North Basutoland by W. B. WHYTE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1914

North Basutoland

By W. B. WHYTE

W. B. WHYTE

THURSDAY evening, March 19, the writer, in company with Elder O. K. Butler, reached Generaals Nek, on our way for a few days' visit at Emmanuel Mission, in north Basutoland. Our train did not arrive till long after dark, and as the siding was twelve miles from the mission, we were a little anxious as to whether we should find a conveyance waiting to carry us to the mission. On alighting from the train, we were very glad indeed to meet the superintendent, Brother H. C. Olmstead, and were also glad to greet Brother and Sister R. P. Robinson, who had arrived a few hours before from Cape Town. We were all soon in the large lumber wagon with our baggage, pulled by three yoke of oxen. Thus we began our journey of twelve miles to Emmanuel Mission. Our pace was not swift, but it was quite sure, and shortly before midnight we reached the mission.

The next day, Friday, we spent in counsel over many things pertaining to the work. On the Sabbath we held a meeting at eleven o'clock. Word had gone out throughout the native kraals that we were to be there, and at the time appointed the Basutos, a large number of them in their best dress and bright-colored blankets, began to assemble in the schoolhouse for divine service. The writer was glad for another opportunity of speaking to this people. The room was crowded. They filled the seats and covered the floor, and gave splendid attention to the words spoken. On Sunday, a still larger crowd was present. Pastor Butler addressed the people on the plan of redemption. About three hundred were present at this service, including a number of prominent Basuto chiefs who appeared interested.

A BASUTOLAND (AFRICA) CONGREGATION LISTENING TO THE MESSAGE. THE MEN SEATED NEAR THE FRONT ARE CHIEFS. THOSE BAPTIZED ARE SITTING AT THE LEFT OF PASTOR O. K. BUTLER

After this service five were baptized. This was the first time baptism by immersion had ever been seen in Basutoland, and the people were very curious to see the rite performed. The accompanying picture shows the large crowd that gathered to listen to the preaching of God's word. The men seated in chairs are all chiefs. The five seated on the ground in front were baptized. The day of baptism was a good day for Emmanuel Mission. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The baptismal service was performed in one of the large springs on the mission farm.

There are some promising students in the school. We are glad to report that the work at this station is going forward under the blessing of God. When I reached the mission on this visit, Brother Olmstead handed me the first apple taken from the orchard. It is certainly a beautiful specimen of fruit, and is an earnest of what will come later when the orchard gets a little older. It is now producing some very good fruit. [One other, a third of the tree's yield, was sent to the Mission Board by Sister Hyatt on her returning to the States, and was divided at a meeting—a fine specimen of fruit surely, both in appearance and flavor.] While we were here, Brother J. R. Campbell came from the Tsungwesi Mission, Southern Rhodesia. An attack of the fever made it necessary for him to leave. We are sorry to say that even since returning to north Basutoland, which is a very healthful climate, he has still had the fever quite badly. He is now some better, and we hope he may soon be able to take up work again.

We also improved the opportunity on this occasion to have a mission council. Elder W. S. Hyatt came over from Natal and met with us, and we considered various matters pertaining to our mission stations. We are glad to see the work progressing in north Basutoland, and are also glad to find our workers at this station full of courage and good cheer.