St. Lucia, West Indies
By W. Durant Forde
We are in St. Lucia at last. As Elder L. E. Wellman did not leave the States as soon as expected, and Elder S. A. Wellman could not leave Trinidad owing to pressing business at the office, I had to remain in Barbados to look after the interest of the work there. During my time of waiting, I was able to form a candidates' class of six. Two of these had been receiving Bible studies from me, the others had believed the truth through attending services at the church; they all finally decided to identify themselves with us, and were baptized July 13 by Elder Wellman. My family and I left Barbados the eighth of July, reaching St. Lucia on the ninth. The island may truly be called the island of mountains, for it is entirely encompassed by them. It is very picturesque, and noted for its beautiful natural scenery. St. Lucia is the largest and most northerly of the Windward group, lying between St. Vincent and Martinique, having a length of twenty-seven miles and a breadth of fourteen miles, with an area of about two hundred and thirty-eight square miles. As one is entering the island, his gaze is attracted by two cone-shaped rocks rising abruptly out of the sea toward the southern part. These are the two Pitons, which reach an altitude of 2,461 feet, and 2,169 feet respectively. The most natural and wonderful curiosity is the Soufrière, or sulphurous mountain, lying about two miles from the town of the same name. Its crater is about one thousand feet above sea-level, and is encrusted with sulphur, alum, cinders, and other volcanic matter. Several caldrons are to be seen in the midst, which are in a constant state of ebullition. This uninterrupted manifestation of the volcanic process renders the Soufrière conspicuous above all other volcanoes. Many think it was once the center of some awful convulsion of nature. The island is of purely volcanic origin. St. Lucia is sparsely settled, having a population of only about forty-five thousand, who are a mixture of white and black. Roman Catholicism predominates, and the people are priest-ridden. Only a small percentage are Protestants. It is hard to get these people to read the Bible, yes, even to touch it; and this, with other difficulties peculiar to Catholic countries, makes the field quite a difficult one; but I am hoping for the best, and am of good courage to press on in the glorious work. Meetings have been conducted every evening, and the hall, which is in a good central position, has been full, while under the veranda has assembled a good company. Several told me that they have never witnessed such orderly behavior from the people before toward Protestant meetings, and that to them it is marvelous. I replied that it is the power of God that has restrained the people. A good interest exists, and we hope for good results. The invitation was given for the first time last night, when one soul came forward to walk in the light of present truth. This person is an intelligent man, and seems quite earnest. He spent two Sabbaths with us before this, and last Sabbath expressed his appreciation of the new-found truth. His only trouble was the pipe; but he threw it away last week, and put away all the tobacco he had. I trust he will be the means of drawing others. Others expressed to me their desire to walk with us, but have not faith enough to step out, wondering where they will get support. I told them that God, before he made man, provided for him, creating his food three days before he was formed; and if they believe this simple fact, they will obey such a good and considerate Father. Pray for these poor souls; pray for us in this corner of the Father's vineyard.