Jamaica by W. G. Kneeland

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 25, 1909

Jamaica

By W. G. Kneeland

WE held a very successful workers’ institute in connection with the Riversdale school, February 12-16. Leading features of the message were carefully studied, as well as plans for the future. This being the first meeting of the kind ever held, the need of continuing such methods of instruction was evident to all.

Our seventh annual conference was held in Kingston in the partially completed church building. The reports indicate a healthy growth in all departments. Six of the companies were organized into churches, making thirty-three

churches and twenty-six companies, with a membership of 1,746, with 146 Sabbath-keepers not yet enrolled. There were added during the year twenty-six by letter, two hundred thirty-three by baptism, and forty-four on profession of faith, making a net gain of one hundred fifty-seven.

In spite of hard times, about thirty companies are progressing with their church buildings. Two churches were dedicated during the year, and several are nearly ready for dedication. We are grateful for help rendered for church buildings, but sorry to say it is far less than we expected it would be for the relief of the Kingston church.

The tithes received for 1908 were £887 12s. 5d. We paid to missions, £282 13s. 11d., which does not include anything given for local churches, which amount I could not accurately ascertain.

The following officers were elected for the next year: President, Elder D. E. Wellman; secretary and treasurer, Wm. Hayward; secretary of the Sabbath-schools and Missionary Volunteer societies, Mrs. D. E. Wellman. Executive committee: D. E. Wellman, W. G. Kneeland, E. E. Cushman, W. H. Randle, L. Rashford, and W. F. Burkley.

In response to the urgent need of help in Trinidad, Elder A. N. Durrant was released for that field. He expects to reach there sometime in March. This makes two laborers transferred for the year. The spiritual conditions are improving in all places where faithful labor can be given. Nearly the entire congregation requested special prayers at the Sabbath services. A strong educational campaign is being planned for the year.

W. G. KNEELAND.