In 1905 a three-day convention in Kingston drew a peak attendance of 600 people. By then 24 colporteurs (the equivalent of today’s pioneers) were busy, distributing literature throughout the island, and the groups were being encouraged by eight pilgrims (traveling representatives of the Watch Tower Society) through Bible talks and their wholesome association.

SPREADING THE WORD DESPITE HARDSHIPS

Taking the message to rural areas in those early days required a great deal of courage, faith and determination. There were no motorcars, no rural transportation and no paved roads. As Brother Browne reported in the Watch Tower of January 1, 1907, page 7:

“The Colporteur brethren should be specially mentioned: the work here is extremely hard, even distressing, and we are sure that it is only the love of the Truth that would lead anyone to give up his life to it.

“There are no facilities for traveling or for conveying books. All the work is done in the mountains and brethren have to walk from 20 to 60 miles, carrying on their shoulders from 15 to 30 books. It is difficult traveling over the mountains and into the valleys, sometimes being overtaken by rain, sleeping out often at night because unable to find lodging, and, being disappointed many times in deliveries, and having to return long distances with the books they carried. And yet some of them call it a joyful privilege to be so engaged. Their appreciation is shown by the fact that others are joining the ranks.”

One brother, Amos Wilkinson, now deceased, told of a night when the only home available to him for lodging in a certain village was the residence of a clergyman. The man had readily agreed to his request to spend the night with him when he heard that he was a visiting preacher. However, as soon as he discovered that Brother Wilkinson was a Bible Student, the clergyman canceled his offer of hospitality and ordered him out of his house.

Leaving the clergyman’s house, Brother Wilkinson passed by the church and, on trying the door and finding it not locked, went in and slept there for the night. In the morning, before departing, he put some of the Society’s tracts in the Bible on the pulpit. Later, on his return to that village, he learned that the same clergyman had used the tracts as the basis for a sermon and afterward had distributed them to his congregation.