Danish West Indies by H. C. J. Wallekar

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 25, 1909

Danish West Indies

By H. C. J. Wallekar

St. Croix.—I came to this place on the second of December, and set up my tent the next day, and had it seated and everything in order to hold our first meeting Sunday night, December 6. The government gave us the use of a good place for the tent, in a grove of mahogany trees, near the fort, where the soldiers and police are located.

As soon as it was known that we intended to pitch a tent and hold meetings, we were told that the government would not allow any tent-meetings. Upon inquiry, I learned that some individuals belonging to a class of jumping, shouting religionists came to this place about three years ago, pitched a tent, and gave the police considerable trouble, and that the chief of police had said he would not allow any more such meetings. I talked with the officials in their own language, however; and after some inquiry as to how we conducted our meetings, they gave me the very spot I asked for. Owing to the fact that there is a rough element in the town, it seems remarkable that we have never had any trouble. Some of the police have come to me and expressed themselves as pleased with the good order maintained, both in and around the tent. From the first, our meetings have been well attended. The tent will seat from two hundred fifty to three hundred, but we often have as many or more outside. The ministers have kept very quiet, and some have even attended the meetings, standing outside at a distance, that they might not be seen. Some have spoken well of us, while others whisper that we are “false prophets.” About two weeks ago a minister spoke on the Christian sabbath. We went to hear him, and after he was through speaking, he came and shook hands with us. We told him we would speak on the same subject the following night, and invited him to come and hear us. He came, and sat on the front seat. There were about one thousand people present that night, and the Lord greatly blessed. I spoke for nearly three hours, and then the people did not want me to stop.

December 26 we had our first public Sabbath service. Fifty-eight adults and seventeen children attended our Sabbath-school, and the number has steadily increased until now the attendance is over ninety. Thirty have signed the covenant, and desire to unite with us. This week we organized a class of thirty-five to prepare for baptism.

We can see that God is working for us and for the salvation of the people. He has mercifully spared our lives when wicked men have sought to do us bodily harm. The message is going with power in all parts of the world, and soon the honest in heart will all be gathered out, and we shall go home. May the glad day quickly come. H. C. J. WALLEKAR.