p. 17 | Jamaica Conference by Frederick Griggs

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

Jamaica Conference

By Frederick Griggs

THE seventh annual session of the Jamaica Conference was held at Kingston, Jamaica, December 31 to January 9. The meetings were held in a church building that has been recently erected. The ruins of the old building, destroyed in the earthquake, are still standing. During the conference, meals were served here. This new building shows a spirit of advancement; for our people, who are very poor, have been obliged to put forth strenuous efforts to erect it. It is very neat and commodious, and speaks well for the work of the builders.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AT KINGSTON, JAMAICA

Elder D. E. Wellman, the conference president, had put forth very earnest efforts to make this meeting one of real educational value, and an excellent program had been arranged. The work of each department of the conference received careful study. Papers had been prepared. and talks were given concerning the interests of each department. As this is the first time such a systematic effort has been made to educate the people of the conference concerning the various phases of our work, it was of special value to the delegates and friends. As the result of these studies, our brethren entered heartily into all plans looking toward the advancement of all departments of the work. Elder Wellman was re-elected president of the conference, and but few changes were made in the staff of officers who work with him. He has the love and entire sympathy and support of his fellow workers, and a spirit of courage is felt as they start on the new year's service.

Jamaica has a population of but eight hundred thousand, and yet we have thirty-one churches on the island. During the past year two churches have been added to the conference, and the total list of Sabbath-keepers is now 1,934. The tithe receipts for the past year were $4,845; this is an increase of $523 over that of last year. The total offerings for foreign missions were $1,075, which is an increase of $319 over that of the preceding year. While these tithes and offerings are not large as compared with reports from some of our other conferences, yet in view of the financial condition of the people of the island as a whole, and our people in particular, and in view of the disastrous earthquake, which came to the island about three years ago, they are certainly commendable. Every department of the conference presented an encouraging report of progress. We have but few conferences with the population of Jamaica where the truth has so strong a foothold, and where we have so many churches established; but the work on the island is not yet finished, as was witnessed by the cheering reports of the laborers. Honest souls are continually accepting the truth, and there is a great work yet to be done.

An excellent spirit prevailed throughout the entire session. Several revival meetings were held, confessions were made, and a spirit of love and consecration was manifest. The last Sabbath of the conference was notable in its spiritual uplift. The good Spirit of the Lord was especially witnessed in the workers' meetings, which were held daily from twelve to one. They were a means of drawing the hearts of the laborers into the close union. The evening meetings were well attended by the people of the city, who seem to feel very kindly toward our people and work.

Elder U. Bender, president of the West Indian Union Conference, and the writer, from the General Conference, were in attendance at the meeting, from outside the conference.

FREDERICK GRIGGS.