Newfoundland by C. H. KESLAKE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 14, 1907

Newfoundland

By C. H. KESLAKE

Probably our people as a whole know as little of Newfoundland as of almost any country in the world. Take, for instance, its geographical position. It is certain that many think that we are in sight of “Greenland’s icy mountains,” and that we are so far north, and the cold is so intense, that we have to dress as do the Esquimos, and go about on snowshoes. But really we are quite a distance from Greenland, and snowshoes would be as much of a curiosity here as anywhere. It will be a great surprise doubtless to some to be told that here in St. John’s we are in a more southern latitude than that of London, or even of Paris. But such is the fact. However, the climate is much colder here than in those cities. Not infrequently in some places in the southern part of this country the thermometer registers from twenty to thirty degrees below zero. Here in St. John’s it is considered very cold if the mercury goes down as low as zero. But what cold we do have is intensified by the fierce winds that prevail at all times. It is this that makes life here so uncomfortable. Then, too, the weather is very changeable. In this connection I speak for St. John’s and its vicinity, and not for the north. As I write, the “Ice King” is gripping the country with a firm hand, and all along the coast it is being shut in with ice, which in some places is already from two to three feet thick. Because of this, coastal navigation is practically closed, and the steamer “Portia,” the principal means of travel, is now on her last trip. But the ice is forming so rapidly that it is doubtful if she will get farther north than to Notre Dame Bay. Brother F. W. Johnston went by the

“Portia” to Twillingate, where it has been decided to make another effort. It is a question, however, whether he will be able to land on account of the ice. We are praying that God will send a wind that will blow the ice out to sea, for only thus can this place be reached now. Until recently the way had not opened for Brother Johnston to go there. The readers of the REVIEW will remember how difficult it was for Elder Tracy to begin work there last winter. Still more unfavorable conditions would have prevailed now had not some of the friends of the cause there decided to purchase a building which last November had been put up for sale. The purchase was not effected until this present month, and then only through a third party, for had it been known that it was intended for us, it would not have been sold at any price. For that reason we dared not make any move toward sending any one there until the deed had been signed and the property made over.

We have felt constrained to make one more effort there, as to stop now would mean the loss of what little had already been accomplished. Besides, of late, circumstances seemed to speak plainly that we should make another effort this winter, and we all felt that it would be wrong to abandon the field at this juncture. The church here, though poor, has taken hold of this new enterprise with considerable zeal, and has given an organ toward the work.

The last Sunday of the old year it was my privilege to baptize three believers, making eight in all for the year. Besides these, two others accepted the truth, and doubtless they, with a few more, will be baptized soon.

With increased spiritual blessings there has been greater faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings. This could not be otherwise. The following will indicate our prosperity financially: The increase of tithe for 1906 over that of 1905 was over twenty-nine per cent. The annual offering was increased by more than fifty-four per cent. The donations at our Sunday night services increased over ninety per cent. If we add to this other offerings for local work, the increase is over one hundred and four per cent. Thus all along the line advancements have been made, for which we heartily give thanks to God. Our weekly Bible readings are well attended, and we know of several who are now in the “valley of decision.”

Last November I took a trip to Twillingate and Moreton’s Harbor. Because of terrific gales, and opposition to our using the public halls in these places, I was not able to hold any meetings. While on the steamer en route to Twillingate, it was my privilege to give a few readings on The Coming of the Lord and the Signs of the Times, to a few interested persons, one of whom was formerly a Catholic. Some of these live in the north, on what is known as the “French shore.” They begged me to go with them and teach them more of the Word. They seemed so earnest that I was pained to have to refuse their invitation. I sold them some literature (Thoughts on Daniel), and promised to send them some papers and tracts. This I have done. I also promised them, as soon as the way opened up, to visit them at their home. This again raises the problem, How are the people of this country to be warned? We ought to have at least one permanent worker for the north, east, and west respectively. A good canvasser with a little help, could do an excellent work here. Could not such a worker, together with the necessary support, be provided from among our large conferences?

In closing this report, I would call attention to the fact that in March the sealing fleet will go from this place to what is termed “The Ice.” These voyages are made annually, and last from three to four weeks. In that time they catch from three hundred thousand to four hundred thousand seals. Hundreds of men from all parts of the island congregate in this city to go in these vessels. All the denominations recognize in this a grand opportunity to do missionary work. A great work can be done at that time with our periodicals. We ask our friends in the States from now on to send us clean copies of the REVIEW, Signs of the Times, and the Watchman. (Papers printed in any other than the English language can not be used.) Be sure that sufficient postage is prepaid on all parcels, otherwise to use them would make it very expensive for us here. Donations of tracts would also be acceptable at any time. From St. John’s papers are carried to all parts of the island free of postage. Doubtless there are some local tract societies that could send us tracts. Our courage is good for 1907.

C. H. KESLAKE. Box 217, St. John’s, Newfoundland.