Melanesian Mission

In December 1847 he began a series of voyages to the Pacific Islands, which were included in his diocese by a clerical error in his letters patent.

[3] At the time of his appointment, Selwyn was aware of this clerical error, but he chose not to point it out.

[3] His letters and journals of these journeys through Melanesia present the reader with a vivid picture of his versatility, courage, and energy.

His voyages and the administrative work resulted in 1861 in the consecration of Patteson as the first Bishop of Melanesia.

In 1867, the Mission established St Barnabas College on Norfolk Island, as a church and training centre for missionaries.