Isthmus of Panama by Hubert Fletcher

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 14, 1907

Isthmus of Panama

By Hubert Fletcher

Mr. HOPE.—It is interesting and encouraging to note the progress of the work here. The accompanying picture is a representation of our church building, which is nearing completion. After the tent-meetings conducted by Brother Peckover were closed, the small company of believers secured (by assisting to build) a portion of the house occupied by him at Mt. Hope, two miles from Colon, where they held their meetings for a time.

In February, 1906, they were compelled to sell the building, the land being required by the Union Oil Company. The brethren had to return to the town of Colon, where a rented hall was obtained, but this had to be given up after about seven months. Again Mt. Hope became their retreat. The low house shown in the rear of the picture is where the writer found them holding their meetings. After a few months it was evident that this place was not large enough for the growing congregation. On Sabbaths and Sundays the space inside was all occupied, and the veranda was filled. We then had to resort to the open air. And beneath the branches of a beautiful almond-tree we assembled to worship God. Here each week we came together if the weather would permit.

On the fifth of June last we pitched a tent for a series of meetings, which afforded us better accommodation. On the ninth of the same month the church building was started. Its dimensions are twenty-four by thirty-six feet. We are not paying out any money for labor. The brethren belonging to this company, and the writer, are doing the work. We hope to have it ready for dedication in a few weeks. Already it has given prestige to our work here. The rainy season having set in, we had to discontinue the meetings in the tent, and were glad that we had an unfinished building in which to meet. Our Sunday night meetings are well attended by interested strangers.

The sixth of October six followed their Lord in baptism. Very early on Sunday morning we started for the place of baptism, one and a half miles from Mt. Hope. On the beach of the Canal, and just behind the laborers’ camp—where thousands live—were gathered a goodly number of spectators to witness the service. Quite a victory was gained for the truth. The entire service was solemn and impressive. The presence of God was manifest. A brief discourse by the writer was listened to with excellent attention. Among the candidates were two Spaniards, a man and his wife. We trust this will be the beginning of a large harvest of souls among that people.

We are still suffering from the fever, but are of good courage. Pray for us and the work. HUBERT FLETCHER.