Barbados (1943 - 1946)
In the Spring of 1943 Bro. Beltz had a missionary convention in his church. Rev. P. W. Thomas was in charge. We attended most all the services. Rev. Thomas had known us for years. We were moved as he presented the needs of the great ripened harvest fields abroad. We were absolutely surprised when he called us aside and approached Bro. Bolender concerning us going to Barbados, B. W. I. He told us about the work and explained that the Superintendent serving there was overdue a furlough and the department of Foreign Missions had no one to fill his place. The whole thing was so sudden, and to Bro. Bolender almost beyond consideration, but we promised to pray about the matter. This we did, some united, but mostly individually alone with God. My heart sang with joy for my yearning from childhood had been to be a missionary. Had not I cried to God for years for a definite “call” to be a missionary, but instead I recalled the Sunday afternoon I wrestled alone in my room at God’s Bible School. Like Jacob of old, I felt I could not let go until I too had received God’s blessing. Quietly the answer came, “I have something more for thee than this.” II Chron. 25:9 – last clause. It was so definite, so clear, that never again did I ask for a call to the foreign mission field. I had my call to be a help mate to a young man called of God to preach the gospel. Now for almost twenty-five years, we had lived and worked side by side – during those years doors had opened. I had received license, then ordination to preach in the Pilgrim Holiness Church. In all those years there had never been a moment of doubt about God’s call for my life, so now no need for my struggling over the question. My part was to pray and wait for the Lord to reveal His will to my husband.
One day as he prayed alone, still holding the question of a definite call to foreign service, the Spirit whispered, “Did God call you to preach in the United States?” Such a thought had never before occurred to him. He turned the question over in his mind and honestly admitted that no limit was included in his call. He was clear to give Bro. Thomas an affirmative answer. From then on things began to move, but slowly. We had the rest of the conference year to finish there in the St. Louis church. I knew there were many things I would need for our trip to the field as well as adding to my wardrobe suitable clothing for a warmer climate. Our small salary was inadequate to meet these things so I considered working for awhile. Most everybody was trying to help win the war. We were justifiably proud of the pendant that hung in our front window that the one beautiful embroidered star testified that our son had answered the call of our country. I applied for work at an ammunition plant, requesting the third shift, going to work at 11:00 p.m. and getting off at 7:00 a.m. I never had to miss a church service. My job was inspecting bullets as they rolled off the belt – a very monotonous job. The war started as an offensive motive. I probably would never have taken the job, but knowing we were waging warfare defending right and peace, I felt no qualms of conscience.
In June, our daughter, Juanita, graduated from the Bible School at Colorado Springs. We would have loved to have gone for her graduation, but considering all things, we decided to forego the pleasure. She came home. Bro. Thomas along with the board decided that she should accompany us to Barbados as a junior missionary. Getting passports and visas for missionaries during war time is very difficult. They learned that Juanita could not go at the time we did so they arranged for work for her at our headquarters in Indianapolis until such time as a passport could be obtained for her.
The church secured the service of another pastor. We sold our furniture except a few pieces we stored at my brother’s in St. Louis and took back to Ohio. We had no idea how long it would be until we would be able to leave for the Islands, so we went back to Father and Mother Bolenders. We visited our relation in Ohio and Kentucky. Warren was granted a short furlough and came to see us. How good it was to see him again. We both thoroughly enjoyed this extended vacation. I failed to mention that we stopped in Illinois to visit my oldest sister and her husband, and in Anderson, Indiana, to visit her daughter and family. We had such a lovely time. Her little son four or five years old decided he was going with us and be a missionary. We were all amused by his childish idea, but when he saw we were preparing to leave he began collecting his clothes asking for a suitcase. His mother tried to explain that they could not do without him. When we bade them all goodbye and were driving away he was in his mother’s arms sobbing.
Apple harvesting was in full swing so Harry fell in line helping his brother Herbert. It took both of them overseeing the men picking, sorting, and packing the abundant harvest. There were many local customers to be served. Truck load after truck load was hauled to the city market, while hundreds of bushels were stored for winter sales. God had truly blessed Father Bolender and Herbert as they had been faithful with their tithes and offering and were strictly honest in all their business. In all the years, no work on God’s day and not an apple sold on Sunday.
Finally after Bro. Peisker, a worker at Headquarters, made a trip to Washington, D. C. he was successful in obtaining passports not only for us, but also for a lady missionary who had long been waiting to return to her field of labor.
Warren wrote us that he would be coming through Louisville and would have a layover and hoped to see us. We went by train from Cincinnati. We were very disappointed to learn that orders had been changed and he was not able to meet us. We spent the night with our former District Superintendent, Rev. E. E. Leadingham and his family, who at that time were pasturing the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Louisville. We returned to our dear family at Felicity to soon learn that air passage from Miami to Trinidad had been reserved, but government and armed force personnel had priority. We were to report to the airport early Saturday morning and have our baggage put through customs and wait for our names to be called.
We were happy but our joy was mixed with sadness as both we and dear Father and Mother Bolender realized it might be a final farewell so far as this earthly life was concerned for they were in their seventies and eighties. Neither of them voiced any objection but we each committed the other to the care of the heavenly Father. Rev. Thomas met us at the Cincinnati R.R. terminal. We rejoiced to see him. He gave us some very helpful information and advice. One thing he said before bidding us God’s speed, “Bolender, if you ever get discouraged, don’t let the natives know.” We both found his advice very helpful many times not only pertaining to the natives, but also in our contacts with fellow missionaries.
Bidding goodbye to Herbert, we boarded the train for Miami, Florida. It was a lovely trip. The scenery was beautiful. We especially enjoyed the North Carolina Mountains. We were at last on the first lapse of our trip to the mission field at the ages of 43 and 47.
Books, bedding, and other personal belongings that we could not take with us by plane had been sent to Keeting Co. in New York to come by boat.
All plans had been made by the missionary department as to our hotel accommodations, so getting our luggage, we summoned a taxi to take us to our hotel. After depositing our luggage, we hurried to the immigration office before closing hour to find all necessary papers ready for us to sign. On Saturday morning we woke early, ate breakfast, called a taxi, and hurried to the airport. When we arrived at the airport, we already had our plane ticket with our flight scheduled, but all luggage had to go through customs. All was okay except they took all the film we had purchased for our Kodak, even removing the one already in the Kodak (that was wartime regulations). A large crowd had gathered all hoping to get passage. As a name was called they stepped in line. We stood wondering (all government and army personnel came first then civilian names were called). I was almost trembling with excitement and uncertainty, but at last we heard Bolender. Oh what a relief, for many were left for later flights. This was a new experience for both of us, for neither had traveled by air. We found our seat numbers. When all were aboard, orders came “All seat belts fastened,” then the motors began warming up. If I should live to be a hundred years old I could never forget or entirely express my feelings when I knew we were airborne. Yes, we were really on our way to the mission field, something I had anticipated from childhood. The words of the Psalmist filled my heart, “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall also give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psa. 37:4.
War time travel was not quite as pleasant as peace time for each time we came within sight of land curtains dropped and lights inside were turned on. Our first stop was Cuba. All passengers left the plane and all were x-rayed to be sure no one had concealed weapons. We were soon returned to the plane except those that had reached their destination. The next stop was the Dominican Republic and St. Lucia. Our flight ended at Trinidad. How wonderful it was to find Bro. Solter at the airport to meet us. Sister Solter was waiting at the Mission and welcomed with outstretched arms. She and I had been close friends while at God’s Bible School. She went to India as a missionary and there met Harry Solter and they were married, returned to the States and now with their son Harry II were serving in Trinidad. We enjoyed a delicious evening meal and visiting after which we retired to sleep our first night under a large mosquito net which hung from a large hook from the ceiling. Plans were already made for service the next morning in the Tabaquite Church several miles out in the country. We were grateful for this opportunity.
The sun was shining brightly, the morning November air refreshing. We were all eyes and ears as we rode the country roads bordered by cane fields, rows of tall date palms, and other tropical trees unknown to us. Occasionally Bro. Solter would have to drive to the side of the road to avoid patches of small objects spread on the paved road. On inquiry, they explained that it was coffee beans spread out to dry. Then they pointed out the coffee trees. We arrived at the village shortly before service time. Quickly a native man arrived and began striking a large bar of metal hanging from the limb of a tree near the little church building. This served as a church bell. Quickly the crowd gathered and the service began. The singing thrilled us for there was joy and feeling in it accompanied by the West Indian off beat clapping of hands and two or three tambourines. We were introduced and gave our testimonies after which Bro. Solter gave the message. Arrangements had been made before and we took dinner with an East Indian lady who was a member of the church. We had curried chicken and rice. It was delicious. I have often wished I knew how she prepared it. After the night service, we were ready for a night’s rest safe from marauding mosquitoes under the net. We were not able to secure booking on the small West Indian plane until Wednesday so we had a chance for a little sight seeing.
Now I record an experience that set a precedent that has been a conviction that we have held since when we were engaged. Harry asked me if I wanted an engagement ring. I had no desire for one so he surprised me with a beautiful closed face ladies watch. The case was silver and beautifully engraved. When we married we did not even consider a wedding ring, in fact, jewelry of any kind including wedding rings was seldom seen on persons in our church and other sister holiness churches at that time and for some years later. When Sister Solter greeted me as we arrived at the mission home in Trinidad, I immediately noticed she had on a wedding band. I did not mention it, but she did after some time. They had been missionaries in India, were married there, but she had never worn a ring. After being in Trinidad for awhile a lady asked her why she did not wear a ring. She said your church preaches so strong against adultery and you go out in public with a man and you have a son and yet you do not have a ring to show you are married. The Solters noticed that all their married women in their church wore a ring, but other jewelry was excluded. They talked it over together and decided it might be a stumbling block to some. Edith had always kept her mother’s plain band since her death so she put it on. This put a question in my mind. I prayed about it feeling a bit confused as I well knew our church covenant referred to the teaching of Paul in I Tim. 2:9 and also Peter in his first epistle 3:3. As I prayed it came very clear to my heart. I have completely abandoned my own will and desires to God that he may use me for His glory, so are not what I feel convictions included in my commitment to the Lord? With that my heart was fully at ease.
On Wednesday before Thanksgiving we boarded the plane for the last lap of the trip to Barbados. We were happy to be permitted a clear view as we flew lower across the beautiful little island to the landing strip. Our baggage again had to go through customs. Waiting for us just beyond the roped off section were the welcoming committee, Rev. L. L. Miller, the District Superintendent and Rev. and Mrs. Dean Felker, missionaries. Without hardly intending to, my eyes caught the fact of Sister Felker’s ringless hands. We and our luggage were soon on our way to the mission home in Bridgetown, the only city on the island.
We were surprised and delighted when we arrived at the mission home. It was a native stone two story building. On the first floor was a spacious sitting room there called the drawing room which was for all the missionary staff. At the right was the District Superintendent’s office. A hall led from the drawing room to the back entrance. On the right was a dining room and kitchen for the District Superintendent and his wife; also a kitchen for Miss Dodge a single missionary. On the left a stairway led to the second floor, then a dining room and kitchen for the Felkers. Upstairs were four bedrooms and a library, each opening into the hall. At the back was a closed-in porch with a closed-in shower and separate room for the commode. These served the whole missionary staff. The closed-in back porch was used primarily for a bicycle shelter, for each missionary had their own bicycle and there were two district bikes. These were used a lot by lay preachers, who did not own their own bicycles and were sent to outstation churches or preaching points. We had fruit trees – golden apples (that no U.S. citizen would call an apple), bananas, and coconut palms – in the yard and space for a small vegetable garden. At the extreme back was a long shed closed at the back and opened toward the yard was the carpenter shop where much of the furniture for the mission home had been made, also windows, doors, seats, and pulpits for the churches. Most any home could justly be proud to have a lovely mahogany rocker, chest, bookcase, or bed finished complete from plain mahogany plank such as our splendid workers produced. Usually two such workers were kept busy in our workshop. These were all members of our church and some lay preachers. Last I mention the garage that was at the end of the carpenter’s shop. This housed the B model Ford and opened on the alley that ran along the side of the mission premises. There they were called gaps. So I have given you a fair description of the District Mission home in Barbados as we found it in 1943.
As I recall, the Millers were in their 7th year of service on the island and were getting anxious for a furlough. We were given a hearty welcome at the mission home and on Sunday we were welcomed at the White Park Church. But that Sunday night we were not feeling quite up to par. Monday, we were both quite sick. We felt worse as our fever increased. Bro. Miller called the doctor who diagnosed we had measles, but we both knew we had both had red and German measles. We never broke out more than a slight rash from the high fever. We were sick over a week. We later learned that we had dengue fever which was quite common in Trinidad. Evidently we picked up the germs there during our three day stay. I never forgot what one of the black servant girls said, “Hey, you pay your footing.” We were soon able to start our training under the Millers. So many adjustments were to be made.
We were very happy that we did not have to learn a new language, but at first we could hardly understand anything the natives said. The day we were permitted outside after our short sickness, we decided to take a walk up Bank Hall, the street in front of the mission home. As we were leisurely returning, we heard three young men approaching from the rear. They were chatting among themselves in very jovial tones. I said to my husband, “Let us see if we can understand what they say.” Just as they passed us, I caught these words, “no take he on.” I realized that if I had been in the same circumstances I might have said, “pay no attention to him” or “consider the source.” Many of their ordinary expressions left us with great perplexity. When one had a stroke they said they had a passover. If a funeral was conducted in a church, they said, “they church he or she.” When a lady died suddenly I was told, “She took the bad feels and she dead.” I could go on and on relating some of their expressions but there are other matters of far greater importance.
A brief explanation of the geographical status of the island may be of interest. Barbados is the most eastern of the West Indian group. It is somewhat pear shaped, 21 miles long, and 14 miles at the widest point. It is about 160 square miles with 100,000 acres under cultivation. The island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Caribbean Sea. It is a coral base but a deep surface of fertile soil makes the island very productive. The population when we were there in the early forties was over 200,000. One would wonder how so many people could live on such a small island and so much of it be under cultivation. But one only had to go up and down the narrow gaps of Bridgetown and see the tiny houses where six to ten people lived. You would find much the same condition in the smaller towns and villages.
In many ways the social, hygenical, and educational status of the island was above many of the other islands. When we were there, it was a British colony and generally speaking people were very loyal to the mother country and Barbados was often called “Little England” with pride. When we flew the stars and stripes, we also flew the flag of England. Barbados had a wonderful fresh water system and it was piped to all parts of the island. Many carried their water buckets considerable distances on their heads from the public water pipes. Those of better financial circumstances often had a donkey and cart to transport their water. There was a public school system that gave all children an opportunity for an elementary education. The term standard was used there instead of grade. Compulsory education was not known there as it is here. There were also private schools, but these were not financed by the government. There was an alms house where aged people and handicapped who had no source of support were taken to eek out an existence until death. There was also a well kept and also a sanitary leper asylum. Barbados had such stricter rules concerning leprosy than most of the islands.
All the things mentioned before concern the missionary but our mission was primarily a spiritual one.
As soon as we recovered from our bout with dengue fever our orientation began. Bro. Miller took Bro. Bolender, introducing him to city officials with whom he would deal, transferring legal matters, etc. All this required much red tape. He also took him to all the churches and to meet all the pastors. Sister Miller was district treasurer. This was turned over to me – a job I certainly did not covet.
December was a terrifically busy month. There was so much for us to learn and do and everything was so different. There were 28 churches with three churches being in the city of Bridgetown. These three churches were pastured by American citizens though one was of mixed blood and so light skinned. She passed for white yet it was no secret that she had Negro blood. Years before she had married a white missionary by the name of Coone. Whether it was because of her marriage or because she was born on one of the Virgin Islands, I do not know, but she held American citizenship. Rev. Coone had been dead many years. She was a valuable worker and gifted minister and pastor of the largest church on the island, White Park, often called the Mother Church. Rev. Dean Felker pastured Carrington; Miss Beatrice Dodge pastured the Kew Church. These were the three city churches. Five older pastors and one single lady each pastored a single church. The other 19 churches were divided into circuits and pastured by six pastors. All these pastors were paid a small salary from the district treasury. Each pastor was required to keep a detailed account of expenditures of each church. The people were taught to tithe. Offerings were taken at each church and a detailed record was kept and reported once a month. This also included a statistical report of attendance and seekers for salvation. This in itself was quite a job for a pastor with three or four churches. Each month we had Pool Day when all pastors had to gather at White Park Church, bring their reports, and have all their money collected. Then they received their salaries. No major expenses were ever to be made without first consulting the District Superintendent. All minor regular expenses were paid from the District Treasury. The salaries of all American missionaries were sent to each one from the missionary headquarters in the U.S.A.
All converts desiring membership were required to attend a converts’ class once a week for three months. They were told that their lives would be watched by the local committee members (who reported to our local board members). Any who failed to show growth in Christian graces, or had been guilty of insubordination or sin were required to continue in the class. Many had to continue six months or longer before they passed the test and were recommended by the pastor to the District Superintendent for membership and baptism. Every three months a District Quarterly Meeting was held at the White Park Church. Those were great occasions. From every church people came in city buses, lorries (trucks), bicycles, and by foot. The first order of the day was the baptismal service at 8:00 a.m. The crowd gathered on a nice beach. Candidates lined up; the District Superintendent and others conducted a short service after which the candidates were led one at a time by one of the officiating ministers out into the sea where the Superintendent and another minister stood waiting. After the immersion, the person was assisted back to the beach. This was continued until all were finished. The beach did not belong to the church, but they had permission to build a small house there with two rooms (one for men and the other for women) where they could dress before and after baptism. Robes were provided. The smallest group baptized while we were there was 13 and largest was 83. The next service was at 10:30 a.m. in the large White Park Church. And for this occasion it was always filled to utmost capacity. This, our first quarterly meeting, was very special for it was a farewell for the Millers and a welcome for us. Also at the January quarterly meeting the report of the yearly missionary offering is given church by church. I will later describe this offering in detail. The altar was well filled after the morning service, but adjustments had to be made, for with the overflow crowd, the long altar bench had been filled with children. Time was given for a lunch hour. Most of the outstation churches had prepared and brought lunches while those located nearby went home as the missionaries also did.
At 2:00 p.m. all gathered back for the last service of the day which included a preaching service, but in the afternoon service of the January meeting was when the announcement of the missionary offering was made. To fully appreciate this one would have to know the system of the way the offering is taken. Hundreds of small mite boxes had been made of thin wood board, nailed together, with a slot in the top. These boxes were distributed to each pastor by the District Superintendent. The pastor then distributed them to individuals in the church. It was entirely on a voluntary basis, but rarely did anyone refuse. The understanding was that their mission offering was to be over and above the tithe. The boxes were distributed in June or early July and collected in December. So many of our dear people were very poor and only gave pennies or half pennies. A penny was about the size of a half dollar and worth 2 cents. A half penny was near the size of a quarter and worth a cent. Oh what a job it was to open all those boxes and count the money, for every box was brought to the mission home and the contents counted and credited to the church from which it came. Naturally the copper corroded and sometimes fingers had not been clean that handled it, so our hands were covered with green corrosion after a period of counting and rolling copper coins. Several times the bank called to learn if the Rev. had some copper on hand because the bank was getting short. They usually made these calls in December when we collected our missionary boxes, though we had a sizeable deposit after each monthly pool day. Our dear precious people really sacrificed to see the work of God prosper. We learned that many who ordinarily have tea made from herbs locally grown, sweetened with the coarsest sugar that sold for 3 cents per pound and a penny bun of bread, would drink their tea unsweetened or leave off the bread in order to have a penny or half penny for the missionary offering. Others who had better employment in the city and rode a bus three to five miles would get up early and walk so they could have the price of the fare for their missionary box. I feel safe in saying that at least 90% of the money given came because of personal sacrifice. No wonder there was such expression of joy and clapping of hands when the results of the offering from each church were read. The report always began with the smallest offering which generally was the smallest and poorest congregation and then progressed to the highest offering and then the total. As we remember, the total missionary offering that year of 1943 was between $800 and $900, which was more than ever before. We are happy that pastors and people so whole heartedly responded to Bro. Bolender’s leadership and each year we were there the annual missionary offering climbed to near $1400. Since my experience on the mission field, I have often said I have never known what self sacrifice is. What a glorious day it was. The group that had been baptized were all seated as a group in the 10:30 service and the District Superintendent read the church covenant, then the reception of members, all candidates replying in unison, for all had been well prepared in the converts’ class.
With all the joys and blessing shared that day there was also sadness and some tears as Bro. Miller gave their farewell message that day. They were booked to depart for plane passage the next morning. We took them to the airport and watched until the small plane was lost in space. Later we learned that Bro. West, one of the young pastors that Bro. Miller had trained and ordained, had traveled by bicycle to a point where he had a clear view of the small airport and runway. With bared head, he watched the Millers as they stepped into the plane that so swiftly bore them away out of sight. He felt very much like Elisha when he saw Elijah encircled by the whirlwind and immediately disappear in the chariot of fire. Bro. West put his hat back on and with a sad heart peddled his way back home and to his pastoral duties. We made our way back to the mission home with a deep sense of our need of divine wisdom and grace as we assumed the task our predecessors had so ably accomplished.
I see I have omitted one important event that concerned our early introduction to the lifestyle of the island: Christmas celebration – Barbados has a very religious culture. When we were there the leading church was Anglican which might be termed the State Church. Where we had spring house cleaning, they observe Christmas house cleaning, so an experienced missionary learns to avoid embarrassment of a poor mother by making calls soon before Christmas lest you found all the furniture outside in the tiny yard in the process of a complete house cleaning job. Many stretch their limited budget to purchase a gay piece of cloth to hang at the one or perhaps two windows in their tiny house. Indeed the Barbadians have a taste for cleanliness and beauty. Each church makes preparation for a 5:00 a.m. Christmas service at least two weeks previous. Choirs begin practicing for their carols and anthems. Everywhere we went, we were apt to come in contact with a black man or woman or even youth humming their part of the carol or anthem. Never were the words to be sung except in the church rehearsals, but it seemed a great pleasure to individually hum their part whether it be soprano, alto, tenor, or bass.
All our Pilgrim Holiness Churches (28) prepared Christmas programs to be given during Christmas week; none were given before Christmas. Our first Christmas, we were guests as the Millers were still in charge. We were surprised at the large crowd at the 5:00 Christmas service at White Park. The one thing we can never forget was the singing of the “Messiah” by the large church choir directed by Bro. Worrell. It seemed we were almost wafted to the third heaven as their rich voices reached the finale of the grand old anthem. A fitting Christmas message followed after the benediction. All departed with the usual personal greetings. Many of the women and young ladies went to a long day of work as cooks, maids, and nurses in the more wealthy homes on the island. May I add that the services of our members were in large demand because their honesty and integrity had become common knowledge. We missionaries returned to the mission home to enjoy the day exchanging gifts and enjoying Christian fellowship. Often throughout the day we hurried to doors and windows to listen to and see a group going up or down in front of the home singing Christmas carols. Before and all through the holidays, we had many callers at the back gate begging for coppers or a Threepence (6 cents).
One of the city churches presented their Christmas program on Christmas night. These programs were very entertaining, but with due reverence to the occasion and church. Even the small children were well behaved. As each boy came forward to speak or sing he would face the congregation, give a salute, and at the same instant raise the right foot slightly and hit the left ankle with the right and then proceed. The small girls gave a graceful curtsey. If a mixed group performed together, they gave their salutes and curtseys in perfect unison. I think the black race are the most perfect performers. My favorite of all parts of the programs was the pantomimes. I remember one Christmas after our daughter had joined us in Barbados, we planned attending one program at a country church where Bro. Bolender had recently appointed a new pastor. He was well liked and the church was growing by leaps and bounds. The program was announced to begin at 7:00 p.m. We left the mission home in time to arrive before 7:00. When we parked the car, we were surprised and embarrassed when we found the program well under way. People were standing outside because there was no room inside. When the people saw the Superintendent and his wife and daughter, they somehow made room for us to make our way up the crowded aisle to the platform. The program came to a halt long enough for a short and hearty welcome. The pastor made apology by saying the house was crowded by 6:30 so he decided it best to start the service. It seemed every person of the Sunday School and church wanted a part, and the enthusiastic new pastor and staff of teachers had managed to give recitations, songs, or readings for everyone, even to the oldest toothless woman. When one name was called, we saw a small child being passed from one to another over the heads of people sitting in the pews when the last man deposited her on the platform. There she straightened her dress and faced the congregation and recited her piece. The program finally ended and my husband expressed his appreciation to the pastor and people for the fine program and dismissed the crowd. But we still had to take time for many handshakes although my watch showed it past 9:30. I’ll leave it to you to guess if we were glad to reach the mission home again and to crawl under the mosquito nets for a good snooze.
Many adjustments continued to present themselves. One concerned the local workers plan. As I have stated, most of the pastors served circuits of two to four churches. Nearly all churches followed about the same type of service every night of the week except Saturday night. Many of our people were poor having few changes of clothing. They needed Saturday free to wash clothing and be prepared for Sunday services. Each church had an open air service once a week, a convert’s class once a week, one night was prayer meeting, and one praise service. The Sunday night, of course, was an evangelistic service; the other night was for whatever the pastor found necessary – choir practice, visiting night, lay leadership instruction, board meetings, etc. Each month pastors gave the superintendent his schedule for the month; from these the District Superintendent prepared weekly appointment sheets assigning local workers to fill preaching services where the pastors could not be. If a small church booked competent members to lead open-air prayer or praise services then appointments had to be made for those services also. There were about 80 of the local workers when we went to Barbados. None of these were on salary. Filling out these appointment sheets weekly was no small job. They were given to the pastors where the local worker held membership. The pastor in turn was responsible to see that the local worker received the appointment in time to prepare for said appointment. Each church had an appointed clerk who worked in close harmony with the pastor. One of his duties was to keep the log book. A record was kept of the attendance at all services and of all seekers. When revivals were held a different preacher usually preached each night. Quite often the Super (as he was often called) preached on the closing night. Much more could be written, but I think enough has been said to show that we found things well organized and Brother Bolender tried to change just as little as possible.
There were a few long-standing rules that were very, very binding. To illustrate one thing – all women must wear hats when in a religious service. One Sunday morning, Miss Dodge who was the very efficient and much loved pastor of the Kew Church was caught in a sudden downpour of rain as she rode her bicycle to church. She got quite soaked, but the shower soon passed and the warm air had nearly dried her clothing, but her hat was a sorry sight. If she went back to the mission home to get another she would be quite late, so she hastily decided to just remove it and proceed with the service. But quite quickly an older man who was on her church committee told her that he regretted to do so – it was his duty to tell her that she could not proceed with the service without a hat. In no way can I describe her embarrassment and humiliation, but she knew she must make the choice between wearing the dilapidated hat or going back to the mission home while someone took over her service. I never knew of another lady missionary having a like experience.
Another quite baffling procedure was the long-used and strictly observed system of displaying offenders. When a member failed to conduct themselves in a way fitting to a Christian it was almost sure to be reported. If the report had not reached the pastor or District Superintendent and the offender continued in their unchristian attitudes and acts, when they arose to their feet in church to testify, often a suppressed cough or low grunt would be heard in the congregation. If the brother or sister continued to speak, the grunting increased until it was evident the matter must be dealt with. Many times accusations would be brought to a pastor or the District Superintendent from an unbeliever or a backslider; this called for great wisdom but could not be ignored. For instance, one day a stranger came to the mission asking to see the Super. She was admitted into the office. He stands offering his hand and inquiring what he can do for her. By her attitude he sees trouble is coming. She tells who she is, then proceeds to call a name asking if she is a member of our church. If he knows the party he answers affirmatively; if not he must see the pastor of the church where she is supposedly a member. But the accuser must have her say, so she proceeds. “She say she Christian; she no Christian a’tall; she come to water pipe, she push me, fill she bucket. I tell she I there first, but she say no; when others tell her then she raise she voice and get so vex she say plenty, plenty. Ah, she no Christian. I come to you; I want satisfaction.” The Superintendent assures the matter will be cared for and tells her she may go. The accused party is called to the mission home and informed of the accusation. Then she is allowed to give her version of the incident. If she says she is innocent and can prove it she continues in full fellowship; but if proof is given that she became angry and provoked a public scene unbecoming to a Christian, then she must appear before the church committee and her time of discipline declared. For three months she must sit on the back seat in church, is not permitted to publicly testify or lead in prayer, but is to be faithful in attendance. After the three months are passed if she has shown a humble, contrite spirit she goes to the altar and prays, stands to her feet, confesses her fault, after which fellow members shake her hand, assuring her of love and she is reestablished in full fellowship.
Should the daughter of a member get pregnant, the parent or parents had to find a place for the daughter to stay until after the birth of the child. If they kept the girl under their own roof then the parents were under discipline until the child was born. This happened in the home of one of the committee members of the White Park Church. When it was discovered that one of their young daughters was pregnant they had to meet with pastor and the other members of the committee. They knew full well the rule, but they said they had tried to teach their children and guard them, but this had happened and they did not feel it right to compel their daughter to leave home so they humbly accepted their punishment. Some of the missionaries tried hard to get this phase of the discipline ruling repealed but the native ruling body stood firm. It was gratifying how few cases of this occurred in our Pilgrim families, when it seemed illegitimacy was almost the rule on the island instead of the exception. Where adultery or other immoral sin was absolutely proven against a member, clemency was allowed. The pastor had to “read them out”. That meant at a Sunday morning before the message the pastor must announce publicly that (calling the name or names of the guilty party) is no more a member of this church.
After Sr. Koons left Barbados for America, I was appointed as pastor. I had to face this situation when two of our most esteemed young members were considering matrimony. Whispering started and eventually accusations were brought to me. I knew my next step was to call the young couple to the office. They came knowing what to expect. I confronted them with the accusation that had been brought to me. They were very open and confessed their sin with tears. I too had tears as I dealt with them about their sin against God, then their sin against the church and their sin against themselves. They told me that they intended to be married just as soon as all preparations could be made. We had prayer and they seemed to be repentant. I told them that their case would have to be brought before the church committee. They already knew that. At the first opportunity I presented the case, emphasizing their humble attitude and apparent repentance and their plans for marriage. I had no hope that they could retain membership by both coming to the altar and publicly confessing their sin or even if they were disciplined until after the baby came, (which I think the young couple would have submitted to) but I did appeal to them to make an exception and allow their names to be removed from the church roll and that it quietly become public knowledge. The suggestion was met with a positive and unanimous answer of “No,” and that it was my duty as the pastor to publicly rebuke such sin by publicly calling their names and announcing that they are no more members of the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
That occurred 38 years ago. I vividly remember preparing the short ritual I was compelled to read the next Sunday morning. As the preliminaries of the service proceeded I grew weaker and weaker. When the time came and I stepped behind the pulpit my knees were shaking but I partially supported myself by holding to the pulpit while I performed the unpleasant duty. We had about 400 members at White Park, but two young people knew, to their shame, that they no longer were members. I, with the young man’s mother and some close friends, helped plan a quiet wedding, Bro. Bolender officiating, for by no means would a wedding under those circumstances be allowed in the church. That was my first and only experience of having to read a member out for an immoral charge.
Things were so new and so different it seemed that we constantly ran into problems. One day I was told that a certain member’s father had just died. As he had no church affiliation I thought, for our member’s sake, that we should offer the use of the church for the funeral, which had to be within 24 hours after the death. So I went to the carpenter shop in the back yard and told the church janitor that he should go and prepare the church for the funeral. He looked at me in utter astonishment and said, “We no church he.” Seeing that I was confused, he said, “He no Christian.”
“But,” I asked, “will there be a funeral?” His daughter had requested a service.
“Ah,” he said, “they take he to chapel at cemetery.”
So we went to the cemetery and soon the antique horse drawn hearse came with a small group of people walking behind it. A short service was conducted with Bro. Bolender making an appeal to the living that they prepare to meet God. It was very evident that some of his friends had held a wake in his honor for some were quite drunk. One man who held one of the straps by which the coffin was lowered into the grave almost lost his hold when somebody said “Let the old man down easy.” A small group were dolefully singing a hymn but another half drunken man said “Izyiah, (Isaiah) your feet gittin hot?” This was followed by coarse laughter. The straps were removed from under the coffin and Bro. Bolender gave the committal. The men took the shovels and a pitch fork, first pitching the bones that had been dug from the grave back in. This made a gruesome sound as they fell on the coffin lid. They shoveled dirt until the grave was mounded, after which the crowd dispersed. I no longer wondered why Smithy said “We no church he.” In Barbados no one but wealthy and those held in high esteem can buy a permanent burial spot or erect a permanent marker. All other graves are opened in six or seven years. All bones found are first put back into the grave, then the grave filled. I could fill a book telling of unusual happenings and customs, many of them relating to [voo-doo][1] and witchcraft, which by British laws, was forbidden, but nevertheless practiced a lot.
Some very important things occurred while we were on the island. On June 1st, 1944, we received our most wonderful wedding anniversary gift – our daughter Juanita arrived. Finally the General Department of Foreign Missions had succeeded in getting a visa for her. The other missionaries gave us a gorgeous bouquet of 26 red roses. Everybody had bountiful dinner in the superintendent’s dining room. We could never forget what she said after entering the mission home, “It is so good to be home.” When one of us asked Juanita, “Where is home?” she said, “Where Mom and Dad are.” That was truly an anniversary compliment from our 20 year old daughter.
It was quite a loss to the District when Sr. Koons left for the states; after she finished with her business she was transferred to Trinidad. Our next change in the mission home came when Bro. and Sis. Felker were transferred to the British Guiana S.A. In a short time Rev. and Mrs. Armond Doll were sent to Barbados; they assumed the pastorate of the Carrington Church. Bro. Bolender had filled the vacancy after the Felkers left. Being a true pastor at heart he enjoyed those weeks of pastoral work plus his duties as superintendent. During World War II England was deeply involved. Quite a few young men in Barbados volunteered for military service. Work was scarce and wages very low on the island, so from a financial standpoint, it was enticing. Commodities were scarce. Anything bordering on to luxuries could not be imported. It was practically impossible to get greeting cards. Missionary societies from the States were wonderful to send us boxes of almost every kind. We were able to help our native pastors and their families with the best of the used clothing and helped hundreds of our poor people. Sometimes even missionaries need a time of relaxation and fun. I well remember one time a ship arrived with quite a number of boxes; what a time we had going through those boxes. One was full of ladies hats. Well, Miss Dodge, Mrs. Doll, Juanita and I forgot all dignity as we modeled hats for awhile, laughing and teasing until our servants did not know what to think of their missionaries. We certainly had no trouble disposing of every hat after each of us had chosen one.
One of the greatest pleasures I experienced from boxes we received was the beautiful used greeting cards, and we received thousands of them. During World War II greeting cards were restricted. But the used ones were allowed to be imported. With some help from other missionaries, especially Juanita and some natives sorted them; some took very little work to cover the signatures with an appropriate sticker or a flower that we had carefully cut from another card. Paper could be purchased from which we cut and made envelopes. We missionaries used these to send to members who were ill, couples getting married, parents (who were married) when a baby arrived, birthday greetings. News travels fast down there and soon requests were coming for cards. As I am a rather light sleeper, I sat up many nights after a full day of pastoral and office duties and delighted in creating very attractive cards. Most of the envelopes were made by either native office or domestic help. We put a reasonable charge according to size, design, etc. The cheapest was a penny (2 cents). A few of the most gorgeous cards were 3 shillings (72 cents).
Most of the higher priced cards were sold to more well-to-do citizens, generally other than Pilgrims. No individual received remuneration for the work. All profits went into some phase of the work. Christmas 1945 I asked two men to build a small room out of very large cardboard boxes with windows cut on opposite sides and a small door. This served as a post office. It was set in front of the White Park Church where I pastured. I used the church membership roll and Juanita and I prepared cards for every member, putting names on the homemade envelopes. These were boxed and taken to the church before the 5 o’clock morning service. Two brethren or an employee of the city post office stood at the windows and distributed the cards as people left the service. This was quite a novel idea. I am sure quite a few received the first Christmas greeting they ever received. It involved a great deal of work. Christmas Eve night I barely finished the last card in time to hurriedly dress for the service, but I enjoyed it all.
While on Barbados, a few cases of polio were diagnosed. Immediately the entire island was under quarantine. No public gathering indoors, but people could assemble in the open air. All our churches took to street and gap (alley) meetings. Large gatherings were not permitted, so our city churches had to divide into small groups. Many attended these services who would never have entered our churches. This resulted in an open air revival. When the ban was lifted most all of those professing to be converted in the open air services began regular services in the churches, went through converts classes, were baptized and became members. So what threatened to be a disaster turned out to be a victory for the church. Great rejoicing prevailed all over the island.
When word reached us of V.E. day, the Union Jack was waving on all public buildings and bands played. At the mission home Old Glory waved along side the British flag.
Since childhood, I had read accounts of missionaries working among lepers. Soon after our arrival in Barbados, a phone call came from Sister Hassel, a dear little Dutch lady, wanting to know if we would like to accompany her monthly visit to the leprosy asylum, to which we agreed. What a dismal sight met us as we approached the institution. The tall gray concrete wall that enclosed it was capped with broken pieces of glass that had been embedded in the concrete when the wall was built. It gave the impression of a high security prison. The large outer gate was opened by a guard. As new visitors we were instructed to never shake hands or touch a patient. If we chanced to drop anything, we were never to pick it up. If the article was of value, it would be returned by an attendant, sterilized and returned to the owner. There was liberty to bring gifts to the patients, gifts of any kind, and we or any church group were welcome to hold services. Sr. Hassel had a niece who was an administrator, or employee. She always welcomed her aunt and those who accompanied her. We went from ward to ward, singing, reading the scripture and endeavoring to lead them to salvation. It was pathetic to see how pleased they were to have us come. Some showed little effects of the disease. These helped the nurses care for the more helpless ones. They were there at all stages of the disease, some with toes gone, others with missing fingers. One woman in a service was trying to keep time as we sang by clapping two stubs from which all fingers were gone. Some, their nose was gone, and one woman had both eyes gone, leaving only two ghostly sockets, but her hearing seemed to be perfect and she listened to the service. One merciful thing about leprosy – the disease kills the nerves of the affected parts, consequently causing no pain.
One day Sr. Hassel led us into a men’s ward where she especially greeted one patient, by the name of Barker. I concluded he was an old man, possible eighty. Most of his body was wrapped in bandages to absorb the drainage from ulcers. Our hearts were moved, but we wondered if the old man was mentally capable to comprehend the message of salvation. On the way home we were shocked when told that Barker was a young man in his early twenties. He had been born illegitimate, which was very common. His mother led a very sinful life, but she sent her son to school; he was bright and learned well. Eventually his mother acquired syphilis. Her son contracted the disease from her and received no treatment. This was followed by leprosy and, of course, he was immediately sent to the leper asylum where his full condition was diagnosed. We wondered if he would be alive when we made our next visit, but he was, and seemed to be responding to treatment. We both felt definitely we must make every effort to lead him to the Lord. We centered our efforts on him, leading him by scripture to the fact that all have sinned and that only hope comes through Christ. He seemed to grasp the truth as we proceeded step by step until we reached the point of leading him in the prayer of confession, repentance, and acceptance of salvation. He repeated every word after us. When we had finished, there was no doubt he was a new creature in Christ Jesus. We dared not shake his hand, but together we rejoiced that a new name was written down in Heaven. This made a great impression on the other men in the ward. The next month he was able to go out to the long veranda for a service. He had requested a hymn book and a Bible. They were sent to him and he began personally witnessing to patients and won one man to the Lord.
Many changes had come in the short time since we left the USA. On September 19, 1945 we gained an addition to our family when Warren took Elsie Long to be his bride. We were very pleased for she was a lovely girl, and from a fine background of Christian parents. Her father had been our family physician while we pastured the Elizabethtown church. They had a quiet wedding in the Long home.
We had few visitors during the war years, but Rev. and Mrs. R. R. Sharp from Nebraska came and held a revival for us at White Park, and they preached at some of the other churches. This was a refreshing time for both them and us. Their ministry was a great blessing.
After VE day, the pressure and limitations began to lift. Many items from Europe were imported and some things from the USA. War was still raging in the Pacific area. Victor Gibbs, to whom Juanita was engaged, was serving in the South Pacific as a chaplain’s assistant. When Japan finally surrendered, it meant the closing of the war for the USA. We were a grateful family. Some very dear nephews, our son, and Victor had all come through uninjured.
Victor had thought of coming to Barbados for their wedding, but decided a wiser plan would be for Juanita to return to the States for their wedding and use the money saved to help on his schooling. He had been drafted right out of school where he was training for the ministry. We wrote headquarters asking for Juanita to be released. She had been a great help in the office and had also served as a supply pastor of a small church on the edge of town. She could make the trip to and from in a few minutes on her bike.
Barbados had some very competent dress makers, tailors, and fancy workers. We decided to have her complete bridal costume made there. So we went to the best store on the island and, with the assistance of one of the chief clerks, Miss Elsie Redman, a member of the White Park Church, we selected the materials. When we came to purchasing the veiling, I told Miss Redman that Juanita had asked for a shoulder length veil, whereupon Elsie turned to me saying, “Surely your only daughter deserves a full length veil.” I replied that I agreed, but that Juanita should make the decision. Looking at Juanita, she said in a half way determined tone, “I will not cut one inch of this net less than enough for a full length veil.” After a brief hesitation, Juanita agreed. We had already selected our seamstress, a Miss Stewart, also a member of White Park Church. The seamstresses down there do not use patterns. They want a picture, a dress, or a detailed description, whereby they can draw a picture. Then they take full measurements, and work begins. It took many fittings and adjustments, but everything must be perfect, and I can truthfully say, no material was wasted because of mistakes. Miss Stewart would have liked to have had genuine mother of pearl beads for the crown or head piece for the veil, but that was out of the question for different reasons, so she took it on herself and sent out requests to friends and church people for beads appropriate for the purpose. The Barbadians do a lot of bead work, so there was a generous response. When the veil was finished Miss Stewart was delighted, as were we.
When all necessary papers had been filled out, they were sent along with her plane ticket to Miami. All the missionaries on the Island were invited in for a going away party. This included the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, the Pentecostal Church of God, Baptist, and Nazarene. Miss Dodge arranged most of the program. Some were very humorous, one a mock wedding. There was a time of refreshment and general Christian fellowship. Before the party broke up a request was made for Juanita to model her bridal costume. She was tired and a bit indisposed, but there was coaxing, as none of the party, including her parents, would be able to attend the wedding. It was a perfect fit and beautiful. The guests brought some nice gifts.
[1] This word is missing, but voodoo is the most probable word.
One day as he prayed alone, still holding the question of a definite call to foreign service, the Spirit whispered, “Did God call you to preach in the United States?” Such a thought had never before occurred to him. He turned the question over in his mind and honestly admitted that no limit was included in his call. He was clear to give Bro. Thomas an affirmative answer. From then on things began to move, but slowly. We had the rest of the conference year to finish there in the St. Louis church. I knew there were many things I would need for our trip to the field as well as adding to my wardrobe suitable clothing for a warmer climate. Our small salary was inadequate to meet these things so I considered working for awhile. Most everybody was trying to help win the war. We were justifiably proud of the pendant that hung in our front window that the one beautiful embroidered star testified that our son had answered the call of our country. I applied for work at an ammunition plant, requesting the third shift, going to work at 11:00 p.m. and getting off at 7:00 a.m. I never had to miss a church service. My job was inspecting bullets as they rolled off the belt – a very monotonous job. The war started as an offensive motive. I probably would never have taken the job, but knowing we were waging warfare defending right and peace, I felt no qualms of conscience.
In June, our daughter, Juanita, graduated from the Bible School at Colorado Springs. We would have loved to have gone for her graduation, but considering all things, we decided to forego the pleasure. She came home. Bro. Thomas along with the board decided that she should accompany us to Barbados as a junior missionary. Getting passports and visas for missionaries during war time is very difficult. They learned that Juanita could not go at the time we did so they arranged for work for her at our headquarters in Indianapolis until such time as a passport could be obtained for her.
The church secured the service of another pastor. We sold our furniture except a few pieces we stored at my brother’s in St. Louis and took back to Ohio. We had no idea how long it would be until we would be able to leave for the Islands, so we went back to Father and Mother Bolenders. We visited our relation in Ohio and Kentucky. Warren was granted a short furlough and came to see us. How good it was to see him again. We both thoroughly enjoyed this extended vacation. I failed to mention that we stopped in Illinois to visit my oldest sister and her husband, and in Anderson, Indiana, to visit her daughter and family. We had such a lovely time. Her little son four or five years old decided he was going with us and be a missionary. We were all amused by his childish idea, but when he saw we were preparing to leave he began collecting his clothes asking for a suitcase. His mother tried to explain that they could not do without him. When we bade them all goodbye and were driving away he was in his mother’s arms sobbing.
Apple harvesting was in full swing so Harry fell in line helping his brother Herbert. It took both of them overseeing the men picking, sorting, and packing the abundant harvest. There were many local customers to be served. Truck load after truck load was hauled to the city market, while hundreds of bushels were stored for winter sales. God had truly blessed Father Bolender and Herbert as they had been faithful with their tithes and offering and were strictly honest in all their business. In all the years, no work on God’s day and not an apple sold on Sunday.
Finally after Bro. Peisker, a worker at Headquarters, made a trip to Washington, D. C. he was successful in obtaining passports not only for us, but also for a lady missionary who had long been waiting to return to her field of labor.
Warren wrote us that he would be coming through Louisville and would have a layover and hoped to see us. We went by train from Cincinnati. We were very disappointed to learn that orders had been changed and he was not able to meet us. We spent the night with our former District Superintendent, Rev. E. E. Leadingham and his family, who at that time were pasturing the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Louisville. We returned to our dear family at Felicity to soon learn that air passage from Miami to Trinidad had been reserved, but government and armed force personnel had priority. We were to report to the airport early Saturday morning and have our baggage put through customs and wait for our names to be called.
We were happy but our joy was mixed with sadness as both we and dear Father and Mother Bolender realized it might be a final farewell so far as this earthly life was concerned for they were in their seventies and eighties. Neither of them voiced any objection but we each committed the other to the care of the heavenly Father. Rev. Thomas met us at the Cincinnati R.R. terminal. We rejoiced to see him. He gave us some very helpful information and advice. One thing he said before bidding us God’s speed, “Bolender, if you ever get discouraged, don’t let the natives know.” We both found his advice very helpful many times not only pertaining to the natives, but also in our contacts with fellow missionaries.
Bidding goodbye to Herbert, we boarded the train for Miami, Florida. It was a lovely trip. The scenery was beautiful. We especially enjoyed the North Carolina Mountains. We were at last on the first lapse of our trip to the mission field at the ages of 43 and 47.
Books, bedding, and other personal belongings that we could not take with us by plane had been sent to Keeting Co. in New York to come by boat.
All plans had been made by the missionary department as to our hotel accommodations, so getting our luggage, we summoned a taxi to take us to our hotel. After depositing our luggage, we hurried to the immigration office before closing hour to find all necessary papers ready for us to sign. On Saturday morning we woke early, ate breakfast, called a taxi, and hurried to the airport. When we arrived at the airport, we already had our plane ticket with our flight scheduled, but all luggage had to go through customs. All was okay except they took all the film we had purchased for our Kodak, even removing the one already in the Kodak (that was wartime regulations). A large crowd had gathered all hoping to get passage. As a name was called they stepped in line. We stood wondering (all government and army personnel came first then civilian names were called). I was almost trembling with excitement and uncertainty, but at last we heard Bolender. Oh what a relief, for many were left for later flights. This was a new experience for both of us, for neither had traveled by air. We found our seat numbers. When all were aboard, orders came “All seat belts fastened,” then the motors began warming up. If I should live to be a hundred years old I could never forget or entirely express my feelings when I knew we were airborne. Yes, we were really on our way to the mission field, something I had anticipated from childhood. The words of the Psalmist filled my heart, “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall also give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psa. 37:4.
War time travel was not quite as pleasant as peace time for each time we came within sight of land curtains dropped and lights inside were turned on. Our first stop was Cuba. All passengers left the plane and all were x-rayed to be sure no one had concealed weapons. We were soon returned to the plane except those that had reached their destination. The next stop was the Dominican Republic and St. Lucia. Our flight ended at Trinidad. How wonderful it was to find Bro. Solter at the airport to meet us. Sister Solter was waiting at the Mission and welcomed with outstretched arms. She and I had been close friends while at God’s Bible School. She went to India as a missionary and there met Harry Solter and they were married, returned to the States and now with their son Harry II were serving in Trinidad. We enjoyed a delicious evening meal and visiting after which we retired to sleep our first night under a large mosquito net which hung from a large hook from the ceiling. Plans were already made for service the next morning in the Tabaquite Church several miles out in the country. We were grateful for this opportunity.
The sun was shining brightly, the morning November air refreshing. We were all eyes and ears as we rode the country roads bordered by cane fields, rows of tall date palms, and other tropical trees unknown to us. Occasionally Bro. Solter would have to drive to the side of the road to avoid patches of small objects spread on the paved road. On inquiry, they explained that it was coffee beans spread out to dry. Then they pointed out the coffee trees. We arrived at the village shortly before service time. Quickly a native man arrived and began striking a large bar of metal hanging from the limb of a tree near the little church building. This served as a church bell. Quickly the crowd gathered and the service began. The singing thrilled us for there was joy and feeling in it accompanied by the West Indian off beat clapping of hands and two or three tambourines. We were introduced and gave our testimonies after which Bro. Solter gave the message. Arrangements had been made before and we took dinner with an East Indian lady who was a member of the church. We had curried chicken and rice. It was delicious. I have often wished I knew how she prepared it. After the night service, we were ready for a night’s rest safe from marauding mosquitoes under the net. We were not able to secure booking on the small West Indian plane until Wednesday so we had a chance for a little sight seeing.
Now I record an experience that set a precedent that has been a conviction that we have held since when we were engaged. Harry asked me if I wanted an engagement ring. I had no desire for one so he surprised me with a beautiful closed face ladies watch. The case was silver and beautifully engraved. When we married we did not even consider a wedding ring, in fact, jewelry of any kind including wedding rings was seldom seen on persons in our church and other sister holiness churches at that time and for some years later. When Sister Solter greeted me as we arrived at the mission home in Trinidad, I immediately noticed she had on a wedding band. I did not mention it, but she did after some time. They had been missionaries in India, were married there, but she had never worn a ring. After being in Trinidad for awhile a lady asked her why she did not wear a ring. She said your church preaches so strong against adultery and you go out in public with a man and you have a son and yet you do not have a ring to show you are married. The Solters noticed that all their married women in their church wore a ring, but other jewelry was excluded. They talked it over together and decided it might be a stumbling block to some. Edith had always kept her mother’s plain band since her death so she put it on. This put a question in my mind. I prayed about it feeling a bit confused as I well knew our church covenant referred to the teaching of Paul in I Tim. 2:9 and also Peter in his first epistle 3:3. As I prayed it came very clear to my heart. I have completely abandoned my own will and desires to God that he may use me for His glory, so are not what I feel convictions included in my commitment to the Lord? With that my heart was fully at ease.
On Wednesday before Thanksgiving we boarded the plane for the last lap of the trip to Barbados. We were happy to be permitted a clear view as we flew lower across the beautiful little island to the landing strip. Our baggage again had to go through customs. Waiting for us just beyond the roped off section were the welcoming committee, Rev. L. L. Miller, the District Superintendent and Rev. and Mrs. Dean Felker, missionaries. Without hardly intending to, my eyes caught the fact of Sister Felker’s ringless hands. We and our luggage were soon on our way to the mission home in Bridgetown, the only city on the island.
We were surprised and delighted when we arrived at the mission home. It was a native stone two story building. On the first floor was a spacious sitting room there called the drawing room which was for all the missionary staff. At the right was the District Superintendent’s office. A hall led from the drawing room to the back entrance. On the right was a dining room and kitchen for the District Superintendent and his wife; also a kitchen for Miss Dodge a single missionary. On the left a stairway led to the second floor, then a dining room and kitchen for the Felkers. Upstairs were four bedrooms and a library, each opening into the hall. At the back was a closed-in porch with a closed-in shower and separate room for the commode. These served the whole missionary staff. The closed-in back porch was used primarily for a bicycle shelter, for each missionary had their own bicycle and there were two district bikes. These were used a lot by lay preachers, who did not own their own bicycles and were sent to outstation churches or preaching points. We had fruit trees – golden apples (that no U.S. citizen would call an apple), bananas, and coconut palms – in the yard and space for a small vegetable garden. At the extreme back was a long shed closed at the back and opened toward the yard was the carpenter shop where much of the furniture for the mission home had been made, also windows, doors, seats, and pulpits for the churches. Most any home could justly be proud to have a lovely mahogany rocker, chest, bookcase, or bed finished complete from plain mahogany plank such as our splendid workers produced. Usually two such workers were kept busy in our workshop. These were all members of our church and some lay preachers. Last I mention the garage that was at the end of the carpenter’s shop. This housed the B model Ford and opened on the alley that ran along the side of the mission premises. There they were called gaps. So I have given you a fair description of the District Mission home in Barbados as we found it in 1943.
As I recall, the Millers were in their 7th year of service on the island and were getting anxious for a furlough. We were given a hearty welcome at the mission home and on Sunday we were welcomed at the White Park Church. But that Sunday night we were not feeling quite up to par. Monday, we were both quite sick. We felt worse as our fever increased. Bro. Miller called the doctor who diagnosed we had measles, but we both knew we had both had red and German measles. We never broke out more than a slight rash from the high fever. We were sick over a week. We later learned that we had dengue fever which was quite common in Trinidad. Evidently we picked up the germs there during our three day stay. I never forgot what one of the black servant girls said, “Hey, you pay your footing.” We were soon able to start our training under the Millers. So many adjustments were to be made.
We were very happy that we did not have to learn a new language, but at first we could hardly understand anything the natives said. The day we were permitted outside after our short sickness, we decided to take a walk up Bank Hall, the street in front of the mission home. As we were leisurely returning, we heard three young men approaching from the rear. They were chatting among themselves in very jovial tones. I said to my husband, “Let us see if we can understand what they say.” Just as they passed us, I caught these words, “no take he on.” I realized that if I had been in the same circumstances I might have said, “pay no attention to him” or “consider the source.” Many of their ordinary expressions left us with great perplexity. When one had a stroke they said they had a passover. If a funeral was conducted in a church, they said, “they church he or she.” When a lady died suddenly I was told, “She took the bad feels and she dead.” I could go on and on relating some of their expressions but there are other matters of far greater importance.
A brief explanation of the geographical status of the island may be of interest. Barbados is the most eastern of the West Indian group. It is somewhat pear shaped, 21 miles long, and 14 miles at the widest point. It is about 160 square miles with 100,000 acres under cultivation. The island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Caribbean Sea. It is a coral base but a deep surface of fertile soil makes the island very productive. The population when we were there in the early forties was over 200,000. One would wonder how so many people could live on such a small island and so much of it be under cultivation. But one only had to go up and down the narrow gaps of Bridgetown and see the tiny houses where six to ten people lived. You would find much the same condition in the smaller towns and villages.
In many ways the social, hygenical, and educational status of the island was above many of the other islands. When we were there, it was a British colony and generally speaking people were very loyal to the mother country and Barbados was often called “Little England” with pride. When we flew the stars and stripes, we also flew the flag of England. Barbados had a wonderful fresh water system and it was piped to all parts of the island. Many carried their water buckets considerable distances on their heads from the public water pipes. Those of better financial circumstances often had a donkey and cart to transport their water. There was a public school system that gave all children an opportunity for an elementary education. The term standard was used there instead of grade. Compulsory education was not known there as it is here. There were also private schools, but these were not financed by the government. There was an alms house where aged people and handicapped who had no source of support were taken to eek out an existence until death. There was also a well kept and also a sanitary leper asylum. Barbados had such stricter rules concerning leprosy than most of the islands.
All the things mentioned before concern the missionary but our mission was primarily a spiritual one.
As soon as we recovered from our bout with dengue fever our orientation began. Bro. Miller took Bro. Bolender, introducing him to city officials with whom he would deal, transferring legal matters, etc. All this required much red tape. He also took him to all the churches and to meet all the pastors. Sister Miller was district treasurer. This was turned over to me – a job I certainly did not covet.
December was a terrifically busy month. There was so much for us to learn and do and everything was so different. There were 28 churches with three churches being in the city of Bridgetown. These three churches were pastured by American citizens though one was of mixed blood and so light skinned. She passed for white yet it was no secret that she had Negro blood. Years before she had married a white missionary by the name of Coone. Whether it was because of her marriage or because she was born on one of the Virgin Islands, I do not know, but she held American citizenship. Rev. Coone had been dead many years. She was a valuable worker and gifted minister and pastor of the largest church on the island, White Park, often called the Mother Church. Rev. Dean Felker pastured Carrington; Miss Beatrice Dodge pastured the Kew Church. These were the three city churches. Five older pastors and one single lady each pastored a single church. The other 19 churches were divided into circuits and pastured by six pastors. All these pastors were paid a small salary from the district treasury. Each pastor was required to keep a detailed account of expenditures of each church. The people were taught to tithe. Offerings were taken at each church and a detailed record was kept and reported once a month. This also included a statistical report of attendance and seekers for salvation. This in itself was quite a job for a pastor with three or four churches. Each month we had Pool Day when all pastors had to gather at White Park Church, bring their reports, and have all their money collected. Then they received their salaries. No major expenses were ever to be made without first consulting the District Superintendent. All minor regular expenses were paid from the District Treasury. The salaries of all American missionaries were sent to each one from the missionary headquarters in the U.S.A.
All converts desiring membership were required to attend a converts’ class once a week for three months. They were told that their lives would be watched by the local committee members (who reported to our local board members). Any who failed to show growth in Christian graces, or had been guilty of insubordination or sin were required to continue in the class. Many had to continue six months or longer before they passed the test and were recommended by the pastor to the District Superintendent for membership and baptism. Every three months a District Quarterly Meeting was held at the White Park Church. Those were great occasions. From every church people came in city buses, lorries (trucks), bicycles, and by foot. The first order of the day was the baptismal service at 8:00 a.m. The crowd gathered on a nice beach. Candidates lined up; the District Superintendent and others conducted a short service after which the candidates were led one at a time by one of the officiating ministers out into the sea where the Superintendent and another minister stood waiting. After the immersion, the person was assisted back to the beach. This was continued until all were finished. The beach did not belong to the church, but they had permission to build a small house there with two rooms (one for men and the other for women) where they could dress before and after baptism. Robes were provided. The smallest group baptized while we were there was 13 and largest was 83. The next service was at 10:30 a.m. in the large White Park Church. And for this occasion it was always filled to utmost capacity. This, our first quarterly meeting, was very special for it was a farewell for the Millers and a welcome for us. Also at the January quarterly meeting the report of the yearly missionary offering is given church by church. I will later describe this offering in detail. The altar was well filled after the morning service, but adjustments had to be made, for with the overflow crowd, the long altar bench had been filled with children. Time was given for a lunch hour. Most of the outstation churches had prepared and brought lunches while those located nearby went home as the missionaries also did.
At 2:00 p.m. all gathered back for the last service of the day which included a preaching service, but in the afternoon service of the January meeting was when the announcement of the missionary offering was made. To fully appreciate this one would have to know the system of the way the offering is taken. Hundreds of small mite boxes had been made of thin wood board, nailed together, with a slot in the top. These boxes were distributed to each pastor by the District Superintendent. The pastor then distributed them to individuals in the church. It was entirely on a voluntary basis, but rarely did anyone refuse. The understanding was that their mission offering was to be over and above the tithe. The boxes were distributed in June or early July and collected in December. So many of our dear people were very poor and only gave pennies or half pennies. A penny was about the size of a half dollar and worth 2 cents. A half penny was near the size of a quarter and worth a cent. Oh what a job it was to open all those boxes and count the money, for every box was brought to the mission home and the contents counted and credited to the church from which it came. Naturally the copper corroded and sometimes fingers had not been clean that handled it, so our hands were covered with green corrosion after a period of counting and rolling copper coins. Several times the bank called to learn if the Rev. had some copper on hand because the bank was getting short. They usually made these calls in December when we collected our missionary boxes, though we had a sizeable deposit after each monthly pool day. Our dear precious people really sacrificed to see the work of God prosper. We learned that many who ordinarily have tea made from herbs locally grown, sweetened with the coarsest sugar that sold for 3 cents per pound and a penny bun of bread, would drink their tea unsweetened or leave off the bread in order to have a penny or half penny for the missionary offering. Others who had better employment in the city and rode a bus three to five miles would get up early and walk so they could have the price of the fare for their missionary box. I feel safe in saying that at least 90% of the money given came because of personal sacrifice. No wonder there was such expression of joy and clapping of hands when the results of the offering from each church were read. The report always began with the smallest offering which generally was the smallest and poorest congregation and then progressed to the highest offering and then the total. As we remember, the total missionary offering that year of 1943 was between $800 and $900, which was more than ever before. We are happy that pastors and people so whole heartedly responded to Bro. Bolender’s leadership and each year we were there the annual missionary offering climbed to near $1400. Since my experience on the mission field, I have often said I have never known what self sacrifice is. What a glorious day it was. The group that had been baptized were all seated as a group in the 10:30 service and the District Superintendent read the church covenant, then the reception of members, all candidates replying in unison, for all had been well prepared in the converts’ class.
With all the joys and blessing shared that day there was also sadness and some tears as Bro. Miller gave their farewell message that day. They were booked to depart for plane passage the next morning. We took them to the airport and watched until the small plane was lost in space. Later we learned that Bro. West, one of the young pastors that Bro. Miller had trained and ordained, had traveled by bicycle to a point where he had a clear view of the small airport and runway. With bared head, he watched the Millers as they stepped into the plane that so swiftly bore them away out of sight. He felt very much like Elisha when he saw Elijah encircled by the whirlwind and immediately disappear in the chariot of fire. Bro. West put his hat back on and with a sad heart peddled his way back home and to his pastoral duties. We made our way back to the mission home with a deep sense of our need of divine wisdom and grace as we assumed the task our predecessors had so ably accomplished.
I see I have omitted one important event that concerned our early introduction to the lifestyle of the island: Christmas celebration – Barbados has a very religious culture. When we were there the leading church was Anglican which might be termed the State Church. Where we had spring house cleaning, they observe Christmas house cleaning, so an experienced missionary learns to avoid embarrassment of a poor mother by making calls soon before Christmas lest you found all the furniture outside in the tiny yard in the process of a complete house cleaning job. Many stretch their limited budget to purchase a gay piece of cloth to hang at the one or perhaps two windows in their tiny house. Indeed the Barbadians have a taste for cleanliness and beauty. Each church makes preparation for a 5:00 a.m. Christmas service at least two weeks previous. Choirs begin practicing for their carols and anthems. Everywhere we went, we were apt to come in contact with a black man or woman or even youth humming their part of the carol or anthem. Never were the words to be sung except in the church rehearsals, but it seemed a great pleasure to individually hum their part whether it be soprano, alto, tenor, or bass.
All our Pilgrim Holiness Churches (28) prepared Christmas programs to be given during Christmas week; none were given before Christmas. Our first Christmas, we were guests as the Millers were still in charge. We were surprised at the large crowd at the 5:00 Christmas service at White Park. The one thing we can never forget was the singing of the “Messiah” by the large church choir directed by Bro. Worrell. It seemed we were almost wafted to the third heaven as their rich voices reached the finale of the grand old anthem. A fitting Christmas message followed after the benediction. All departed with the usual personal greetings. Many of the women and young ladies went to a long day of work as cooks, maids, and nurses in the more wealthy homes on the island. May I add that the services of our members were in large demand because their honesty and integrity had become common knowledge. We missionaries returned to the mission home to enjoy the day exchanging gifts and enjoying Christian fellowship. Often throughout the day we hurried to doors and windows to listen to and see a group going up or down in front of the home singing Christmas carols. Before and all through the holidays, we had many callers at the back gate begging for coppers or a Threepence (6 cents).
One of the city churches presented their Christmas program on Christmas night. These programs were very entertaining, but with due reverence to the occasion and church. Even the small children were well behaved. As each boy came forward to speak or sing he would face the congregation, give a salute, and at the same instant raise the right foot slightly and hit the left ankle with the right and then proceed. The small girls gave a graceful curtsey. If a mixed group performed together, they gave their salutes and curtseys in perfect unison. I think the black race are the most perfect performers. My favorite of all parts of the programs was the pantomimes. I remember one Christmas after our daughter had joined us in Barbados, we planned attending one program at a country church where Bro. Bolender had recently appointed a new pastor. He was well liked and the church was growing by leaps and bounds. The program was announced to begin at 7:00 p.m. We left the mission home in time to arrive before 7:00. When we parked the car, we were surprised and embarrassed when we found the program well under way. People were standing outside because there was no room inside. When the people saw the Superintendent and his wife and daughter, they somehow made room for us to make our way up the crowded aisle to the platform. The program came to a halt long enough for a short and hearty welcome. The pastor made apology by saying the house was crowded by 6:30 so he decided it best to start the service. It seemed every person of the Sunday School and church wanted a part, and the enthusiastic new pastor and staff of teachers had managed to give recitations, songs, or readings for everyone, even to the oldest toothless woman. When one name was called, we saw a small child being passed from one to another over the heads of people sitting in the pews when the last man deposited her on the platform. There she straightened her dress and faced the congregation and recited her piece. The program finally ended and my husband expressed his appreciation to the pastor and people for the fine program and dismissed the crowd. But we still had to take time for many handshakes although my watch showed it past 9:30. I’ll leave it to you to guess if we were glad to reach the mission home again and to crawl under the mosquito nets for a good snooze.
Many adjustments continued to present themselves. One concerned the local workers plan. As I have stated, most of the pastors served circuits of two to four churches. Nearly all churches followed about the same type of service every night of the week except Saturday night. Many of our people were poor having few changes of clothing. They needed Saturday free to wash clothing and be prepared for Sunday services. Each church had an open air service once a week, a convert’s class once a week, one night was prayer meeting, and one praise service. The Sunday night, of course, was an evangelistic service; the other night was for whatever the pastor found necessary – choir practice, visiting night, lay leadership instruction, board meetings, etc. Each month pastors gave the superintendent his schedule for the month; from these the District Superintendent prepared weekly appointment sheets assigning local workers to fill preaching services where the pastors could not be. If a small church booked competent members to lead open-air prayer or praise services then appointments had to be made for those services also. There were about 80 of the local workers when we went to Barbados. None of these were on salary. Filling out these appointment sheets weekly was no small job. They were given to the pastors where the local worker held membership. The pastor in turn was responsible to see that the local worker received the appointment in time to prepare for said appointment. Each church had an appointed clerk who worked in close harmony with the pastor. One of his duties was to keep the log book. A record was kept of the attendance at all services and of all seekers. When revivals were held a different preacher usually preached each night. Quite often the Super (as he was often called) preached on the closing night. Much more could be written, but I think enough has been said to show that we found things well organized and Brother Bolender tried to change just as little as possible.
There were a few long-standing rules that were very, very binding. To illustrate one thing – all women must wear hats when in a religious service. One Sunday morning, Miss Dodge who was the very efficient and much loved pastor of the Kew Church was caught in a sudden downpour of rain as she rode her bicycle to church. She got quite soaked, but the shower soon passed and the warm air had nearly dried her clothing, but her hat was a sorry sight. If she went back to the mission home to get another she would be quite late, so she hastily decided to just remove it and proceed with the service. But quite quickly an older man who was on her church committee told her that he regretted to do so – it was his duty to tell her that she could not proceed with the service without a hat. In no way can I describe her embarrassment and humiliation, but she knew she must make the choice between wearing the dilapidated hat or going back to the mission home while someone took over her service. I never knew of another lady missionary having a like experience.
Another quite baffling procedure was the long-used and strictly observed system of displaying offenders. When a member failed to conduct themselves in a way fitting to a Christian it was almost sure to be reported. If the report had not reached the pastor or District Superintendent and the offender continued in their unchristian attitudes and acts, when they arose to their feet in church to testify, often a suppressed cough or low grunt would be heard in the congregation. If the brother or sister continued to speak, the grunting increased until it was evident the matter must be dealt with. Many times accusations would be brought to a pastor or the District Superintendent from an unbeliever or a backslider; this called for great wisdom but could not be ignored. For instance, one day a stranger came to the mission asking to see the Super. She was admitted into the office. He stands offering his hand and inquiring what he can do for her. By her attitude he sees trouble is coming. She tells who she is, then proceeds to call a name asking if she is a member of our church. If he knows the party he answers affirmatively; if not he must see the pastor of the church where she is supposedly a member. But the accuser must have her say, so she proceeds. “She say she Christian; she no Christian a’tall; she come to water pipe, she push me, fill she bucket. I tell she I there first, but she say no; when others tell her then she raise she voice and get so vex she say plenty, plenty. Ah, she no Christian. I come to you; I want satisfaction.” The Superintendent assures the matter will be cared for and tells her she may go. The accused party is called to the mission home and informed of the accusation. Then she is allowed to give her version of the incident. If she says she is innocent and can prove it she continues in full fellowship; but if proof is given that she became angry and provoked a public scene unbecoming to a Christian, then she must appear before the church committee and her time of discipline declared. For three months she must sit on the back seat in church, is not permitted to publicly testify or lead in prayer, but is to be faithful in attendance. After the three months are passed if she has shown a humble, contrite spirit she goes to the altar and prays, stands to her feet, confesses her fault, after which fellow members shake her hand, assuring her of love and she is reestablished in full fellowship.
Should the daughter of a member get pregnant, the parent or parents had to find a place for the daughter to stay until after the birth of the child. If they kept the girl under their own roof then the parents were under discipline until the child was born. This happened in the home of one of the committee members of the White Park Church. When it was discovered that one of their young daughters was pregnant they had to meet with pastor and the other members of the committee. They knew full well the rule, but they said they had tried to teach their children and guard them, but this had happened and they did not feel it right to compel their daughter to leave home so they humbly accepted their punishment. Some of the missionaries tried hard to get this phase of the discipline ruling repealed but the native ruling body stood firm. It was gratifying how few cases of this occurred in our Pilgrim families, when it seemed illegitimacy was almost the rule on the island instead of the exception. Where adultery or other immoral sin was absolutely proven against a member, clemency was allowed. The pastor had to “read them out”. That meant at a Sunday morning before the message the pastor must announce publicly that (calling the name or names of the guilty party) is no more a member of this church.
After Sr. Koons left Barbados for America, I was appointed as pastor. I had to face this situation when two of our most esteemed young members were considering matrimony. Whispering started and eventually accusations were brought to me. I knew my next step was to call the young couple to the office. They came knowing what to expect. I confronted them with the accusation that had been brought to me. They were very open and confessed their sin with tears. I too had tears as I dealt with them about their sin against God, then their sin against the church and their sin against themselves. They told me that they intended to be married just as soon as all preparations could be made. We had prayer and they seemed to be repentant. I told them that their case would have to be brought before the church committee. They already knew that. At the first opportunity I presented the case, emphasizing their humble attitude and apparent repentance and their plans for marriage. I had no hope that they could retain membership by both coming to the altar and publicly confessing their sin or even if they were disciplined until after the baby came, (which I think the young couple would have submitted to) but I did appeal to them to make an exception and allow their names to be removed from the church roll and that it quietly become public knowledge. The suggestion was met with a positive and unanimous answer of “No,” and that it was my duty as the pastor to publicly rebuke such sin by publicly calling their names and announcing that they are no more members of the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
That occurred 38 years ago. I vividly remember preparing the short ritual I was compelled to read the next Sunday morning. As the preliminaries of the service proceeded I grew weaker and weaker. When the time came and I stepped behind the pulpit my knees were shaking but I partially supported myself by holding to the pulpit while I performed the unpleasant duty. We had about 400 members at White Park, but two young people knew, to their shame, that they no longer were members. I, with the young man’s mother and some close friends, helped plan a quiet wedding, Bro. Bolender officiating, for by no means would a wedding under those circumstances be allowed in the church. That was my first and only experience of having to read a member out for an immoral charge.
Things were so new and so different it seemed that we constantly ran into problems. One day I was told that a certain member’s father had just died. As he had no church affiliation I thought, for our member’s sake, that we should offer the use of the church for the funeral, which had to be within 24 hours after the death. So I went to the carpenter shop in the back yard and told the church janitor that he should go and prepare the church for the funeral. He looked at me in utter astonishment and said, “We no church he.” Seeing that I was confused, he said, “He no Christian.”
“But,” I asked, “will there be a funeral?” His daughter had requested a service.
“Ah,” he said, “they take he to chapel at cemetery.”
So we went to the cemetery and soon the antique horse drawn hearse came with a small group of people walking behind it. A short service was conducted with Bro. Bolender making an appeal to the living that they prepare to meet God. It was very evident that some of his friends had held a wake in his honor for some were quite drunk. One man who held one of the straps by which the coffin was lowered into the grave almost lost his hold when somebody said “Let the old man down easy.” A small group were dolefully singing a hymn but another half drunken man said “Izyiah, (Isaiah) your feet gittin hot?” This was followed by coarse laughter. The straps were removed from under the coffin and Bro. Bolender gave the committal. The men took the shovels and a pitch fork, first pitching the bones that had been dug from the grave back in. This made a gruesome sound as they fell on the coffin lid. They shoveled dirt until the grave was mounded, after which the crowd dispersed. I no longer wondered why Smithy said “We no church he.” In Barbados no one but wealthy and those held in high esteem can buy a permanent burial spot or erect a permanent marker. All other graves are opened in six or seven years. All bones found are first put back into the grave, then the grave filled. I could fill a book telling of unusual happenings and customs, many of them relating to [voo-doo][1] and witchcraft, which by British laws, was forbidden, but nevertheless practiced a lot.
Some very important things occurred while we were on the island. On June 1st, 1944, we received our most wonderful wedding anniversary gift – our daughter Juanita arrived. Finally the General Department of Foreign Missions had succeeded in getting a visa for her. The other missionaries gave us a gorgeous bouquet of 26 red roses. Everybody had bountiful dinner in the superintendent’s dining room. We could never forget what she said after entering the mission home, “It is so good to be home.” When one of us asked Juanita, “Where is home?” she said, “Where Mom and Dad are.” That was truly an anniversary compliment from our 20 year old daughter.
It was quite a loss to the District when Sr. Koons left for the states; after she finished with her business she was transferred to Trinidad. Our next change in the mission home came when Bro. and Sis. Felker were transferred to the British Guiana S.A. In a short time Rev. and Mrs. Armond Doll were sent to Barbados; they assumed the pastorate of the Carrington Church. Bro. Bolender had filled the vacancy after the Felkers left. Being a true pastor at heart he enjoyed those weeks of pastoral work plus his duties as superintendent. During World War II England was deeply involved. Quite a few young men in Barbados volunteered for military service. Work was scarce and wages very low on the island, so from a financial standpoint, it was enticing. Commodities were scarce. Anything bordering on to luxuries could not be imported. It was practically impossible to get greeting cards. Missionary societies from the States were wonderful to send us boxes of almost every kind. We were able to help our native pastors and their families with the best of the used clothing and helped hundreds of our poor people. Sometimes even missionaries need a time of relaxation and fun. I well remember one time a ship arrived with quite a number of boxes; what a time we had going through those boxes. One was full of ladies hats. Well, Miss Dodge, Mrs. Doll, Juanita and I forgot all dignity as we modeled hats for awhile, laughing and teasing until our servants did not know what to think of their missionaries. We certainly had no trouble disposing of every hat after each of us had chosen one.
One of the greatest pleasures I experienced from boxes we received was the beautiful used greeting cards, and we received thousands of them. During World War II greeting cards were restricted. But the used ones were allowed to be imported. With some help from other missionaries, especially Juanita and some natives sorted them; some took very little work to cover the signatures with an appropriate sticker or a flower that we had carefully cut from another card. Paper could be purchased from which we cut and made envelopes. We missionaries used these to send to members who were ill, couples getting married, parents (who were married) when a baby arrived, birthday greetings. News travels fast down there and soon requests were coming for cards. As I am a rather light sleeper, I sat up many nights after a full day of pastoral and office duties and delighted in creating very attractive cards. Most of the envelopes were made by either native office or domestic help. We put a reasonable charge according to size, design, etc. The cheapest was a penny (2 cents). A few of the most gorgeous cards were 3 shillings (72 cents).
Most of the higher priced cards were sold to more well-to-do citizens, generally other than Pilgrims. No individual received remuneration for the work. All profits went into some phase of the work. Christmas 1945 I asked two men to build a small room out of very large cardboard boxes with windows cut on opposite sides and a small door. This served as a post office. It was set in front of the White Park Church where I pastured. I used the church membership roll and Juanita and I prepared cards for every member, putting names on the homemade envelopes. These were boxed and taken to the church before the 5 o’clock morning service. Two brethren or an employee of the city post office stood at the windows and distributed the cards as people left the service. This was quite a novel idea. I am sure quite a few received the first Christmas greeting they ever received. It involved a great deal of work. Christmas Eve night I barely finished the last card in time to hurriedly dress for the service, but I enjoyed it all.
While on Barbados, a few cases of polio were diagnosed. Immediately the entire island was under quarantine. No public gathering indoors, but people could assemble in the open air. All our churches took to street and gap (alley) meetings. Large gatherings were not permitted, so our city churches had to divide into small groups. Many attended these services who would never have entered our churches. This resulted in an open air revival. When the ban was lifted most all of those professing to be converted in the open air services began regular services in the churches, went through converts classes, were baptized and became members. So what threatened to be a disaster turned out to be a victory for the church. Great rejoicing prevailed all over the island.
When word reached us of V.E. day, the Union Jack was waving on all public buildings and bands played. At the mission home Old Glory waved along side the British flag.
Since childhood, I had read accounts of missionaries working among lepers. Soon after our arrival in Barbados, a phone call came from Sister Hassel, a dear little Dutch lady, wanting to know if we would like to accompany her monthly visit to the leprosy asylum, to which we agreed. What a dismal sight met us as we approached the institution. The tall gray concrete wall that enclosed it was capped with broken pieces of glass that had been embedded in the concrete when the wall was built. It gave the impression of a high security prison. The large outer gate was opened by a guard. As new visitors we were instructed to never shake hands or touch a patient. If we chanced to drop anything, we were never to pick it up. If the article was of value, it would be returned by an attendant, sterilized and returned to the owner. There was liberty to bring gifts to the patients, gifts of any kind, and we or any church group were welcome to hold services. Sr. Hassel had a niece who was an administrator, or employee. She always welcomed her aunt and those who accompanied her. We went from ward to ward, singing, reading the scripture and endeavoring to lead them to salvation. It was pathetic to see how pleased they were to have us come. Some showed little effects of the disease. These helped the nurses care for the more helpless ones. They were there at all stages of the disease, some with toes gone, others with missing fingers. One woman in a service was trying to keep time as we sang by clapping two stubs from which all fingers were gone. Some, their nose was gone, and one woman had both eyes gone, leaving only two ghostly sockets, but her hearing seemed to be perfect and she listened to the service. One merciful thing about leprosy – the disease kills the nerves of the affected parts, consequently causing no pain.
One day Sr. Hassel led us into a men’s ward where she especially greeted one patient, by the name of Barker. I concluded he was an old man, possible eighty. Most of his body was wrapped in bandages to absorb the drainage from ulcers. Our hearts were moved, but we wondered if the old man was mentally capable to comprehend the message of salvation. On the way home we were shocked when told that Barker was a young man in his early twenties. He had been born illegitimate, which was very common. His mother led a very sinful life, but she sent her son to school; he was bright and learned well. Eventually his mother acquired syphilis. Her son contracted the disease from her and received no treatment. This was followed by leprosy and, of course, he was immediately sent to the leper asylum where his full condition was diagnosed. We wondered if he would be alive when we made our next visit, but he was, and seemed to be responding to treatment. We both felt definitely we must make every effort to lead him to the Lord. We centered our efforts on him, leading him by scripture to the fact that all have sinned and that only hope comes through Christ. He seemed to grasp the truth as we proceeded step by step until we reached the point of leading him in the prayer of confession, repentance, and acceptance of salvation. He repeated every word after us. When we had finished, there was no doubt he was a new creature in Christ Jesus. We dared not shake his hand, but together we rejoiced that a new name was written down in Heaven. This made a great impression on the other men in the ward. The next month he was able to go out to the long veranda for a service. He had requested a hymn book and a Bible. They were sent to him and he began personally witnessing to patients and won one man to the Lord.
Many changes had come in the short time since we left the USA. On September 19, 1945 we gained an addition to our family when Warren took Elsie Long to be his bride. We were very pleased for she was a lovely girl, and from a fine background of Christian parents. Her father had been our family physician while we pastured the Elizabethtown church. They had a quiet wedding in the Long home.
We had few visitors during the war years, but Rev. and Mrs. R. R. Sharp from Nebraska came and held a revival for us at White Park, and they preached at some of the other churches. This was a refreshing time for both them and us. Their ministry was a great blessing.
After VE day, the pressure and limitations began to lift. Many items from Europe were imported and some things from the USA. War was still raging in the Pacific area. Victor Gibbs, to whom Juanita was engaged, was serving in the South Pacific as a chaplain’s assistant. When Japan finally surrendered, it meant the closing of the war for the USA. We were a grateful family. Some very dear nephews, our son, and Victor had all come through uninjured.
Victor had thought of coming to Barbados for their wedding, but decided a wiser plan would be for Juanita to return to the States for their wedding and use the money saved to help on his schooling. He had been drafted right out of school where he was training for the ministry. We wrote headquarters asking for Juanita to be released. She had been a great help in the office and had also served as a supply pastor of a small church on the edge of town. She could make the trip to and from in a few minutes on her bike.
Barbados had some very competent dress makers, tailors, and fancy workers. We decided to have her complete bridal costume made there. So we went to the best store on the island and, with the assistance of one of the chief clerks, Miss Elsie Redman, a member of the White Park Church, we selected the materials. When we came to purchasing the veiling, I told Miss Redman that Juanita had asked for a shoulder length veil, whereupon Elsie turned to me saying, “Surely your only daughter deserves a full length veil.” I replied that I agreed, but that Juanita should make the decision. Looking at Juanita, she said in a half way determined tone, “I will not cut one inch of this net less than enough for a full length veil.” After a brief hesitation, Juanita agreed. We had already selected our seamstress, a Miss Stewart, also a member of White Park Church. The seamstresses down there do not use patterns. They want a picture, a dress, or a detailed description, whereby they can draw a picture. Then they take full measurements, and work begins. It took many fittings and adjustments, but everything must be perfect, and I can truthfully say, no material was wasted because of mistakes. Miss Stewart would have liked to have had genuine mother of pearl beads for the crown or head piece for the veil, but that was out of the question for different reasons, so she took it on herself and sent out requests to friends and church people for beads appropriate for the purpose. The Barbadians do a lot of bead work, so there was a generous response. When the veil was finished Miss Stewart was delighted, as were we.
When all necessary papers had been filled out, they were sent along with her plane ticket to Miami. All the missionaries on the Island were invited in for a going away party. This included the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, the Pentecostal Church of God, Baptist, and Nazarene. Miss Dodge arranged most of the program. Some were very humorous, one a mock wedding. There was a time of refreshment and general Christian fellowship. Before the party broke up a request was made for Juanita to model her bridal costume. She was tired and a bit indisposed, but there was coaxing, as none of the party, including her parents, would be able to attend the wedding. It was a perfect fit and beautiful. The guests brought some nice gifts.
[1] This word is missing, but voodoo is the most probable word.
I had asked my sister Beatrice Brestel to take my place at the wedding, and Harry’s brother, Herbert Bolender, gave her away. A beautiful wedding took place in the big tabernacle at God’s Bible School, only a few feet from the administration building where we had been married twenty eight years before.
Soon the Millers returned to resume the work in Barbados. It was gratifying that the books could show gains both numerically and financially. A new stone church had been built at Wouborn and the old frame one had been moved to Whim, a new work. The district gave us a lovely farewell at the White Park Church. Many farewell gifts were brought, mostly hand work, of wood or beautiful embroidery or drawn work, one of which was an embroidered map of Barbados showing the location of each church.
Soon the Millers returned to resume the work in Barbados. It was gratifying that the books could show gains both numerically and financially. A new stone church had been built at Wouborn and the old frame one had been moved to Whim, a new work. The district gave us a lovely farewell at the White Park Church. Many farewell gifts were brought, mostly hand work, of wood or beautiful embroidery or drawn work, one of which was an embroidered map of Barbados showing the location of each church.