The response to the message was encouraging, and on March 26, 1899, which was two years later, 300 persons attended a convention and Memorial celebration of the death of Jesus Christ.

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. Such activity soon drew the attention of the clergy, who did not respond kindly to the preaching done by the Bible Students.

The last session on the final day of the convention took the form of a question-and-answer meeting. Who should appear but a member of the clergy who had been writing scurrilous material and making violent speeches against the Bible Students! Try as he might to upset matters, the tables were turned, and this opposer was exposed as the false shepherd that he was. As the Watch Tower of November 1, 1905, page 326, reported: “We are glad to believe that his questions were providentially permitted for the enlightenment of our visitors, many of whom, as a result, have become friends to the cause of Truth.”