Jamaica by U. Bender

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1907

Jamaica

By U. Bender

KINGSTON.—These last days are so filled with stirring events that the great disaster which befell the city of Kingston, Jamaica, the fourteenth of last January, seems to many more like a story of fiction, or dead history, than a recent event. No doubt the readers of the REVIEW will be interested in the accompanying picture showing the temporary refugee camp upon the race-course, which is north of the city. The large tent at the rear in the center was sent them by the New York Conference, to be used during the West Indian Union Conference session to be held January 11-21. We succeeded in getting the tent pitched the Friday following the earthquake, and it was here on the Sabbath that the wonderful meeting was held of which Elder Evans wrote, when nearly one hundred gave themselves to the Lord and decided to obey all the commandments. A rope was stretched across the tent, dividing it into two parts. One end was seated with the benches from the ruined church at 32 Text Lane, and the other given to the refugees from the city. It was under these conditions that meetings were continued for four weeks after the great disaster.

REFUGEE CAMP ON THE RACE-COURSE, KINGSTON

Every night as soon as the congregation was dismissed, men and women would crowd forward, occupying the benches for sleeping purposes. The one who could find a space long enough to permit him to lie down, was counted fortunate. Under this canopy of canvas the Kingston church gathered for worship and carried on their regular work for some weeks. The upper story of the old church building was taken down, and a temporary roof placed over the basement, the walls of which seemed to be safe enough for a meeting-place.

The members of the Kingston church have been faithful in their efforts to establish themselves in new quarters, and to build up a fitting memorial of the truth in the principal city of Jamaica. They have adopted plans for systematically saving all they can from their earnings, but with all their efforts they can not keep this work moving as it should. They must have help. They are grateful to all the brethren and sisters who have so willingly contributed to the fund for their new church building. They expect that the meeting of Sabbath, September 28, will be held in the new building. This does not mean that it is nearly finished. It is enclosed, with the roof on and floor in, and now the building operations must cease till more means can come in and all bills be paid up.

It was my privilege to be with the church in Kingston last Sabbath, September 21. This was the first time I have been there since last February, soon after we took down the tent from the race-course and began to hold meetings in the basement of the old church. As I looked over the congregation, I saw a number of new faces. The work in this city is growing, and people of standing are inquiring after the truth. Some of these have begun to observe the Sabbath.

This building which is in process of construction is not merely for the purpose of having a church building in Kingston. Would to God our work was finished there; but it is not, and during the short time that remains for us to do the work, we must have some place in which to call together those who are reaching out after the truth.

A church building means more here than it would in some countries. This building is plain and neat; there is nothing showy about it. It will be a credit to the church, and a sanctuary to which all can be invited to come. Who will help just now to finish this building by sending a liberal donation to Elder I. H. Evans, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.? Be sure to state for what purpose the money is sent. I pray that in the hearts of all who are led to consider this matter there will be created a real desire to assist this needy work, and that all will be willing to use every opportunity for helping that may be presented to them.

U. BENDER.