The Rev. William Singleton, A.M., incumbent of the parish of East Brighton, while preparing for the services of the day, and apparently in excellent health, was suddenly called by his divine Lord and Master from the church militant to the church triumphant; about half-past eight a.m., on Sunday, 13th June 1875, in the 72nd year of his age.

Ordained by the late Archbishop Richard Whately, in Dublin, Ireland he held the curacy of Finglas, Dublin for a number of years, till he received an appointment in the diocese of Melbourne. He arrived in Victoria in 1849, accompanied by Mrs. Singleton, who survives him, and ten children.

For eighteen years he faithfully discharged the then arduous duties of incumbent to the parish of Kilmore, and the supervision of an immense district, including several hundreds of square miles, and when there were but few ministers in the diocese. Often, in the performance of what he esteemed the call of duty, he endured hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, in visiting the unsettled districts, to make known the glorious gospel to a sparsely scattered population amid the mountains and forests, and often with no little danger to his life. While at Kilmore he established services at Broadford, and by his instrumentality the present commodious and beautiful church at Kilmore was erected and cleared from debt. Probably few ministers visited more extensively and methodically than he did, ever since his ordination to the very close of life - the day previous to which he had walked several miles.

His truly catholic spirit, extensive reading, deep interest in mission work, and thorough acquaintance with the progress of the gospel throughout the world, as well as his readiness to impart information, rendered him acceptable and useful; while his genial and affable manners, especially to the labouring classes, secured and opened the way to many a prodigal's heart.

Nearly eight years ago he undertook the cure of East Brighton, then formed into a new parish. Here he had the happiness of aiding in the erection of two churches - at Cheltenham and East Brighton - and in preparing three school-houses - at Gipsy Village, Little Brighton, and Mordialloc - for Sunday services. In supplying these he was nobly aided by voluntaries from among his congregation.

For this mission work his former labours and natural tastes rendered him peculiarly qualified. His talents as a preacher were moderate. He made no pretensions to oratorical display. His sermons were carefully-thought-out expositions of God's Holy Word, and always evangelical and practical. His natural gift for communicating information, and using his influence for introducing gospel truths during his visits, rendered him useful and acceptable among the market-gardeners, labourers, and farming population, and got him a hold on the affections of his people.

At the request of his brother - Dr. John Singleton - he undertook a few years ago to compile a synopsis of the evidences of Christianity, with geological chart, &c, in order to counteract the spreading infidelity of the day, and preoccupy the minds of the Sabbath-school children. This small tract, of but eight pages - printed by the Victorian Tract Distribution Society - has been highly prized, and extensively used in the neighbouring colonies as well as this, and is doing good service now.

It was from his deep conviction of the value of medical missions and his thorough benevolence of heart, that the Medical Mission Free Dispensary for the Sick Poor, in Collingwood, was commenced, by his urging its advantages on his brother - the doctor - which has, as he expected, proved so great a blessing to thousands.

He of late years seemed to grow in grace - more anxious to improve passing time in bringing glory to his heavenly Father and happiness to man.

His remains were followed to their last resting-place by a very large number of clergymen, as well as others who respected and loved him for his works' sake. It reminded us of patriarchal days to see seven of his sons carrying his coffin to the grave. There the service was conducted by the Dean of Melbourne, the Very Reverend Hussey Burgh Macartney - one of his oldest friends - and the Rev. Samuel Taylor.

He was a regular attendant at the clerical meetings at Bishop's-court and the Deanery, and of those held alternately at the houses of the neighbouring clergy, which he greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

Two days previous to his death he was accosted, while engaged in some useful work, by a Christian friend, who remarked on his being so constantly engaged in good work. His reply was characteristic of the man, and will probably be thought of more weight than many dying testimonies, "I am fulfilling our Lord's words where he said, 'Occupy till I come !' "