p. 22 | Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 12. (3/21/1907)

Earlier text: Canvassers’ Summary for January, 1907

An Appeal from Jamaica

By J. A. Strickland

I am glad to report that the work is onward here. A month and a week have passed since the great earthquake disaster. Thousands of persons not of our faith, but who were as sheep without a shepherd, flocked to us for advice and protection. Elder Tanner, and my wife and I have been kept busy almost day and night.

The erection of the big tent on the race-course was a God-send to the populace. We furnished shelter to more than two thousand persons nightly for over three weeks. Our letter to the governor, placing the tent at his service, was acknowledged with thanks, and a free medical dispensary was run in the big tent for three weeks. The government took over the fifty-foot circular tent for hospital service, and is still using it for that purpose.

More than one hundred and fifty persons have decided to obey the truth. It has been a stirring, shaking time, but a soul-strengthening experience to us in spite of all.

I shall never forget that day in the church. We were singing No. 732 in “Hymns and Tunes.” We had reached the third stanza— Whate'er events betide, Thy will they all perform; Safe in thy breast my head I hide, Nor fear the coming storm.

Just as we finished singing the last line of that stanza the earthquake was upon us. It came with a moaning, rumbling sound that caused the earth to tremble, and the church building quivered from foundation to roof. Then there were two or three seconds of stillness—a deathly, oppressive stillness such as I never felt before—then a rushing, roaring, rumbling noise, and the storm was upon us, as a wild beast might spring upon its prey.

REAR VIEW OF S. D. A. CHURCH, KINGSTON, AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

The building shook with a violence that made it difficult for one to stand upon his feet, the floor rose and fell like the waves of the sea, the building swayed back and forth, the walls twisted as though a mighty giant were trying to wrench off the roof. (The meeting room was on the second floor, the book depository and schoolroom being below.) Outside could be heard crashing walls and the shrieks of people. The timbers of the church cracked as though the building were at the point of collapse, falling plaster filled the place with dust, so that a twilight prevailed, and the arched brick entrance gave way and fell with a crash.

When the entrance fell there was an impulse to stampede for the door, the people not knowing what had happened. I sprang from the pulpit and stood between the people and the door, and began to sing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” In two seconds there was perfect order, all signs of excitement had disappeared, and our people sang that grand old doxology—sang it gloriously. When we had finished singing we hurriedly examined the steps to see if they were safe for the people to stand upon, and then assisted the congregation out, quietly and orderly, one by one, until every one had passed out without hurt or harm. It was the angels of God who kept the building from falling.

No official death list has yet been prepared, but I am certain that the number of missing will not be far short of three thousand. How good God was to us, only one adult of our number, Brother Norman Johnston, being killed. A three-year-old child of Sister Burke died after a few days' suffering from injuries received. The little child was buried beneath a falling wall. Its death caused the father to give his heart to God.

The remains of the ruined city present a sad sight indeed. Thousands are living in tents and in hurriedly constructed huts. A peculiar form of pneumonia, or some kindred disease, has appeared, and many are dying.

The upper story of our dear church has already been torn down. We have secured a lot, and are to begin the erection of a new church at once.

But we need money. Our people are badly supplied. We need help. Homes, house furnishings, and clothing are gone, and the ways for earning a livelihood have been taken away. The earth still groans and trembles beneath our feet. But we are not discouraged. Kingston is the most important center in the West Indies, and the work must be kept moving here. We must have a church and a schoolhouse. We are going to do our best, our very best.

You may depend upon every Seventh-day Adventist—man, woman, and child—in Kingston doing his part nobly. If you could see some of these poor people who have lost everything they had, coming forward and placing upon the table the few pennies they have earned clearing away wreckage, it would touch your heart and win your admiration and confidence for Jamaica and Jamaicans. I promise you that you will not be disappointed with the work of our brethren here.

But under the circumstances, with homes and occupations gone, we need help. We are asking that America help us to the extent of two thousand dollars. That is a small sum compared with the losses and our needs, and but a pittance for the great disaster. We could use more to great advantage, but we can not do justice to the cause with any less. Elders U. Bender and J. B. Beckner and Prof. C. B. Hughes endorse this appeal, and they have instructed me to use their names. Please do all you can for us, at as early a date as possible.

And now for a personal matter. My bicycle, almost a new one, was buried beneath the ruins of the brick-arched entrance to the church, and was completely destroyed. I can not possibly buy another this year. The demands upon my purse are more than I can meet. A bicycle is an absolute necessity here. If any of the good brethren or sisters in the States wish to do a real helpful missionary deed, they can do so by supplying me with a bicycle, and it will be greatly appreciated.

J. A. STRICKLAND.

Kingston Church Fund Appeal

By General Conference Committee

[NOTE.—Those who desire to respond to this appeal should send their gifts to their local conference treasury, for the “Kingston church fund.” Any readers not knowing the local conference address may send direct to the treasurer of the General Conference, I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. Any one responding to the call for a bicycle should write to the General Conference treasurer. The Kingston church building, an ancient brick structure, built over a hundred years ago, we believe, was so cracked by the earthquake as to make its repair impossible. The brethren therefore decided to sell the lot and secure another location for the new church.—GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.]

Field Notes

BROTHER C. N. SANDERS reports that three have taken their stand to live a Christian life and keep God's commandments, during meetings held at Edenville, Mich., from February 6-17.

MEETINGS have been held by Brother J. A. Traugh in an abandoned Methodist church at Cumberland, Md., since January 27. The community seems much aroused and nine have already taken their stand for the Sabbath truth.

BROTHER JOHN QUINN, of the REVIEW Office, is having a good interest in the new suburb of Washington, known as Capital Heights, where, accompanied by several of the young people who assist in the singing, he goes every Sunday night for a meeting in the town hall. The attendance numbers about fifty.

BROTHER J. R. BUSTER has again begun labor among the colored people. Meetings were begun in Chicago on Fifty-first Street, November 13, and the interest is still good. Six persons have already expressed their determination to walk in the light, and others, deeply interested, give promise of obedience.

BROTHER L. P. SYP and his wife have been holding meetings for several weeks at Birmingham, Iowa, and the interest is still good. The members of the church have shown commendable zeal in assisting. Nine young people who had never before started in the Christian life, have been converted, and have joined the church.

SAML. MIDGLEY

Obituaries

NICHOLS.—Died at Ely, Mich., Dec. 31, 1906, of paralysis, Dr. Aaron Whitney Nichols. He was born March 7, 1816, at Wolcott, N. Y. After moving to Michigan, he practised medicine at Battle Creek, Bedford, and other places in Calhoun County. About fifty years ago he attended some meetings held by Elder James and Mrs. E. G. White at Hastings; at this time he saw Sister White in vision, which made a deep and lasting impression on his mind. He accepted the precious truths taught, and was faithful until the last. Funeral service was conducted by the local United Brethren minister at Ely, where the interment took place.

SAML. MIDGLEY

WILLEY.—Died at Takoma Park, D. C. Jan. 25, 1907, of consumption, Marian O. Willey, aged 21 years, 4 months, and 3 days. Sister Marian rejoiced in the truths of the third angel's message. From early childhood she gave evidence of a deep Christian experience, and during her last illness her faith was beautiful and strong, and her hope most radiant. Oft would Father Prescott and other ministering brethren visit her bedside during her closing days to pray, and it was a most precious privilege to view her resignation to God's will, and her preparation for the change awaiting the Lord's anointed who are to sleep a brief time in Jesus. The funeral service was held in the Seventh-day Adventist chapel at Cambridge, Md., the former home of the deceased, and was attended by a large concourse of people. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Ps. 17:15.

V. H. LUCAS.

BOARDMAN.—Died in Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 2, 1907, of cancer of the liver, Mrs. Cornelia J. Boardman, wife of Calvin Boardman, in her fiftieth year. She became a Christian in girlhood, and for twenty years has been a Seventh-day Adventist, being a charter member of the Burlington (Vt.) church, where she was highly esteemed as a burden-bearer and counselor. For four years her home has been in Battle Creek. Her sufferings were borne with fortitude and resignation, and she maintained her high standing as a follower of Jesus to the very last, triumphing over the last enemy through faith in her Saviour. She is survived by her husband and three children.

GEO. C. TENNEY.

WALKER.—Died at Myrtle, Idaho, Jan. 18, 1907, of a complication of disorders, Mary A. Walker, wife of Brother J. P. Walker, aged 39 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Sister Walker had been sick but nine days, but realized that her end was near and died in the triumphs of faith. With her husband, she embraced present truth in Kansas twenty-two years ago, and has been devotedly interested in its advancement since that time. Her loss is severely felt by Brother Walker, his daughter, two sons, and other relatives, but they hope to meet their loved one when Jesus comes. The loss of the older daughter less than a year ago brings a double affliction into the bereaved family. Funeral service was conducted by the writer; text, Rev. 14:13.

F. D. STARR.

MATTESON.—Died at Calistoga, Cal., Jan. 6, 1907, of pneumonia, Samuel J. Matteson, son of our well-known and highly esteemed brother, Elder J. G. Matteson. The deceased was born in Wisconsin, Jan. 8, 1866. When fourteen years of age, he went to Scandinavia, where he assisted his father in the publishing work. Six years later he returned to the United States and attended the South Lancaster Academy. Afterward he moved to California, and was for a time connected with the Pacific Press Company in Oakland. He has resided in Calistoga for the last fourteen years. To mourn his loss he leaves his wife, two children, his aged mother, three brothers, and a sister, besides many friends. The funeral service was conducted at the home by the writer.

D. E. ROBINSON.

BALLENGER.—Died at Santa Monica, Cal., Sabbath, March 2, 1907, of apoplexy, Sister Eliza Walker Ballenger, aged nearly 70 years. Sister Ballenger has been the faithful companion of Elder J. F. Ballenger for more than fifty-two years. Of the six children born to them, two died in infancy. Those who survive their mother are Sister Ida Hibben, Elder A. F. Ballenger, Prof. E. S. Ballenger, and Sister Nellie Simpson, wife of Elder W. W. Simpson. Of the five men connected with this family, including two by marriage, four are ministers of the gospel. Sister Ballenger could not recall a definite date in her life when she experienced the change called conversion. She was one of those conscientious, devoted characters in whose life there was no necessity for the radical change that many experience. From earliest childhood she loved her Creator and Saviour and earnestly desired that her life should meet the full approval of Heaven. Brother and Sister Ballenger joyfully accepted the system of truth which has developed a commandment-keeping people, in the year 1859, under the labors of Elder W. S. Ingraham. From that date until their children reached maturity, Sister Ballenger always encouraged her husband to engage in evangelistic labor, even though compelled to be away from home almost continuously, thus placing additional burdens upon herself in rearing the children. When the reward is bestowed she will be accounted partaker with him in the souls won. All who were personally acquainted with Sister Ballenger have full confidence that she sleeps in Jesus. The glad day of reunion of families draws on apace. The day of deliverance from death, and the grave, is at hand. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, assisted by Elder C. E. Ford.

G. W. REASER.

Business Notices

BRIEF business notices will be published in this department subject to the discretion of the publishers.

Display advertising will not be accepted, nor do the publishers solicit advertising of any kind for this paper.

A charge of one dollar will be made for each insertion of forty words or less. Each additional word, initial, or group of figures, in excess of forty, will cost three cents.

No discount for several insertions.

We open no accounts for advertising, and cash must accompany each order.

All persons unknown to the managers of this paper must send with their advertisement satisfactory written recommendation. It is not enough to refer to some individual by name. Secure his recommendation in writing and send it.

WANTED AT ONCE.—Three consecrated Seventh-day Adventist lady nurses; graduates, or in last year of training. Also one gentleman nurse. Address Fayette Sanitarium, Connersville, Ind.

WANTED.—About April 1, competent Seventh-day Adventist man and his wife to take charge of treatment rooms. Must be experienced, capable of giving massage and other sanitarian treatments. References exchanged. Address H. Boram, M. D., 414 Mich. Ave., South Bend, Ind.

FOR SALE.—Strawberry plants, also Plymouth Rock eggs for hatching. Send the names and addresses of five or more persons interested in the above, and we will give 25 Warfield strawberry plants (not prepaid). Price-list free. Address Geo. Jorgensen & Son, Box 10, Poy Sippi, Wis.

A good home can be secured in Finney County, Kan., for $1,000 to $2,500. Alfalfa, wheat, rye, barley, corn, Kafir-corn, sorghum, and fruits are a success. A fine country for all kinds of poultry and stock. New railroad to be built soon. For further particulars, write to Earle Dixon, Eminence, Kan.

WANTED.—April 1, married man for truck farm. Good wages, and house rent free. Must be Sabbath-keeper and competent for the work. Address P. T. Vogle, Box 91, Parkesburg, Chester Co., Pa.

WANTED.—A man to teach family church-school, and to work a part of each day on the farm. Will pay customary wages. For further information write to Joseph Burgess, Warmley, Saskatchewan, Canada.

EVERY reader should try our rancid-proof peanut butter, at 12 cents a pound. Purest cocoanut oil, 13 cents in 50-pound lots. Agents wanted everywhere. Address Vegetarian Meat Company, Bond Building, Washington, D. C.

WANTED.—To work farm on shares where there are church-school privileges. Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or Virginia preferred. Have had large experience in poultry raising and gardening. Address C. E. Mansell, 807 Seventh Street, Parkersburg, W. Va.

RADIODESCENT THERAPEUTIC LAMP relieves pain instantly. 1500 c. p. light. 700 degrees. More effective than fomentations, X-rays, or drugs in curing disease. Special discount to Seventh-day Adventists only. Made only by Michigan Sanitarium of Kalamazoo, Mich., Dept. A. 7.

NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS

General Meetings in Europe

South England, London .......... March 8-12

North England, Birmingham, .... March 14-19

Wales ........................ March 21-25

Gen. Conf. Com., with British Com., England .................... April 16-22

Gen. Conf. Com., with Scand. Com., and Danish Conference, Aalborg ... April 24-30

Gen. Conf. Com., with German Union Committee .................. May 3-7

Gen. Conf. Com., with Latin Union, England ......................... May 10-25

Norway ........................ June 5-9

Finland ........................ June 14-18

Sweden, Södertelje, near Stockholm ........................ June 19-24

German-Swiss .................. July 3-7

French Swiss .................. July 10-14

German Union, Friedensau .... July 18-28

British Union ................ August 2-11

Holland ....................... August 15-18

Addresses

THE present address of E. W. Webster is R. F. D. 2, Box 80, Dayton, Tenn., instead of Greenville, S. C.

Any one knowing the address of Henry Konzig kindly send same to P. T. Vogle, Box 91, Parkersburg, Chester Co., Pa.

Will Mrs. Anna Matteson kindly send her address to Review and Herald Pub. Assn., Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.

Any one knowing the present address of W. S. McCoy and his wife, will confer a favor by informing Mrs. S. E. Butler (church clerk), Roswell, New Mexico.

Publications Wanted

[SPECIAL NOTICE.—We learn that objectionable literature is being sent in response to these requests, and urge all to examine with special care any periodicals or pamphlets received outside of our well-known denominational publications. Be sure that the literature which you distribute teaches the truth.—Ed.]

The following persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, post-paid:—

Mrs. Sarah Altman, Modesto, Cal., tracts.

Mrs. Dora Baker, Centerton, Ind., Signs, REVIEW, and Watchman.

Byron E. Tefft, San Diego, Cal., continual supply of REVIEW, Signs, Watchman, Life and Health, Little Friend, and tracts; also papers and tracts in Spanish.

Supporting the Local Minister

By Editor

How to secure a minister to work in our particular locality and strengthen the local church by bringing in new members from among our neighbors, is a question that interests all our churches. We will publish an article next week that will solve this question in a very practical and emphatic way. The local minister always expects hearty support and co-operation from the members of the church—he can not succeed without it. But having it, the church grows in spirituality as well as in numbers and enjoys the blessing of God. Look for the article, and pray that God will help you to relate yourself to the movement in such a way as to make success certain and the advancement of the cause in your locality sure.

Missionary Canvassers’ Institute at Regina

Too late for insertion this week in its proper place, we received a notice of a two-weeks’ missionary canvassers’ institute to be held at Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, April 10-24. The full notice will appear next week.

Señor Forga and Wife Leave Washington

After several months in Washington, studying and becoming acquainted with our work, Señor Forga, of Peru, and his wife left last week for California, to visit Mrs. Forga's sister, Mrs. W. C. White, before going on to South America.

Elder George F. Enoch Returns to Oregon

ELDER GEORGE F. ENOCH and family, lately of the West Indies, left Washington last week for their former home in Oregon. After a few months in this country, during which Elder Enoch will engage in work in the West, they will proceed to India by the Pacific route.

Purpose of the Special Collection

In the editorial department will be found an article from Elder H. W. Cottrell, showing the purpose of the special collection of April 6. It is expected that our church officers throughout the country will keep this date in mind and set before the members of their churches the reason for this collection in order that the means may be provided to meet the situation.

Haskell and Wife’s Eastern Tour

ELDER S. N. Haskell and wife, who have been laboring for some time in Oakland, Cal., are now on their way East. Their address, until otherwise noted, will be South Lancaster, Mass. Sabbath, March 23, they will be with the brethren at Nashville, Tenn. On the following Sabbath, April 30, they will be with the church at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., arriving in South Lancaster the following week.

The Review’s Growing Work

By Editor

In order to give room for the great amount of very important matter contained in this week's REVIEW, we have been compelled to quite largely disarrange the regular make-up of the paper. So large and varied are the interests represented by this publication that it has become a cause of no little perplexity to the editors to decide each week what to print and what to hold over, what to condense and what to let appear entire. We trust that our good brethren and sisters will exercise the grace of patience when they do not find their contributions in the issue in which they expected to see them appear. It is a glorious work and a mighty work in which we are enlisted, and these very perplexities are but indications to us of its growth and progress.

The Special Gospel Series of the Signs of the Times

By Editor

Two weeks ago reference was made on this page of the REVIEW to a special series of the Signs of the Times which the publishers are to issue about May 1. These will enable our people to place present truth before their neighbors in such an easy and inexpensive way that all can have some part.

We confidently believe that every Seventh-day Adventist will want to use a few of these papers for regular work, and some will wish to use a large number. It is the intention of the publishers to place this matter in a very definite way before every church and give each member an opportunity to subscribe for as many copies as he can use during the continuance of the six months' series. Before this opportunity is given, it will be a good plan for us to make a list of the names and addresses of people who ought to receive this series. This may be the best opportunity we shall ever have to get the third angel's message clearly before those for whom our hearts have been longing for years with a great desire that they would accept present truth. Now an opportunity is being offered. May the Lord greatly bless this movement and make it a means of bringing many thousands of people to a knowledge of the truth.

The great questions for us individually to consider are, What can we do to help? and, What is our duty when such opportunities are offered? Let us all line up and get ready for this home missionary enterprise.

A Faithful Laborer Fallen

By L. R. Conradi

Few as were the laborers in the Levant Mission field, we were greatly rejoiced when Dr. A. W. George offered himself for service in Turkey, in 1903.

The doctor had several severe attacks of la grippe after he came to this country, yet these did not seem serious to himself or to any one else until an attack became so acute that exactly three years after his arrival in Constantinople (Nov. 23, 1906), he left that city to find relief in our sanitarium at Gland, Switzerland. The physicians thought to benefit him by transferring him to a higher altitude, but the mountains of Switzerland seemed too cold. He was invited to come to Friedensau, where everything possible was done for his comfort and help.

While I was recently in Friedensau, I had several visits with the doctor, and he expressed his gratitude to God for the privilege he had had of being connected with his service. He expressed thankfulness to us for all we had tried to do in his behalf.

The doctor's wife came with him from Constantinople, and she was with him much of the time. He was conscious until death, just before which he had gathered the nurses around him for a season of prayer. He died February 13, having fully resigned his life into the hands of the great Life-giver.

This loss is a loud call from a needy field. Who will respond?

L. R. CONRADI.

Church Elders and Leaders Please Notice!

By T. E. BOWEN

The second Sabbath missionary readings are prepared and sent out from the General Conference Mission Board, and not from the Review and Herald. Of late many requests have been sent the Review and Herald for changes in address, or for the missionary reading itself. These requests must be copied out of their letters, and sent over to the General Conference Office.

It is a source of encouragement to note the interest being taken by the churches in these readings, which is an index of increasing interest in our missions. If the friends will direct their requests to the Mission Board, or to the undersigned, they will reach the proper place at once, for prompt attention.

By way of explanation, we might add that nearly all our State secretaries have furnished us with revised lists of church officers for the present year. A few States have not, and from these latter we notice many of the requests are coming about the readings. Therefore, will these secretaries kindly attend to furnishing revised lists as quickly as possible?

T. E. BOWEN, Home Secretary.