Untitled article | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 17, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 45.

FROM PITCAIRN ISLAND.

On the 9th inst. mail was received in this city from Pitcairn Island, brought by the British ship Helensburgh, Captain Jefferson, from Newcastle, Australia. The missionary brig Pitcairn arrived at the island July 17, just thirty days from her departure from San Francisco Harbor. The voyage was a prosperous one, with the exception that most of the passengers were seasick much of the time, and were considerably weakened on their arrival at the island. There was difficulty in landing at Pitcairn, on account of the rough sea, and it was found necessary to land on the leeward side and climb over the rocky steep of the highest portion of the island, some of the weaker ones being unable to make the ascent unaided. Some of them had to be carried up the hill. Brother Buckner and Sister Wellman are especially mentioned as being very much enfeebled by continued seasickness, from which, no doubt, they will rapidly recover. In getting the freight ashore one boat was considerably injured on the rocks, and another completely destroyed. The Pitcairn, at the time the mail left, was on a trip to Oeno Island, to bring away a lot of valuable material taken from the wrecked vessel which brought the terrible scourge of typhus fever to the island some time ago. On her return the voyage will be continued to Tahiti, Raiatea, and other points, for the location of missionaries.

Of the condition of the work at Pitcairn, Sister Rosa Young writes: "Our missionary meetings here are always well attended, and as so many of our members take part in the different gatherings, this helps to keep the really good interest sustained. Fresh tidings from you as to how the cause is progressing will be intensely welcome, as we need them in our meetings. Elder Gates and his wife have been a source of real blessing to us, and their good influence will, I trust, always remain. Sister Hattie Andre also continues the good work here; and we have so much for which to bless God."