence.

Mr Wilson commenced his Portland ministry - preached his first sermon in what was called the old court house; he subsequently held service in Mr. Henty's barn, then in the wooden church in Percy Street afterwards known as St. Stephen's school, and finally in the St. Stephen's Church, Percy Street, a substantial stone building in the Gothic style, and which he occupied till he left for Melbourne some years ago.

In matters of charity Mr. Wilson was both active and energetic, and in cases of sickness he was frequently called to minister to the bodily wants of the sufferers as well as to discharge his own clerical functions.

It was held probable that the remains of the deceased gentleman would be brought to Portland, and interred in the North Cemetery by the side of his wife, but this idea, if ever entertained by Portland relatives, has been abandoned.