Hawaiian Islands by R. C. PORTER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 6, 1908

Hawaiian Islands

By R. C. PORTER

HONOLULU.—On our arrival at this place, we were met at the wharf by Elder C. D. M. Williams. After a brief run through the city, as the Sabbath drew on, we were conducted to the new chapel, which it had been arranged to dedicate on our arrival. The building is a neat wooden structure twenty-eight by forty feet in size. The work of building was all done by Elder Williams and the church, so that the cost of its erection was not so great as its value indicates. The entire cost of lot and lumber for the building is about $1,450. All the lumber, being shipped from San Francisco, cost from $37.50 to $52.50 a thousand feet. The building is located in the best residence part of the city, and five blocks from the business portion.

The house was well filled the night of the dedication, although there were but two hours in which to notify the people after the boat was sighted. The house was dedicated to the Lord free from debt. The North Pacific Union Conference donated five hundred dollars toward this good enterprise. This was to the work here a direct manifestation of the providence of God, and has proved a great encouragement. Without this aid it would have been impossible to erect this much-needed house of worship in this important seaport. In the midst of a profuse decoration of ferns and palms and tropical foliage, plants and flowers, very appropriate for the occasion, the dedicatory services were conducted by Elder Williams and the writer.

There are now twenty-one church-members in Honolulu, and eight or ten Sabbath-keepers on the adjacent islands. The work is progressing well, and the erection of this church edifice will give more permanence to the work, and mark a new era in its progress. A good class of people are now studying the truth, and the present membership is of a representative class of people. Brother and Sister Williams are the only workers laboring in this field. The work is not as yet self-supporting.

Our party, consisting of Sister Trunk, Mrs. Porter, and the writer, were privileged to attend the dedicatory and the Sabbath morning service. Seven of the members are Chinese, some are Portuguese, some Porto-Ricans, some Hawaiians, some English, some Americans. All understand some English.

It was very refreshing to spend a few hours on land, and a pleasure to become acquainted with our people and the work in this field. R. C. PORTER.