Panama Canal Zone by W. G. KNEELAND

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 28, 1914

Panama Canal Zone

By W. G. KNEELAND

W. G. KNEELAND

AFTER a pleasant voyage from New York, I arrived in Cristobal, Canal Zone, March 23. I have visited all the churches in the Zone, and am glad to report that the work has advanced since my visit in 1908.

Owing to the fact that the ordinary work on the canal is nearly completed, many of our brethren who have been employed here the past few years will soon return to their island homes. This will break up or greatly weaken several of our churches and reduce our resources.

The government of Panama is making liberal offers of free lands in the interior of the republic for actual settlers. Good openings could be found for a few families of consecrated workers to pioneer the way in these new fields, establish missionary stations, and teach the people how to carry on self-supporting missionary work.

Colon and Panama must necessarily be the center for future work in the Canal Zone. In the former city we have a small chapel, tract society office, and mission rooms for three families. We are beginning evangelistic work here with prospects of success.

At Panama, the capital of the republic and also of the Canal Zone government, we have no such facilities for aggressive work. There are about fifty Sabbath keepers there with only a very small rented hall in unfavorable surroundings. This hall does not comfortably seat the members, leaving no provision for the visitors who crowd around the place whenever there is preaching service. This place of worship costs us twenty dollars a month.

Building lots suitable for our work are held at $1,500 to $2,500. We have just secured a few days’ option on a lot that is centrally located and will meet the present needs of our work, for $800 cash. We shall try to begin building at once with materials already in hand.

The governments of both America and Panama are spending money freely to provide substantial buildings in which to carry forward their work. Large manufacturing companies find abundant capital with which to build suitable factories. Elegant residential palaces are springing up all about us. Has not the time come for a humble house to be erected in this important Spanish and American headquarters where the third angel’s message can be proclaimed?