p. 16 | Newfoundland by C. H. Keslake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 22, 1906

Newfoundland

By C. H. Keslake

St. John's.—Accompanied by my family, I came to this island, arriving here Oct. 27, 1905, after a very pleasant trip of five days from New York. The weather while en route was all that could be desired, and we were all thankful that we escaped the disagreeable experience usually incident to sea voyages. I shall never forget my impressions of St. John's, as the good steamer “Rosiland” turned her prow toward the land, after sailing for several hours along the lofty, rock-bound coast of Newfoundland. The weather was summer-like, the sun shining radiantly upon the city. As we approached, I was reminded of the words of Jesus: “A city set on a hill can not be hid.” How true this is of St. John's! The entire city is built on the side of a large and very steep hill, presenting a splendid view from the sea. Towering above all other buildings was a massive beautiful structure which none could fail to recognize as the Roman Catholic cathedral, while all around it were the beautiful houses of worship of the Church of England, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational denominations. As we passed through the narrow entrance—called “The Narrows”—to the harbor of St. John's, the sight was goodly to behold. But we were soon reminded of the old saying, “Distance lends enchantment to the view;” for upon landing, the whole aspect was changed, and varied were our emotions and impressions. But whatever conditions confronted us, we remembered that there were precious souls here for whom Christ died, and whom he was anxious to save in his soon-coming kingdom.

We were met at the wharf by Elder Tracy, who took us to his home, where we were hospitably entertained, thankful to the Lord that he had brought us safely to our destination. The evening of that day was the Sabbath, and so we were not long in meeting the little company of believers, who gave us a warm welcome. This church is small, but it is endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; not that it has not had its trials and temptations, not, however, through personal petty jealousies and dissensions, but rather through an insidious attempt on the part of the enemy to destroy “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” and to obscure the precious light shining from the sanctuary. This was the situation that confronted Elder Tracy when he first came to this city. However, God gave him and the church a precious victory, and all are seeking to live up to their covenant vows to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

The week of prayer was a season of refreshing to all. The Lord came very near to his children, as they sought to draw near to him. All seemed anxious to take advance steps in the message, while some who had not yet united with the church, but who were keeping the Sabbath, decided to lay aside all hindrances and take a position shoulder to shoulder with the people of God. Besides all this, we had the joy of seeing six dear souls give themselves for the first time to God. The annual offering to missions amounted to one hundred and nine dollars, which exceeded that of last year by over thirty dollars. Here I may note that there was also a substantial increase in the tithe last year, the increase being nearly one hundred and twenty dollars. We see no reason why a still greater increase should not be recorded at the close of 1906.

A club of one hundred and fifty copies of the Present Truth has recently been subscribed for, and with them it is hoped the members will do good missionary work. Three services each week are held. This does not include the regular Sabbath services. The meeting on Sunday nights is well attended. Good reports of the sermons are being given in the daily papers, one paper giving us at times over a column. By this it is hoped that some will be attracted to the truth.

One unsatisfactory condition should be mentioned. I refer to our church-school. It must be understood that there are no state schools in Newfoundland. All are under denominational control, each denomination having its own school. These, however, receive governmental support financially, and ordinarily speaking, they are able to provide a good curriculum. There is one exception to this, and that is in the case of our own school. Not having been registered, we are not recognized as a sect, and therefore do not receive any help from the government; and as we believe in the separation of church and state, such recognition has not been sought by us. We therefore have to rely upon our own resources. The result is that our school is not properly equipped, and its work is largely inefficient. As our children advance, they must go to the other schools. This is wrong. Something should be done to alleviate these conditions, but the local church here can not do it all.

Soon after our arrival, Elder Tracy went north to Twillingate. The use of the Congregational church building had previously been promised him, but upon arriving he found that it was closed to him. I do not know but that in the end this will be better for the cause, as surely the truth could be preached with much more freedom in a place that was under our own control. Besides this, Brother Tracy found himself practically boycotted, as the people would not sell to him. He had to send to St. John's for provisions and coal, the latter costing him $10.50 a ton. A letter received from him a few days ago informs me that he now has the use of a new storeroom owned by a friend of the cause, and is now conducting meetings, the attendance being from fifty to one hundred. He writes that the Methodist minister had denounced him from the pulpit, but this made him friends rather than enemies, and later the minister had to make a public apology for his unchristian course. The truth must and will prevail.

In closing this report I wish the friends in the States could understand that Newfoundland is in no sense a part of Canada, and therefore the rates of postage are not the same. Both Brother Tracy and myself find this a serious matter, as frequently we are called upon to pay deficient postage and fines. A two-cent stamp will never pay the postage of a letter to this place. The cost is not less than five cents for a letter a half ounce in weight, or any fraction thereof. It is pleasant to receive letters from friends in the States, nevertheless it is proving quite costly—at least to the writer.

We are of good courage in the Lord, and request the prayers of all God's people for this field.

C. H. KESLAKE.