Trinidad by D. E. Wellman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 2, 1906

Trinidad

By D. E. Wellman

PORT OF SPAIN.—While we have not accomplished all that we desired, we have, as a conference, made a good advance all along the line from St. Thomas on the north to the Guianas on the south. I spent four months of the year 1905 in St. Thomas, and while laboring hard with my hands on the building, held several services each week, and left a good interest. This has since been taken up by Brother Matthews, one of our native workers, who reports a growing interest, also some awaiting baptism. In December I baptized several.

The tent-meetings in Antigua are progressing nicely. Antigua, we are sorry to say, has suffered much by the removal of several of its reliable members since I left the field, which leaves them somewhat crippled. Some went to Colon, but more to America.

In Dominica, after months of labor, Brother Giddings begins to see some fruit of his labors. This gives us courage to continue the struggle at that place, where there was so little promise of result.

In St. Lucia the little company in Castries is holding out, with but little to encourage them in the way of conference help. Recently one of our canvassers received a letter from persons in the interior of that island, requesting him to make them a visit. He did so, and organized a Sabbath-school of twelve members from the adult Sabbath-keepers he found there. This is a result of the circulation of our literature, which led them to study the Scriptures for themselves. They are calling for baptism, and some one must soon go to their help.

In St. Vincent Brother Clark reports recent baptisms, and others keeping the Sabbath.

Barbados is holding its own in all the churches and societies. Recently, through the earnest labors of Brother J. G. Dasent, a goodly number of believers have been raised up. These were organized into a Sabbath-school, April 26, with a membership of twenty-two. The interest is still good. This brother is one of the youngest of our family of workers.

In Grenada the good work is going forward, and a harvest is at hand. Brother Sweany and his wife report a good interest throughout the island. A large number will be baptized before conference, and doubtless a church will be organized. These workers are of good courage.

The work is moving steadily forward in Tobago, and Brother Spencer reports several awaiting baptism. Trinidad is more than holding her own, although she has received but little help, considering the number of churches. Since my return from Demerara I have been visiting the churches, baptizing and looking after their needs as closely as time would permit. I must visit others before conference. In two places we have several ready for baptism.

In Guiana we can report progress. The cloud, in part at least, is clearing away; and although in several places there is to be seen the result of former years of trouble, matters are in better shape. Courage is taking possession of the believers, as well as the workers, and we are sure the coming year will see a marked advance step taken. In spite of all the hindering causes in that field, a goodly number have been baptized, and a number await that rite. I received word that Brother Davis and his wife passed through Barbados for that field a few days ago. This addition to the working force will fill a long-felt want.

Our new press is installed, and we shall now do as good work as any in the West Indies. It is a fine machine, and we hope to do creditable work on it.

My health is good, and I can stand about as much hard work as ever I did.

D. E. WELLMAN.