South Caribbean Conference by Fred Hutchinson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 11, 1914

South Caribbean Conference

By Fred Hutchinson

The ninth annual session of our conference, which was held in the church at 31 Dundonald St., Port of Spain, Trinidad, is now in the past. We were favored with the presence of Elder A. J. Haysmer, president of the West Indian Union; Elder E. C. Boger, superintendent of the British Guiana Mission; Elder E. C. Widgery, superintendent of the East Caribbean Mission; and Dr. Chas. Cave, of the Hastings (Barbados) Sanitarium. Delegates were present from the islands of Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent. St. Lucia was not represented.

Our large meeting tent was pitched on a lot at the rear of the church, and served as lodging quarters for the brethren in attendance who were not otherwise provided for. Meals were served twice each day for the regular delegates. A large quantity of provisions had been given by the brethren in different parts of the conference, thus greatly lessening the expense.

During the past year eighty-four have been baptized, and two churches have been dedicated. Three newly organized churches were admitted into the conference. While we are cheered by this material growth in numbers and facilities, we are not unmindful of the spiritual blessings; these have resulted especially in an increased interest in home missionary work, in the general circulation of our message-filled literature, and in the educational work. Three church schools have been maintained during the past year, and our brethren throughout the conference not only heartily indorse the church school system, but are planning to give their children a Christian education.

Elder N. H. Pool was again elected president of the conference. At the close of the meeting, Elders Haysmer, Pool, Boger, and Widgery sailed for Jamaica, to attend the annual meeting of that conference, also that of the West Indian Union Committee.

Our work in this conference has been almost entirely confined to the Creoles, while practically nothing has been done for the Indians, who constitute nearly one third of the population, nor for the white people, who are fewer in number and of English, French, Spanish, and German extraction, nearly all, however, speaking English. The magnitude of the work yet to be done, and the nearness of the end, urge us to more earnest consecration, to untiring diligence, and unceasing prayer.

Fred Hutchinson.