p. 10 | HAVANA, CUBA by Rev. J. V. Cova

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 5, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 52.

HAVANA, CUBA.

By Rev. J. V. Cova

BY REV. J. V. COVA.

It is five years since I came to this island, pronounced as a Catholic land from the time of its discovery, but in reality a country of sad religious indifference. Columbus brought to it the first Spanish priest, and from that time old Catholic Spain has not failed to send its supply of such almost at every steam mail. Properly the Cuban religion might be called the Spanish Romanism, with all its haughtiness and spirit of persecution.

That is the official religion, and it has always been imposed upon the people by the priests as well as by the government. Almost for every civil step the certificate of Catholic baptism is required.

All cities and villages have their peculiar patron or favorite saint, and at their anniversaries the images are worshiped and shown in the streets at processions, together with other fanatical ceremonies. But they are such only for the priests and a small proportion of the people; the great majority remain quite indifferent to these religious performances, or accept them as a means of pleasure during the holidays.

Many of my friends advised me not to attempt a gospel work among this people; but I was in earnest for it, and, trusting in Him whose servant I am, I began preaching the word of salvation in this city; and He has been on my side. At the beginning the hall was crowded to its utmost capacity; but the majority were mere curious people who came to see a Baptist minister and hear what he had to say. One year elapsed and the number was reduced to 200 baptized believers.

The actual number, with the losses I have had and some expelled for unchristian behavior, is 280 members. The Sunday school has an attendance of 200 children, and I

have besides a daily missionary school with 170 boys and girls, who are taught reading, writing, grammar, geography, arithmetic, etc., and the Bible. The Scriptures are read by teachers and pupils every day, and the daily portion read is explained. This school has proved to be a great blessing, as parents and relatives who are not with us are invited by the children to come to our services and hear our message.

I have a rented hall with a capacity of nearly 300 seats, but it is not so conveniently located as I would desire. We have Sunday services at 12:30 P.M., and at 8 in the evening. The Sunday school is assembled at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday night at 7:30 P.M. we hold a prayer meeting, practice hymns, and have other religious exercises. Some American brethren who have occasionally visited this city have assured me they felt at home in our meetings and found them about the same as their own church meetings in the States.

Bad words and persecutions from the priests have not been lacking, but the Lord has never deserted me, as I always trust him and put everything at his feet. Our mission in these five years has obtained some credit among the people, and in many respects it has the recognition of the government as an official body. I have three helpers and hope great things from the Lord in this island.

October 5, 1894.