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No. LXX. JULY, 1835.
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Missionary Sketches,
FOR THE USE OF THE WEEKLY AND MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS TO
THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
BRITISH GUIANA.—MISSION TO THE INDIANS.
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UNION CHAPEL, FORT ISLAND.
Forr Isianp is situated on the River Essequebo, British Guiana. This Station, which is
connected with the Society’s Mission in George Town, Demerara, and is supported by
the church and congregation under the pastoral care of the Rey. Joseph Ketley, was
commenced in 1819, by Mr. Marcus Peter, a pious man of colour. It was first composed :
of about twenty persons, members of Mr. Ketley’s church. cae :
The Indians residing on the borders of the numerous creeks flowing into the river
Essequebo, at this time had no ideas of religion beyond a few obscure traditional super-
stitions ; they were ignorant of the salutary restraints of civilized life, and were much
addicted to intemperance. A é
_On the appointment of Mr. Peter to this Station, the people under his care imme-
diately erected a place of worship, capable of accommodating 160 people, which they called
Union Chapel. A grant of the land on which it stood, was made by his Excellency the
Governor; who also presented a number of Bibles and Testaments for the use of the
People. On February 10th, 1830, the chapel was opened by Mr. Ketley, who adminis-
tered the Lord’s Supper to sixteen communicants, and baptized two children. A view of
the chapel is given in the sketch at the head of this page. The entire expense of the
erection was defrayed by the congregation; who also manifested their liberality in con~
tinuing their contributions to the funds of the Society, and in building a sloop, whick
Missionary Sketches, No. LXX.—July, 1835.
they called ‘‘The Missionary Packef,’’ for the. use of the Missionaries, in visiting the
Island.
On June 17th of the same year, nine adults and two children were baptized by Mr.
Ketley. Two of the former were native Indians; who, until the settlement of Mr. Peter,
had never heard of the way of salvation. Six persons were at the same time admitted to
. communion. Mr, Peter was encouraged to direct his attention to a band of Indians, who
visited the Station at this season. In 1831, the increase of the congregation rendered an
enlargement of their chapel necessary. Two galleries were added; the materials -for
: which were presented by N. W. Pollard, Esq., and the remaining expense, amounting
to about two-thirds of the first erection, was defrayed by the people. Two daughters
of Mrs. Peter were admitted to the fellowship of the church ; and became, in conjunction
with another young person, very useful Teachers in the Sunday-school.
| ' Mr. Ketley gives the following account of his visit to the upper parts of the Essequebo,
, in May, 1832 :— :
‘Accompanied by Mr. Peter, I proceeded archal age. They saluted us in the most
up the river ; and passing here and there a_ friendly manner, and bade us welcome, The
house, surrounded almost by impenetrable conversation soon turned on religious sub-
forests, we came to a small opening, on jects. Mr. Peter became interpreter; and
either side of which was a row of stately through him I learned that, though distant
eata trees, of immense height. As soon as from Fort Island, the younger branches of
we had put in, I was conducted along a neat the family had occasionally been there for
path, at the upper end of which is a large instruction. As the evening had now set in,
wattled hut, covered with leaves, as is usual I was asked into the hut. They all sat
in country places. Here I was requested to round the room, and listened with deep in-
be seated, under a shade in front of the terest, while Mr. Peter interpreted my sen-
hut, where was a table and stool. J was tences. At the close, he offered up a prayer,
soon introduced to an aged man and woman, in the language the people could best under-
with children, grand-children, and great- stand. In the morning I was awakened
grand-children, to the number of about about five, as the family wished service to be
twenty. These, I was informed, were only held again before our departure, which was
one family, without any neighbouring resi- attended with great interest.â€
dent. I was forcibly reminded of the Patri-
Most of the Indians understand Creole Dutch, in which language Mr. Peter chiefly com-
municates his instructions. An affecting illustration of the condition of the Indian tribes
is furnished in a letter from Mr. Ketley, dated September 28, 1832, and inserted in the
Missionary Chronicle for March, 1833, p. 123, relating an interview between Mr. Peter
and an Indian, who, with his son, was subsequently murdered by a hostile tribe.
In the year 1832, a second Station was formed, on a piece of land on the west bank of
the Essequebo, where the latter is joined by the Cariacaria Creek. The Station is called
Castricome; the land was granted for the purpose by H. J.T. Faber, Esq. On repeating
his visit to the interesting family before mentioned, Mr, Ketley was gratified to find that
they had advanced in knowledge, and the little ones came forward with their spelling-
books, which Mr. Peter had given them. The aged people were publicly recognised as
husband and wife, and, on a subsequent occasion, baptized by the Rev. James Scott. Mr.
Ketley visited settlements of the Carribbees and Arawaks; the chiefs and the people gave
in their names, and promised to attend the teacher at Castricome. Since 1832, the services
of Mr. Peter have been entirely devoted to the Mission ; and his support has been provided
for by the congregation in George Town. During the year 1832, two children and two adults
were baptized; and the members of the church, now amounting to forty-six, provided a
; new canoe for the use of their teacher in visiting the Indians.
In January, 1833, the chapel at Castricome was completed. Mr. Peter addressed the
people on the occasion, selecting as his text, ‘‘ My house shall be called a house of prayer
for all nations :’’ in consequence of which the chapel is called ‘‘ The Pray House.†lt
has since been visited by Indians from Arawary and Schonhoyen Creeks; 115 Indians, in-
habitants of the borders, declared their willingness to receive instruction, and engaged to
come regularly to the chapel. Fourteen other Creeks, some at a considerable distance,
have been visited by Mr.Peter. On visiting the chapel at Castricome, Mr. Ketley found
it nearly filled with Indians and others ; people of every colour being present: it appeared,
indeed, ‘‘a house of prayer for all nations.â€â€™ Vive adults and four children were baptized
on this occasion ; all of whom were members of the family before mentioned. At the close
of the year 1833, the church at Fort Island contained fifty-one communicants; eight
adults and ten children had been baptized; and four couples married during the year.
Some of the latter were Indians. A church was also formed at Castricome. A new
ee Station, situated at a considerable distance, was now commenced at the mouth of the Tiger
<— =†eS a ee
Missionary Sketches, No. UXX.—July, 1835. |
Creek. In a letter, dated February 5, 1834, Mr. Ketley communicates the following
account of his visit to the Essequebo :— |
‘‘T accompanied Mr. Peter, with one of couples were married. The members were |
the brethren of the church here, on Monday, placed before the communion-table, and
January 6, in the new Missionary canoe. addressed on their personal and reciprocal
We reached Fort Island about ten in the duties; the sacred and delightful ordinance ‘
evening. Several members of the church was then administered, for the first time, to 1
were waiting in expectation of our arrival; thirteen—the first fruits of the newly-
and one of them stepped forward, informing established Mission. Four were proposed 3
me, by the first salutation, that one of the for communion on the next occasion. In ;
brethren had died last evening about this the evening, about twenty individuals as-
time. Learning that since his union with sembled for family worship; and we retired
the church his conduct had been consistent, to rest, exceedingly delighted with what the ~ ;
and that his last moments were marked by mercy of God had favoured us to witness that. i
calm serenity of mind and joyful anticipa- day. We left about three on the following 4
tion, I retired, purposing to derive subjects morning; and arrived, in about twelve ~~ i
of instruction from the event to the congre- hours, at the house situated at the entrance i
gation on the following day, After address- of Tiger Creek. We were welcomed by the
ing the people on the subject of death, inhabitants; and, after waiting some time, .
I proceeded to the administration of the two canoes were seen coming up the Creek. |
Lerd’s Supper; which service was ren- About twenty-five Indians were soon seated |
dered additionally impressive by the prospect around the room. The Chief addressed me
of immediately afterwards attending one, who in English. He seemed very willing that |
had formerly joined with them on those his people should be taught, and has him- |
occasions, to the silent grave. The funeral self begun to learn the alphabet, which Mr.
was afterwards conducted to the chapel, Peter teaches him. Having expressed, by
and the audience addressed; we subse- means of Mr. Peter, as interpreter, the plea-
quently met around the grave in the chapel- sure I felt in meeting them, and explained
yard, where we committed the dust to the the object of our coming, I requested Mr.
earth, as it was, animated with a confident Peter to pray in a tongue they could under-
hope of a resurrection to eternal life. At stand; after which, I addressed them from
seven next morning, we proceeded to Cas- the words of Jesus to Zaccheus—‘ This
tricome chapel. The consideration of the day is salvation come to this house.’ After
suecess of the Gospel there, and the pro- explaining to them the meaning of salvation,
spect of the formation of an infant church by a few familiar illustrations, I proceeded
from among the converts, rendered our to lay before them the ‘great salvation’
passage very pleasant. On arriving, we by Jesus Christ; to which they listened ictal
found the place nearly filled. Besides with marked interest. When I had opened 4
the mixed assembly, there were present to their view the providence, as well as a
about twenty who had come for examina- grace, of Jesus Christ, through which the
tion, with a view to participate in com- Gospel of salvation had this day come to |
Mmemorating the love of Christ. Those who their house, they appeared much delighted, |
had already been baptized, first came under and expressed their wonder that any person |
review, Another who came forward was a_ should be so interested in them; and come J
young woman who had formerly been a all the way from town to teachthem. I told 7
leader in parties of gaiety and revelry. The them, that as Mr. Peter had prayed for
step she has taken appears bold and decisive; them in their language, I would pray for
it will expose her to obloquy; nor willshe them in mine, as God could tell every
be free from temptations and allurements. body’s language, especially the language of
Seeing her determined, whatever others do, every body’s heart. Thus the service closed,
that she will serve the Lord, her admission and the assembly was broken up. We after-
became clearly a duty; may the grace of wards proceeded to Fort Island, and having 4
Christ be her preservation! Three, who are rested, returned to town; having witnessed d
slaves, now presented themselves for bap- enough to inspire us with praise to God,
tism and admission to communion. Having and to verify the truth of that Divine en-
passed through their examination in a very couragement,—‘ Be not weary in well-do-
Interesting manner, the customary service ing; for in due season ye shall reap, if ye
was proceeded with; after which, three faint not.’ ’’
~ My Ketley bears the most satisfactory testimony to the zealous and persevering labours
of Mr. Peter, and to the excellence of the spirit manifested by him, amidst much opposi-
tion, which his humility and devotedness have greatly tended to subdue. Mr. Peter offi«
ates at Fort Island and Castricome on alternate sabbaths.
The most recent communications respecting this interesting field of labour, convey
[leasing tidings of encouragement, which fully sustain the interest afforded by previous
A rh 4
Missionary wketches, No. UXX.—July, 1830.
intelligence. Mr. Peter states that he has visited other creeks. The Indians at Arawary
manifest their love to the house of God by a diligent attendance on public worship, at
various places where it is held, and by bringing their friends with them. They are also
endeavouring to learn to read. The Caribbees of Schonhoven Creek are very attentive.
They have become acquainted with the elementary truths of Christianity, and have made
some proficiency in reading. Respecting the Indians at Arawa Creek, Mr. Peter writes :—
“They seem to get on in learning to spell; but the thing that gives me most pleasure is,
that they show that they love the Lord Jesus Christ. Iam glad that one of them has
. begun to pray in Arawak.’� Mr. P.’s visits to Tiger Creek have been continued. On
Mr. Ketley’s last visit to Castricome, in the autumn of 1834, he found that the chapel
. had undergone an enlargement: a vestry has also been fitted up for the accommoda-
tion of the minister, forming a sort of wing to the rustic building.
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MISSION CHAPEL, CASTRICOME.
The labours of this devoted teacher, Mr. Peter, have been greatiy extended among the
Indian tribes in the creeks of Essequebo; and, according to his report for 1834, he was
endeavouring, under encouraging circumstances, to instruct the Indians at the following
places, viz. :—Arawary or Castricome, Schonhovyen, Caperwary Creek, Arawa Creek, To-
capeyo Creek, Ocho Creek, Arawagua Creek, Apacury Creek, Barabara Creek, Pirana
Creek, Tiger Creek, Great Creek, and Cuyurucurma Creek.
The Mission among the Indians, on the Essequebo, is a gratifying proof of the zeal and
devotedness of the disciples of the Saviour in Demerara, who, without neglecting the claims
, of the uninstructed apprenticed labourers of the Colony, are steadily pursuing ‘heir com-
mendable efforts to convey the knowledge of the Gospel of salvation to the long-neglected
aborigines. May the Great Head of the Church crown their endeavours with success.
Let the Indian, let the negro,
Let the rude barbarian see
; That divine and glorious conquest
Once obtained on Calvary ;
Let the Gospel
z Wide resound, from pole to pole.
zach person who subscribes to the Missionary Society One penny per week, or more, is entitled to one
of the Quarterly Sketches. Application to be made to the Heeceturien of the ‘Auxiliary Missionary So-
ciety or Association of the district or neighbourhood; who are requested to transmit their orders, with the
r name of the conveyance by which they are to be forwarded, to Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary, Mis-
sion-house, Austin Friars, London. >
; Lonvon; Printed by W. TyLER, Bolt-conrt, Fleet-street,
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