W. A. SWEANY by W. A. Sweany

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 6, 1904

W. A. SWEANY

By W. A. Sweany

Trinidad

ARIMA.—“Sects” and “missions” are lightly regarded by the established churches and by the higher class in these colonies and countries. During our two and one-half years’ stay there, we were enabled, by the help of God, in various ways—chiefly by the Watchman, canvassing work, the health food work, and personal Bible and cottage meeting work, and our public Sunday evening services—to begin to reach the hitherto untouched upper classes. Our last conference was a climax, a revelation, and convinced the people that we are not to be numbered with the fanatical sects. Lawyers, judges, legislators, merchants, attended, and were amazed at what they saw and heard. Of course, the clergy and others who did not attend attacked us in print and otherwise. To this we paid no attention, but prominent men, including a member of the legislature, himself an Anglican, defended us in the daily papers. The fundamental truths of the message were presented by the conference laborers, in the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Most marked attention and deep interest were shown by all. Conviction laid hold of practically all, and some began to obey the message; many others are in the valley of decision.

It was my happy privilege to baptize ten persons. Six of these were white people, of the better class, and the others were of the corresponding class of colored people. Of course the common people, who heard the Master gladly, are just as dear to him, and to us, as the so-called “higher” class. About as many more made a start, and will be baptized as soon as fully instructed. Most of these are the fruit of our daily effort there during the last two and one-half years, chiefly the personal work of Mrs. Sweany and Mrs. Honeywell.

The interest in Barbados is such that our entire conference force could busy themselves there, in the most interesting and fruitful work. But of course the needs of the rest of the field will not permit this. Brother Enoch is there, and his burdens are great, as he is editor of the Watchman, and secretary and treasurer of the conference and depository, and has hundreds of interested souls in the great city of Bridgetown to look after. Brother Haysmer and family will locate in the next largest place in Barbados, to look after the country work.

February 26 I pitched the tent here in Arima, a new field and Catholic stronghold. From the beginning till the end of the meetings, the attendance was extraordinary, as many as five hundred being present at most of the services. Book sales and collections were remarkably good. The tent-meetings lasted about ten weeks. My wife assisted in the services, and in personal work, canvassing, etc. A native boy slept at the tent, and cared for it. I preached every evening except Saturday. Sabbath morning I started by the early train, or by wheel, for some one of the churches, and spend the entire day, and sometimes the night, and Sunday, in trying to help our brethren and sisters, returning just in time for the Sunday evening service. This continued until we went to conference. However, before going, we rented and fitted up a small hall, which will seat about one hundred and fifty, and held several services, with a large attendance. About twelve began to obey, and many more are convinced and interested. Sabbath services were held during our absence by one of our native brethren, who is not a conference laborer.

The work here is important. I believe by God’s help a church can be organized, and a building erected.