Another Dedication in Jamaica
By Hubert Fletcher
THIS (the John's Hall Company) is the fourth company of Seventh-day Adventist believers that has been raised in this parish. As in other places in the island, the truth found its way to their hearts through reading and the influence of brethren from other places. In the year 1900 this company began to hold their meetings in the houses of Brethren Burke and Paul. In August, 1901, a spot of land (the present site) was given by Brother Edward Allen for a church, and a cocoanut-thatched booth was built, in which services were conducted for a little more than a year. Plans were then laid for the erection of a permanent place of worship. The wood and a place for a lime kiln were kindly given by the United Fruit Company, on the Golden-Vale estate, one and one-half miles away. In October, 1901, the brethren went to the woods and sawed the uprights, rafters,19sills, plates, etc. The stones were gathered principally by the sisters, and other materials were bought. All these—the lime, lumber, stone, and materials bought—the brethren had to carry on their heads from far distances, and over difficult places. Thus the whole church has been carried on their heads. We laid the foundation last September, raised the building in October, and completed it in May, 1903. Not one farthing has been paid for labor, all the work being done by the brethren. God's will was in the builders' thought;
God's hand unseen amidst us wrought;
Through mortal motive, scheme, and plan,
His own eternal purpose ran. Through persistent efforts money has been raised from time to time, and our bills have all been paid. The 31st of May was chosen for the dedication. Thirteen days before that date, it began to rain, and continued until the morning of the 31st. John's Hall, being high upon the mountains, is a healthful place, and is almost surrounded with rivers. These, being flooded by the continued rains, prevented the attendance of a large number who were expected to the dedication. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder Richardson, and the prayer was offered by Elder Beckner. The occasion was enjoyed by all. Praise the Lord, another beacon-light is set up to shine forth the praises and glory of Jehovah.