Your ShelfYour Projects

San Andres

10%

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 43.

Read the full edition

San Andres

By S. PARKER SMITH

S. PARKER SMITH
This little island lies in the Caribbean Sea, about two hundred thirty miles north of Colon. It is about seven miles long by three wide, in its greatest dimensions, and, though small, has, for its size, a large and rapidly increasing population, speaking the English language. It is in every respect a typical little island of the tropics, the main production being cocoanuts, large quantities of which are shipped to the States.
The message was introduced here about eight years ago. There is now a church of nineteen members, of whom fifteen still reside in the island. In the sister island of Old Providence there is a larger church, which has been raised up more recently.
Our work is confined principally to the school. Our pupils now number about seventy. The present quarters have been too small for some time, and we are endeavoring to raise money among the patrons to move and enlarge our building. Including what friends in the States have given, about three fourths of the required amount has been raised.
Education among the people is at a very low ebb, and as a result there is much superstition and ignorance. Good schools are sadly needed. There is no public education, and there are no schoolhouses worthy of the name, except perhaps our own. Our school is the only one which provides desks for the pupils. We are glad for the privilege of teaching the Bible to these children, to most of whom it seems like a new book. Grammar, physiology, geography, etc., are equally new and strange.
THE SAN ANDRES SCHOOL
THE SAN ANDRES SCHOOL
Our Missionary Volunteer Society of nine members is getting nicely started; and Mrs. Smith has a normal class, composed of some of our more mature young people who have a desire to be teachers.
The work often seems to go slowly. But we rejoice that we have the privilege of sowing the good seed of truth, and we leave the results with the Lord of the harvest.
San Andres Isle, Rep. of Colombia.