Jamaica by U. Bender

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 20, 1908

Jamaica

By U. Bender

KINGSTON.—I believe that all our people will be glad to hear how matters are going with the work of erecting the church building at this place. One year ago the twenty-fourth of last May, the corner-stone was laid, and the framework was begun soon afterward. At one time it was reported in the REVIEW that it was planned to dedicate the building Jan. 14, 1908, the anniversary of the earthquake. This item was taken from a private letter, and proved to be misleading; for at the time of the Jamaica conference meeting, January 10-20, the building was not entirely enclosed. At that time it was found upon close investigation that the building was unsafe. There were several causes, the principal one being that the timbers selected for the rafters and plates were too small to sustain the weight of the roof. The gables were not sufficiently braced to withstand the pressure of the heavy breezes that we often have. Another

difficulty was that most of the lumber shipped here after the earthquake was southern pine, and not well seasoned. As soon as put into a frame, it twisted and warped very badly, unless secured at once and protected from the weather. As a result of having to use this unseasoned lumber, the siding shrank, leaving large cracks in the walls.

At the time of the conference a committee was appointed to lay plans as to the best means of strengthening the building, but we were unable to reach a decision at that time. About the middle of February it was decided to practically rebuild from the foundation; also change the tower and entrances. This would tend to greatly strengthen the building and would be less expensive than finishing as at first planned, and would improve the appearance of the building from an architectural standpoint.

Just at this time Elder D. E. Wellman and wife from the South Caribbean Conference stopped in Jamaica on their way to the States, where a furlough had been granted them by the General Conference. Brother Wellman's coming to Jamaica at this time was felt to be opportune, as he has had a large experience in erecting church buildings. But we felt a hesitancy in asking him to remain here and take charge of reconstructing the building, as they have already spent ten years in the tropics, and are greatly in need of the furlough granted them. However his interest in the cause constrained him to cheerfully consent to remain and take up this work.

The work of reconstruction has been pushed vigorously, and by the time this reaches the readers of the REVIEW, the building will be practically finished. The cost of the building and the added burden of reconstruction is far in excess of the ability of our brethren in Jamaica to bear, and it becomes necessary for us again to appeal to the liberality of our brethren in other places. The General Conference Committee has approved of our making an appeal through the columns of the REVIEW for six hundred dollars to assist us in lifting this burden.

We greatly appreciate the liberal manner in which our brethren have responded to our appeals in the past. Though we have failed to accomplish as much as we should with what has already been sent, yet we are confident that our friends will still be favorable toward us and help in this time of need.

U. BENDER.