Sydney to Norfolk Island by C. H. Parker

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1912

Sydney to Norfolk Island

By C. H. Parker

C. H. PARKER

AFTER spending a few pleasant days with friends and fellow laborers at Sydney and Avondale, we placed our daughter, Ramona, in the care of Pastor B. F. Machlan and his wife, and then we took the steamship “Makambo” for Norfolk Island. The first two days were very unpleasant, as there was a heavy gale. For a time the boat could make only two miles an hour. Most of the passengers, ourselves included, had to keep their berths. Sunday night we received a very unwelcome start. While our ship was being tossed about as a cork, the seas rolling over her from both sides, the quarter bell was rung furiously, and the whistle blew long blasts. All seemed to indicate that our boat was in distress, or that we were being run down by another boat.

We waited in suspense, but as nothing seemed to take place, a happier thought took possession of our minds; and looking at our watches, we found that it was just twelve o’clock, and that the captain was ringing out the old year, while the wind was blowing in the new.

Tuesday morning, January 2, we anchored at Lord Howe Island. On going ashore, I found Brother A. H. Ferris, our missionary to Norfolk Island, waiting for me. It was a happy meeting, as Brother Ferris and I had labored for a year together in Victoria, before he was appointed to the Norfolk Island Mission. He had been on Lord Howe Island for a fortnight, and had held seven public services. These had been attended by most of the people on the island, which has a population of about ninety. He took me around and introduced me to the people. They spoke in the highest terms of the studies that had been given, and expressed themselves as having never heard such good instruction before from the Word of God. They said they were sorry that Brother Ferris was leaving, but hoped he would come back again. It is planned that, after attending to a few matters at home, Brother Ferris will return and hold meetings for some time. Pray for this effort, that the people there may be like the noble Bereans of old.

Lord Howe Island is about seven miles long by one and a half wide. The people are very thrifty, and their island will produce almost everything that is grown in New South Wales, with the addition of some other fruits, such as the mummy-apple, banana, etc. A palm producing a seed that is in much demand in Europe grows there. These seeds bring all the way from six to twenty-four dollars a bushel. This gives the people about thirty-five dollars a month for each individual. With such an income, they should not need for anything, as their soil produces all that they need for food. This island lies four hundred twenty miles northeast of Sydney.

Leaving Lord Howe Island on Tuesday at noon, we took our course to Norfolk Island, which lies four hundred forty miles farther to the northeast. The weather was all that could be wished, and the most pleasant associations were formed with the officers of the ship and with the passengers. We reached Norfolk on Thursday night at ten o’clock, and landed Friday morning at nine. Brother Christian McCoy sought us out and took us ashore, where quite a number of our people were waiting to give us a welcome. This was given in a most warm-hearted way. Here we met our dear Sister Ferris and her little family. They were all looking well and happy. In a short time they had us out to the mission, which is located on the hill at the back of where the steamer anchors. It is a beautiful place, and has a commanding view of the country round about and of the ocean. The mission owns twenty-five acres of land, and has a large, roomy house built upon it.

On Sabbath I spoke to our people at their church, which was built and used by the Catholic denomination in the time when Norfolk Island was a penal station. It is built into the old prison wall. It is a large building, and the brethren have it well fitted up and seated. A beautiful organ, which would do credit to our larger churches, leads the voices in their praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Sunday night, January 7, I spoke again at the church. There was a good attendance of those not of our faith, and at the close of the service many expressed their appreciation of what they had heard.

I must not fail to mention a most important and interesting meeting,—the young people’s meeting,—held Sunday afternoon. There are only a few young people who belong to the society, but they are something akin to Gideon’s band. They gave a splendid report of work, and seemed eager to gain any help that would make them better workers for the Master. They are only boys and girls, but they love the Lord and the souls for whom he died. Brother Ferris gave them an excellent talk on David and Goliath, placing some of our Goliaths on the blackboard.

I was pleased to see the respect which is paid to Brother Ferris by the people of this island. From all that I have yet seen, I feel sure that he holds their confidence. This speaks for itself in regard to the labors of Brother and Sister Ferris.