UTILA.—Just a few words about the little island of Utila. This is one of the Bay Islands farthest to the westward, and although about two thirds of it is mango swamp, its inhabitants seem to enjoy very good health, and some of them live to a great age. There is one man at this place, a Sabbath-keeper, eighty-two years of age, who is still quite strong and healthy. This island has only a few hundred inhabitants, and the percentage of white people is greater here than in any other island of the group.
The settlement is mostly along the seashore on the southwest side, where the best harbor for ships is found. I am sending a photograph of the harbor, showing the tops of a few dwelling-houses, and also a few coconut houses out over the water. The little sailboats seen in this picture are the missionaries' means of conveyance among the islands. If one has a desire to go in all directions at the same time, perhaps he will come as near to it on one of these little boats on a rough, choppy sea as on anything in the world.
There are only two denominations on the island that have church buildings; these are the Wesleyan Methodists and the Seventh-day Adventists. So far as I know the Methodists have been here nearly ever since the island has been civilized; in fact, they have been established here so long that some of them seem to think other denominations are intruding when they come in to hold a series of meetings. This is well illustrated by the author of the little book, “The History of Utila.” Speaking of the time when Elder Hutchins pitched his little tent here, he says: “We did all we could to oppose the views of the Adventist people, by preaching and visiting from house to house.”
But in spite of all the opposition, there was a goodly company raised up and a little chapel erected, eighteen by thirty feet, which was afterward lengthened to forty-five feet. A good work, both educational and ministerial, was carried on here for several years; but for some reason the teachers all left, and the ministers ceased to visit the place. Some moved away, some apostatized, and others became discouraged, until there were no services of any kind held here by our people. But we are glad to report a change for the better. Our last camp-meeting being appointed at this place, my wife and I spent two weeks here before that time, and quite an interest was awakened. As the camp-meeting followed this effort, a few began to observe the Sabbath, and as the result of labor since that time several more have taken their stand for the truth, making in all a goodly number to hold up the light of truth in Utila.
UTILA, SPANISH HONDURAS
There is still opposition to be met, but the Lord is working on the hearts of some, so that they are yielding to the truth. Remember the work in this field at the throne of grace.
