p. 17 | The South Caribbean Conference by H. C. J. WALLEKER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 21, 1910

_The South Caribbean Conference_

By H. C. J. WALLEKER

THE annual session of the South Caribbean Conference was held in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Port of Spain, Trinidad, April 9-13. A good representation of the churches in Trinidad was present, and some from most of the islands in the conference. Careful consideration was given to the various matters which came before the conference at this time. An earnest effort was made to make such arrangements for carrying forward the work during the year as would best advance the truth in the different islands.

The workers reported ninety-two baptized, and two new church buildings erected. The islands of Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent were added to the conference territory during the year. There are six large islands and many small ones in this conference; this makes it a very difficult field to work with only a handful of laborers. Four ministers, two licentiates, and three Bible workers constitute the working force. The field is not self-supporting as yet, most of the people being very poor; but although poor in this world's goods, many are rich in faith, and I am sure they are precious in God's sight.

The officers chosen for the ensuing year are as follows: President, J. B. Beckner; vice-president, G. F. Lane; secretary and treasurer, A. G. Peart; Sabbath-school and Missionary Volunteer secretary, P. C. Carrington.

The laborers present from outside the conference were Elder D. Bender, president of the West Indian Union Conference, and the writer, from the East Caribbean Mission.

Several fatal cases of yellow fever occurred in Port of Spain during our conference session; after this, when it was about time for the quarantine to be lifted, bubonic plague broke out. This resulted in more strict quarantine than before, and made it very difficult for us to get away. Elder Bender, who had an appointment for the Colon Conference, could not purchase a ticket for that place, so was obliged to go to New York and thence to Colon. I had to go to Barbados, and finish my quarantine there, taking a boat thence to St. Thomas. While waiting to get away from Trinidad, we held two profitable general meetings on the island, one at San Fernando and one at Arima.

While the climate and conditions in many of these places are very trying, we can say that the message is forward, and our workers are of good courage.

H. C. J. WALLEKER.