Visiting Churches in Jamaica, British West Indies
By A. J. HAYSMER
JULY 14 Mrs. Haysmer and I started with Elder E. C. Boger, president of the Jamaica Conference, and his wife on a two weeks' tour of visiting churches in the west end of the island. It had been about seventeen years since I had been in that part of the island, and it was a real pleasure to me to visit not only the old places, but the new ones also. Our first stop was at Devon. There were a number of the old members there, and, as I stood before them, I could hardly realize that it had been so many years since I had been there; but the gray hairs, not only theirs but mine, show that time has been busy since we met them last. Those who were little children then are young men and women now. Many are still loyal to the truth, but, sad to say, some have gone astray and are out in the world. From there we went to Montego Bay. We visited the grave of our dear Sister Webster, Elder E. W. Webster's first wife, who died of yellow fever while attending a meeting here nearly eighteen years ago. It brought back the sad experiences we went through in the time of that epidemic. We had only one meeting at Montego Bay, as Elder and Mrs. W. M. Crothers are living there and helping the church along all lines. From there we went to Mt. Carey, where we remained over Sabbath and Sunday. Our next stop was at Marchtown. Here, again, I had the pleasure of meeting old friends who were still faithful. We held meetings at Sheffield, Big Woods, Contented Hall, Canaan, and Beverly, and called at four other places where we have churches. At our first stop the people began to inquire, “Has Elder brought his forceps?” When they learned that I had, I had work to do. I relieved the people of more than fifty aching teeth during the trip. At nearly all the places I found those whom I had baptized when I labored here years ago. It was a joy to me to see how the work has prospered. We had a very pleasant time. All was done for our comfort that it was possible for the people to do. The scenery of Jamaica is very beautiful, and as we glided over the nice roads in an automobile, we felt that this is one of the inventions to assist in quickly finishing the work. Most of the churches are some distance from the railroad, and it is very slow and tiresome traveling over the mountain roads by horse or bicycle, as I used to do. We held more than two dozen meetings, and traveled a little more than four hundred miles. These trips among the churches are very profitable. The ordinances were celebrated at nearly all the places we visited, and baptism was administered at one place. The preaching was designed to encourage the people to greater consecration themselves, and to do missionary work in their community. All partook of the missionary spirit, and promised to uphold the banner of truth by life and deed. Now is the time to work for our neighbors. While all over the world is unrest, now is the time to point them to the only place of rest. We enjoyed this trip with Elder and Mrs. Boger very much. They are working hard to build up all lines of the work in their conference. We are at home for a week getting writing done, but expect to start August 10 with them on another trip in the eastern part of the island. A. J. HAYSMER.