A Word From Pitcairn Island

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 19, 1914

A Word From Pitcairn Island

SEVERAL months ago Brother and Sister M. R. Adams, graduate nurses of the Sydney (Australia) Sanitarium, were sent to Pitcairn Island to engage in labor for the people there. Under date of September 6, they gave to the Australasian Record the following interesting account of their reception and first impressions of the conditions on that interesting island:—

"We were received warm-heartedly by every one on the island, and were made to feel at home and welcome. The day after we landed was Sabbath. We attended the meetings, and were able to form a little idea of the spiritual condition of the people.

"We are glad to report that the revival which took place here some time ago has made a lasting impression upon the minds and hearts of some of the people who professed conversion at that time. We were also greatly pleased to hear, from almost every one, words of appreciation for the faithful work done by Brother Carey, who remained so long with them, instructing them and assisting them in their every need.

"There is one thing that I must mention which impressed me greatly. It is in regard to the reverence shown for the house of God, and also the perfect order of the Sabbath school. I never before entered any church belonging to our denomination where such order and reverence are shown as in this little island church. All, both old and young, step in quietly and take their seats, and at the close of the service every one leaves the church before a word is spoken. All greeting and visiting are done outside.

"It did my heart good to hear the singing in the Sabbath school. I suppose there are over sixty children, and from the oldest to the youngest, all join in singing. Even the baby voices were heard, sometimes making a little discord. I am sure that no one would object, for Jesus said, 'Suffer the little children to come.' The kindergarten division is conducted in a very creditable manner. There are about twenty-five little ones, the oldest of whom is not more than five years of age. These are divided into classes, about four in each class. The leader makes just a brief review, and then spends a short time in teaching them to sing some little hymn.

"Most of the people attend church, although they are not all professed Christians. There are one hundred and sixty-five inhabitants, comprising thirty-seven families. Each family has a little plot of ground and a house. The houses are made of rough, unpolished timber, with thatched roofs. There are no fireplaces; therefore no chimneys. There are no shops from which to secure paint, so the houses are all the same color—that of the wood. But they are very snug and warm. Many of them do not have glass windows, only wooden shutters.

"A boat has just been sighted, and this may be my last chance for many months to write to you. The men are rushing about the island finding fowls, fruit, and produce to take off to the ship, in exchange for clothing, flour, kerosene, etc. You cannot form any idea of the isolation of this place. But God is not unmindful of it."

Let us pray for our brethren and sisters in this lonely island of the sea.