THE MISSIONARY SHIP by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 12, 1890

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 16, No. 18.

THE MISSIONARY SHIP.

By Editor

WE know that our readers are anxiously waiting to hear of the progress being made in the building of the missionary ship. Our last notice of this stated that a model was under consideration by the committee, and would be decided upon as soon as possible. The model has been accepted and a contract entered into with Capt. Matthew Turner, one of the best ship builders on the coast, for the building of the ship. This contract was signed April 22, 1890.

The size of the ship is to be one hundred feet long, twenty-seven feet beam, or greatest width, and ten feet depth of hold. According to government measurement it is of about one hundred and twenty tons burden. It is to be delivered afloat in San Francisco Bay, complete in hull, spars, and iron work, on or before the 31st of July next. The price to be paid is $7,400, of which sum Captain Turner gives $500 in consideration of its being a missionary ship. The terms of payment are as follows: There is to be paid $1,500 when the keel is laid; $2,000 when the vessel is half completed; and $3,400 when the vessel is completed, delivered, and accepted.

No work is to be done upon the ship on the Sabbath of the Lord.

In addition to the above, there will have to be provided for this vessel, rigging, anchors, chains, boats, sails, charts, etc. The little ship complete will probably cost not less than $12,000; if auxiliary power is put in, it will increase the price.

The committee have already received, without solicitation, quite a sum of money. Our Sabbath-schools are also doing what they can for this enterprise. And now if any of our readers not otherwise giving, desire to have a part in the good work of carrying the precious truth of God to the islands of the sea, let them send in their contributions to Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. Please specify the purpose of the contribution and mention this paper. Contributing to this ship will be casting bread upon the waters, but the promise is that it will return after many days.