We to those who study the “South America” that after the class has completed the texhbook, a lesson or two lie devoted to this pamphlet called “Southern Baptist Mis- sions in South America.” In this way the class will get a general view of the situation in South America and a par- ticular view of our ow’n work in this field. Use the same method of study that was used in the study of the text-book. Please Note. — The statistics given in this pamphlet are out of date, being for the year 1910. AVe send 1912 statistics herewith. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Columbia University Libraries https://archive.org/details/southernbaptistmOOport Baptist Missions in South tnerica —K,".. ■ .-..rTt: SOUTFIERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA S. J. Porter Foreign Mission Board Southern Baptist Con^vention 'Bjchinond , Virginia 19 10 Our Missionaries BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro (Caixa 352). — 'W. E. Entzminger, Mrs. Entzminger; O. P. Maddox, Mrs. Maddox; J. W. Shepard, Mrs. Shepard; A. B. Langston, Airs. Langston. Santo Antonio de Padua. — D. F. Crcsland, Airs. Crosland. Nova Friburgo. — A. B. Christie, Airs. Christie; W. H. Cannada, ATrs. Cannada. Victoria. — L. M. Reno, Airs. Reno. Sao Paulo. — W. B. Bagby, Airs. Bagby; J. J. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor; F. M. Edwards; Aliss Annie Thomas; A. B. Deter, Mrs. Deter. Santos. — A. L. Dunstan, Airs. Dnnstan. Bahia. — Z. C, Taylor, Airs. Taylor; S. L. Ginsburg, Airs. Ginsburg; C. F. Stapp, Airs. Stapp. Santa Ritta. — E. A. Jackson, Airs. Jackson. Pernambuco. — H. H. Aluirhead, Airs. Aliiirhead; Aliss Genevieve Voorheis; D. L. Hamilton, Airs. Hamilton. Maceio. — R. E. Pettigrew, Airs. Pettigrew. Maranhao. — E. A. Nelson, Airs. Nelson. ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Casilla del Correo, 1571. — S. AI. Sowell, Airs. Sowell; Thomas Spight, Airs. Spight; J. AI. Justice, Airs. Justice; Robert Logan, Airs. Logan. Rosario de Santa Fe, Casilla 230. — J. L. Hart, Airs. Hart; J. C. Quarles, Airs. Quarles. Santa Fe, San Louis 411. — F. J. Fowler, Airs. Fowler. BRAZIL. I. BEGINNINGS. The First Effort. As early as 1859, the Foreign Mis- sion Board attempted a work in Rio de Janeiro under Mr. T. J. Bowen, founder of our Yoruban Mission in Africa; but his health having been seriously impaired by the prolonged service in West Africa, Mr. Bowen found the climate of Brazil not less trying, and, in 1861, re- turned to the United States. On this account and be- cause of obstacles which scarcely could be overcome at that time, the mission was abandoned. An American Colony and a Baptist Church. At the close of the Civil War, a number of Americans emi- grated from the Southern States to Brazil, with the view of making their permanent home in that land. Among these colonists were a number of Baptists who, under the leadership of Mr. E. H. Quillen, organized the first Baptist church of Brazil, with thirty m.embers. at Santa Barbara, in the State of Sao Paulo. In 1879 a request was presented to the Foreign Mis- sion Board from this church in Santa Barbara, asking to be received by the Board as an independent mission, and agreeing to foster every effort that might be made for the evangelization of Brazil; also the Board was a-^ked to conskler Brazil as a mission field, and to send missionaries there as early as it was deemed advisable to do so. In addition to his pastoral work, IMr. Quil- len offered to accept an appointment as missionary to the Brazilians. The Board accepted Mr. Quillen’s preposition, and he was appointed. 4 SOUTHERN BAPTIST .MISSIONS IN SOI TII AMERICA. In November, 1879, a second church was organized by twelve members' from the church at Santa Barbara. A Missionary Resolution. About this time General A. T. Hawthorne, who had spent a number of years in Brazil, but had returned to Texas, expressed deep in- terest in giving the gospel to Brazil. At the meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, at. Lexington, Ky., in 1880, he offered the following resolution, which was ado])ted liy the Convention; “Resolved, That the Board of Foreign Mi- sions be authorized, if they deem it prac- ticable, to appoint additional missionaries for the Mmrk in Brazil.’’ Pursuant with this resolution, Mr. and IMrs. W. B. Bagby, of Texas, were appointed in January, 1881, and in the same month sailed for their future home. Arrival of the Young Missionaries. Arriving in Santa Barbara. Mr. Bagby reported the two churches very \veak. Some discouraging features M^ere in the outlook, but there was also much to encourage. The Brazilians seemed Mulling to hear the gospel, but a year Mmuld be needful to acquire a correct knoMdedge of the language. MeanM^hile there Mmuld be opportunities to preach to the Americans mJio needed it sorely. He urged the send- ing out of other missionaries at once, as it Mmu’d bo advantageous to commence the Mmrk Muth as large a force as possible. Tn May, Mr. Bagby accepted the iiastorate of both the Santa Barbara churches and. in June, he held a pro- tracted meeting vdiich resulted in a gracious revival and the baptism of six converts. Near the close of the year he began preaching in Portuguese to the Brazilians. On the fourth of IMaTch, 1882. i\Ir. and iMrs. Z. C. 'Taylor, of Texas, arrived in Rio de Janeiro, and were met by IMr. Bagby. On the ninth of the same mo ith they reached Campinas, in the State of Sao Paulo. In this city our four young missionaries made tleir home and studied the language. SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 5 Changing Base. After an extended survey of the en- tire field, Messrs. Bagby and Taylor decided to change the base of operations, and settled in Bahia. Before leaving Santa Barbara, Mr. Bagby held another pro- tracted meeting and the church enjoyed a season of revival. Five were baptized and the church was greatly strengthened. Upon the removal of the missionaries to Bahia, the Board made no provision for the churches at Santa Barbara, ’-.oping that they might become able to take care of ti-emselves. Getting a Start. Amving in Bahia, the missionaries rented a large building in the central part of the city, which served both as home and church, the preaching hall accommodating about 200 persons. On the fifteenth of October, 1882, the missionaries organized themselves into the First Baptist Church of Bahia, and were ready to enter upon aggressive work. Early in January, they began public services in the hall, and, although the priests denounced them publicly and issued warning against attending the services, the people continued to come. Many leaflets and tracts were distributed, and the influence of the missionaries stead- ily increased. By the end of 1883, twenty had been baptized, and the little church had grown into a strong body of twenty- five. All of the men of the church prayed in public and were zealous in inducing friends to attend the services. They displayed great heroism in times of persecution and peril, and the success of the missionaries was such that it could not fail to arouse antagonism. Some sol- diers were imprisoned for attending the worship. Mr. Bagby was knocked down while preaching, and on an- other occasion he and his wife were arrested as' he was about to administer the ordinance of baptism. The place where Mr. Taylor was accustomed to preach was stoned, and the city officials joined the mob in deriding the new 6 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. religion. Church members were turned out of their homes and dismissed from business because they preferred to obey God rather than men. As time advanced, the atti- tude of the people changed, and the prejudice seemed to die out. The missionaries attributed this change to the distribution of so many Bibles and tracts. A man on the streets of Bahia was heard to remark that he had never heard before so much talk about the Bible and Teligion. A government official said publicly, “These men who came from the United States are teaching us the true religion of Jesus Christ. They do not seek our money as the priests do, but preach free sal vation through Jesus Christ. This is the true church.” II. THE FIELDS. This brief review of the early stages of our mission work in Brazil prepares us to consider sepavately the different fields. For convenience in this discussion these will be divided into three: The South Coast Field, The East Coast Field and The Amazon Valley. In the South Coast Field we will include all our churches and stations in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo and Sao Faulo, with some reference to the state of Minas Geraes. By the East Coast Field, we mean the states of Bahia and Pernambuco, and the ad- joining states of Sergipe, Alagoas, Parahiba, Piauhy and Goyaz. In the Amazon Valley is included all our work between Cape St. Roque and the mouth of the Amazon, thence following the Amazon to its head-waters in the Andes IMountains. I. THE SOUTH COAST FIELD. As soon as the mission at Bahia was well established, SOUTHEEN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 7 the hope was entertained of opening work in Rio de Janei- ro. the capital of the country, and a center as accessible to all the southern portion of Brazil as Bahia was to the eastern and northern, and a point from which the missionaries could look after the churches at Santa Barbara. This hope was realized in July, 1884, when, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Taylor in Bahia, Mr. and Mrs. Bagby removed to Rio de Ja- neiro. In our study of the South Coast Field, we will give attention to four principal cities: Rio de Janei- ro, Campos, Victoria and Sao Paulo. Each of these cities, with its outlying districts, will be desig- nated as a mission. 1. The Rio de Janeiro Mission. Arriving in Rio, Mr. Bagby secured a large, well located hall and began preaching regularly. The gospel was listened to with attention, and the work was encouraging. On the twenty- fourth of August, a church of four members was organ- ized, and soon thereafter this small body was strengthened by the addition of a lady from Scotland, and several English people. In 1886 the church numbered eighteen members. In 1885, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Daniel and Miss Mina Everett joined the mission force. Mr. E. H. Soper and wife, from England, were, for a time, also members of the Mission. In 1887, Miss Maggie Rice, of St. Joseph, IVIo., came with Mr. and Mrs. Bagby on their return from their first vacation in the home land. This consecrated young missionary had just acquired the language, and began laboring most acceptably, when she was smitten with yellow fever and died. Her death filled the Mission with mourning, and caused great sorrow among friends 8 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. in the home land. In 1889, Miss Emma Morton, who afterwards married Mr. S. L. G-insburg, came to take the place left vacant by the death of Miss Rice. In 1891, the mission was again reinforced by the coming of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Taylor and Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Downing; and again in 1893, by the coming of Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Porter. Mr. W. E. Entzminger and wife came in 1900 from Pernambuco, where they had been laboring since 1891. The First Church in Rio continued to grow through the years. In 1894, the church and workers were greatly rejoiced over securing a building for a chapel. A large part of the money for the house was contributed by Messrs. .loshua and Eugene Levering of Baltimore. The women in Missouri also encouraged the movement and made a liberal contribution, while $1,500 was contrib- uted by the church and friends in Rio toward fitting up and furnishing the building. In 1900, Senhor P. F. Soren, who had been baptized by Mr. Bagby, and who had studied in William Jewell College and the Southern Bap- tist Theological Seminary, became the pastor of this church. Under his wise and enthusiastic leadership the church has grown in numbers, efficiency and power. In 1908 it had a membership of 300, reported seventy-five baptisms, and $3,893 contributed to all purposes. It is self-supporting and contributes liberally for the support of the gospel in other parts. From this beginning the Mission has grown until now we have nine churches with a total membership of 705, and eighteen out-stations where preaching is maintained with more or less regularity. Nictheroy. This is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro, and is situated across the bay from the city of Rio. Early in the history of the Mission a church was organized here and maintained for several years. Dur- ing the naval revolt in 1893, the little church suffered SOUTIIERX BAPTTvST MISSIOX8 TX SOUTH AMERICA. 9 greatly, their preaching hall being badly injured by the explosion of bombs from the guns of the revolting war- ships. After several years of fluctuating experience, the FIRST CHURCH, RIO church disbanded, and the members joined in Rio. In 1900, it was re-organized, and from the very beginning of its new existence “won the martyr’s crown,” for it soon became the object of bitter persecution by the Romanists. 3 0 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. One Sunday night the rented hall was invaded by a mob, the believers, gathered for the worship of God, were beaten and scattered, and then everything in the house was taken out into the street, saturated with kerosene oil and set on fire; but in the face of this opposition the little band is faithful and aggressive. Engenho de Dentro. This is a suburb of Rio where, in 1901, a church was organized with eighteen members, who had received letters from the First Church at Rio. In spite of some internal dissensions, this church has made good progress. They have a membership of sixty- seven, and a house of worship nearly paid for. Last year the average contribution per member was ten dollars. Parahyba do Sul. This town is on the railroad, about five hours’ ride from Rio. The church here was organ- ized in 1895, and was composed of the members of a Pedo-Baptist church who had become dissatisfied on the question of baptism, through a discussion carried on in the Boas Novas, the mission paper published at that time. They began to read the New Testament for themselves, and determined to obey its teachings. They sent for one of our missionaries who, after giving in- struction in Baptist principles, baptized almost the en- tire membership and organized them into a church. This little band has had some trying experiences, and at one time the outlook seemed dark. INIuch of its success is due to one good woman, who held on and brought the church through a great crisis. At one time she sold her cow and calf for fifty dollars, which she gave to the cause. At present the prospect for the church is more hopeful. Anta. At this small town, two hours farther along on the railway, Mr. W. E. Entzminger and Senhor Soren or- ganized a church in December, 1902, composed of forty- nine members, forty-four of whom had been baptized during the year. Senhor Soren was elected pastor, in SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 11 addition to his strenuous duties with the first Church at Rio. This church has had a wonderful growth. Within one year its membership increased to 141. It is situated among the mountains, and the mountain people come in great numbers to the services. The people call the mem- bers of the church “boas vidas” (good lives), because they claim that those who profess faith in Christ should lead a good life. In 1903, they built for themselves a good house of worship, and at that time had five out- stations. In 1904 there w re 107 baptisms, and churches were organized at three of its out-stations — Sapucaia, Barao de Aquino and Pea. The Mission has two other churches — Valenca and Ilhado Governador (Governor’s Island, situated in the beautiful Rio bay). 2. Campos Mission. In 1890, a very promising Mis- sion was opened in the central part of the State of Rio de Janeiro, at Campos. The city is a railroad center, enjoys river navigation for steamers, and is sur- lounded by a fine section of country. On his first visit to this city, Mr. Bagby was so encouraged by the pros- pect that he arranged to leave a native brother on the field and, through the liberality of one of the members of the church at Rio, the expense of furnishing a hall was promptly met. The attendance on public preaching was good, and from time to time, Mr. Bagby came to the city to baptize converts. The ordinance was oftentimes ad- ministered at night in the Parahyba River. Campos First Church. In March, 1891, a church of ten members was constituted. On the same occasion four were baptized and one was received for baptism. Thus the little church entered upon its work with fifteen mem- bers. For about two years the church had an uninter- rupted growth under the ministry of Mr. J. L. Down- ing, who, in 1893. was compelled to return to the United States on account of Mrs. Downing’s failing health. Early in 1894, Mr. S. L. Ginsburg, about whose connection with 12 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. the Mission more will be said later, was compelled to leave Nictheroy because of the troubles which that city suffered on account of the naval revolt, and came to Campos, where he remained until 1900, proving him- self to be a g’reat soul-winner and church builder. After much hard work and great sacrifices, a house of worship was completed in the summer of 1898. At its dedication practically the whole city assembled. City and state officials attended, offered their congratulations, and heard the gospel preached. The church continued to grow in numbers and consecration. In 1900, Mr. Ginsburg re- moved to Pernambuco, and Mr. A. L. Dunstan and wife, who had recently come to Brazil, took charge of the Mission. Mr. Dunstan remained here doing aggressive and constructive work until the spring of 1906, when he had a severe attack of yellow fever, and was compelled to return to the States for recuperation. The burden of the work then fell upon Mr. D. F. Crosland, who, with his wife, had joined the mission in 1905. The church has continued to grow, and after sending out a large number of members to form other churches, reported last year 128 members who contributed for all objects $813. Sao Fidel is. In this neighboring city a church was or- ganized by Mr. S. L. Ginsburg, in July, 1894, with five members of the Campos Church, who were residing in Sao Fidelis. It was here where Mr. Ginsburg had been im- prisoned for preaching the gospel, and his congregations repeatedly scattered, but this persecution only served to awaken interest and to unite the believers in stronger bonds of love. In July, 1899, a handsome church building was dedicated. The lot on which the chapel was built was given by a deacon, who afterwards became pastor of the church. The money was contributed by the members, and at no time was the church any expense to the Mis- sion, except the traveling expenses of the missionary. The man who built the chapel gave his work in memory SOUTHERN RAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH A;MERTCA. 13 of his' beloved son, a member of the church who had died of yellow fever. He paid the expense of its con- struction on condition that the church would pay him CHURCH AT SAO FIDELIS. lierpetually six per cent, interest on the money spent, but immediately after the dedication of the chapel, this broth- er, who had himself been dangerously ill, was able to be 14 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. baptized. On coming up out of the water he exclaimed, “Now, I want to give all to Jesus,” and so in the act of his baptism the whole debt against the church was settled. The growth of this church in the midst of fierce persecution has been one of the, most encouraging feat- ures about our work in Brazil. The secret of the growth is found in the active part which the members take in the work. It seems that they have discovered and fol- low the scriptural plan of evangelizing. This sentence from the annual report of the Mission explains it all: “As soon as a member receives baptism, he makes it his duty to go and preach to his relatives and friends, and this has brought about many wonderful cases of con version.” With such a spirit prevailing in the church, we are not surprised to learn that by the year 1903, Mr. Dunstan was able to report that there were three out- stations, and colonies had gone out to form four new churches: Ernesto Machado, Rio Negro. Rio Prato and Aperibe. This Sao Fidelis church is a fine illustration of the expansive power of the missionary passion in the lives of those who are willing to suffer and labor for the cause of truth. This church has not suffered by sending out colonies to form other churches. Last year it received forty-seven members by baptism and is now, througti the activities of its membership, sustaining twenty-two out-stations. At present it has 227 members. There are eight other churches in the Mission, wuth a total member- ship of over 500. The entire Campos IMissIon, it will be seen, is com- posed of fourteen churches, and maintains 110 out-sta- tions where the gospel is preached. It reported in 1908. 379 baptisms, nineteen Sunday Schools, and contributed for all purposes, $3,195.31. INIr. and IMrs. D. F. Crosland are our missionaries in charge. Recently l\Ir. and Mrs. A. B. Christie have joined the Mission, which also has a SOUTHERiV BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 15 native working force of three ordained and ten iinor- dained ministers. 1. Victoria Mission. The state of Espirito Santo, one of the smallest states of the Republic, lies along the At- lantic coast, between the state of Rio de Janeiro on the south, and Bahia on the north. Its capital is Victoria, which is the central station of our Victoria Mission. This city had been visited from time to time by different mis- sionaries, and a little church was organized in 1903. In BAI’TIST CHTTRCH AT VICTORIA. September, 1904, Mr. L. M. Reno and wife took charge of the Mission, which has had a remarkable growth. It now embraces eight churches, each having its own native pastor. The Victoria Church reported last year 165 members and thirty-five baptisms. It supports fifteen out- stations and contributed last year $500. After much sac- rifice this church has succeeded in erecting a very beau- tiful house of worship at a cost of $3,156, and a native pastor preaches to large congregations. 16 SOUTHERTSr BAPTIST :\rrSSIOXS IX south AMERICA. The Rio Novo Church was organized in 1904. A busi- ness man. who Avas a Baptist and a member of one of cur churches, Avent to this city to live. Upon his invita- tion, the missionary came and preached, and soon a church was established, which has about 12.5 members, sustains six out-stations, and last year reported. tAventy-four bap- tisms. Though the persecution has been severe, the church has prospered. At one time the congregation Avas attacked by a mob, driven to the streets and neighboring houses, and everything in the house broken and burned, even to the Brazilian flag. This persecution continued in an attack on the believers in their OAvn homes. The local police failed to suppress these attacks, so Mr. Reno applied to the governor of 'the state, Avho sent a force by the first train to restore order. After this fearful onslaught many hearts were opened to receive the gos- pel. and Mr. Reno baptized twenty-six converts at one time. The young people of this church are very active in seeking to Avin others to Christ. The members noAv sustain a good school for their children. The church at Eeperanca (Hope) is in the southern part of the state. In 1905 the missionary made a visit to this locality and, after preaching for a number of days, baptized tAventy persons and organized a church. Cachoeiro. Gastello and Capim are neAv churches, organ- ized in 1909. Bugre, Jose Pedro. These tAvo churches, each Avith a membership of a score or more, are situated in the great state of Minas Geraes, Avest of Espirito Santo, and are visited occasionally by the missionary from Victoria. Other churches organized several years ago in the state are Juiz de Fora. Barbacena and Bello Horizonte, the capital. For lack of a resident missionary, the Avork in this state has neA^er been Augorously pushed. It is a most inviting field, and a missionary is greatly needed to go and occupy it at once, SOUTHEKN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 17 The Victoria field is one of great promise. The Mis- sion is well organized and the members of the churches are united and aggressive. At several outstations the prospect is bright for the early organization of churches. Much has been done toward securing the good will of the masses of the people and the future is full of hope and encouragement. 4. Sao Paulo Mission. Sao Paulo, with its 350,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the state of the same name. This is the greatest coffee producing state and has much wealth. The beautiful city is growing rapidly in every way and is one of the strategic points of influence in the country. For many years it has been a center of mis- sionary effort for our Presbyterian and Methodist friends, still a conservative estimate places the number of con- verted people in the city at not more than 2,000. Here is a great mass of humanity in dire need of the gospel: The people are enlightened, progressive and liberal- minded. It is a fine field for mission work. Sao Paulo, First Church. In 1899 Mr. J. J. Taylor and Mr. J. L. Downing, with their wives, and Misses Wilcox and Stenger, who had been teaching at Bello Horizonte in the state of Minas Geraes, came to this city. They soon fitted up a neat preaching hall in the central part of the city, and, in July, organized a church of eighteen members, which now has more than 150 members and reported last year forty baptisms. This church, in its unity and purposefulness, stands as a triumph of the gos- pel. It is cosmopolitan in character, having in its mem- bership some twelve nationalities — American, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian, African, German, Pole, and Russian, besides several mixed races. Mr, A. B. Deter is the pastor, having been transferred from the Rio Mission, where for several years he did excellent work. Santos. This is the largest coffee port in the world, 18 SOUTHEIiN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. and is a very important point for evangelization. Last year more than 35,000 immigrants disembarked at this city and more than 200,000 passed through en transit. The man who occupies this field will have an opportunity of preaching to people from every section of the earth. We have here a little church, organized in 1904. Regard- ing the baptism of some of the first members of this church, Mr. W. B. Bagby wrote the following description: “Last Sunday night we had a beautiful baptismal scene down at Santos, when, after preaching, a group of brethren and friends went out to the ocean beach and there, as the waves dashed up about us, I buried four candidates in the foaming waters in baptism. These were all men — two of them soldiers. The moon threw a soft light over the scene and it was most impressive and solemn.’’ Mr. A. L. Dunstan, who worked faithfully for a num- ber of years in the Campos and Rio Missions, was trans- ferred last year to this inviting but difficult field. Alto da Serra is a prosperous little city on the rail- road half way between Santos and Sao Paulo. Our church here was organized in 1905 and a house for the services was given by a liberal railroad official. This little church has prospered in the midst of great oppo- sition. Jundiahy is a thriving city of 1 5,000 inhabitants. We have here a thriving little church of forty-five members, which was organized in 1903. The church sustains in part their pastor evangelist, pays his traveling expenses to other points, and pays the rent of their preaching hall. The congregations are good; there is a live Sunday school; also a prosperous Young People’s LTnion, which is doing much for the development of the young people. It was with this church that the Association of the State of Sao Paulo held its first session in December, 1904. Campinas. Campinas is a city of 40,000 people and is SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 19 an important railroad center. Here Mr. Bagby and Mr. Taylor, with their wives, spent some time in studying the language in 1882 before leaving the state of Sao Paulo to open the work in Bahia. In 1907 three earnest Chris- tians rented a house, opened it for preaching, and asked the Mission to send them a preacher whenever possible. This was done, and at once the congregations were large, interest developed, and a church was organized, which now has above fifteen members, who contributed last year upon an average of $30 per member. Santa Barbara. This is the church of which Mr. Bagby was pastor for about one year while he was learning the Portuguese language and from which the rerniest came to the Foreign Mission Board to send missionaries to Brazil. Through the years the little church has continued to exist. Many times, when they had no regular pastor, our missionaries, while there was no regular mission in Sao Paulo, visited the church and thus the interest was kept alive. From this American Baptist colony have gone out some very fine workers for the cause of the Master in other parts. At present it has about thirty members. Tambahu. This town is located in one of the richest coffee districts. The church here was organized in 1905. The pastor, who is also a colporter under the employ- ment of the London Bible Society, goes out to preach the gospel in adjacent districts. It is a promising field. Nova Odessa. This is a Russian colony and here we have a live, active Russian Baptist church, with about seventy- five members, who carry on their own work and are ready to help evangelize their neighbors and the rest of the world. They have a flourishing Sunday school, and one of our missionaries says, “I doubt if there is a better choir to be found anywhere than they have. It would be a wise thing if our Board could find and send out a strong, consecrated man who can speak the Lettish Ian- 20 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. guage to work among the Russians of this' state, with the Nova Odessa church as his base of operations.” At Corombatahy, a neighboring village, a second Rus- sian church was organized in June, 1908. II. THE EAST COAST FIELD. As previously stated, the East Coast Field includes the states of Bahia and Pernambuco and several ad- joining states, the entire field co veering a territory more than three times as large as Texas. In this field we have three missions — Bahia, Pernambuco and Alagoas. 1. Bahia Mission. In our story of the “beginnings” an account was given of the organization of our First Church in Bahia. After Mr. and Mrs. Bagby removed to flio in 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor re- mained in Bahia until 1887, when, broken in health, they were forced to return to the United States. On account of poor health, Miss Everett also left the field. Re- turning in 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor took up the work again and Mr. C. D. Daniel, who, in their absence, had had over- sight of the Mission, removed to the South Coast Field. In the same year Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Barker came to the Mission, but, on account of the ill health of the latter, were soon compelled to leave the field. In 1893 Mr. R. E. Neighbour came, and, after remaining two years, returned to the United States. August 19, 1894, the Mission was bereft by the death of Mrs. Z. C. Taylor, who, with marked patience and con- secration, had stood by her husband in their noble work for more than twelve years. Z. C, TAVLOR. SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 21 An event of special interest in the history of this Mis- sion was the conversion of Mr. S. L. Ginsburg to Baptist views, and his baptism by Mr. Taylor, in 1891. Mr. Ginsburg is a Russian by birth and his father was a Jewish Rabbi in that country. He was converted by reading the New Testament. His father disinherited him, but he says: “Jesus, my Savior, did not fail me, for He took me up.” Expelled from his Russian home, Mr. Ginsburg went to Germany, where he studied eight years. Later he went to London to enter business. Deciding to become a missionary, he entered Grattan-Guinness Col- lege and later was sent out as a missionary to Brazil, where he worked as a self-supporting missionary with the views of a Congregationalist. Through conversation with Mr. Taylor and others, he received light on God’s Word and, after making a thorough study of the subject of baptism, asked to be received into the church of Bahia. Concerning himself, Mr. Ginsburg wrote at that time: “The ways of God are unknown to us' mortals. The way the Lord has led, chosen and prepared me for this work is almost impossible to describe, and yet, I feel sure that He has called me to be one, though the weakest, of His helpers in the glorious cause of Christ in Brazil.” These words seem prophetic in the light of what God has accomplished through the man who wrote them. After serving in various other missions, in 1909 he came back to Bahia and took charge of the work during IMr. Taylor’s absence on a visit to the United States. In the same year the Mission was reinforced by the coming of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Stapp. Under the direction of Messrs. Ginsburg and Stapp, the work continues to prosper. In 1895, Miss Laura Barton, a former missionary to China, married Mr. Z. C. Taylor, during a vacation in the United States, and has proven to be a most valuable addition to the Mission, having conducted with marked success the Girls’ School in Bahia. 22 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. Bahia First Church. Through all the years of the Mis- sion’s history, this venerable mother church has con- tinued to prosper. It has been a kind of storm center in the great evangelistic campaign which has been carried on in all this section of Brazil. Early in its history it succeeded in securing a house of worship, the members contributing $1,000 and the Foreign Mission Board appro- priating $4,000. This house was the old Inquisition Build- ing, once the scene of imprisonment and torture. By an underground passage it was connected with the home of the Archbishop of Brazil. Though built more than one hundred and fifty years ago, it is still a substantial struc- ture. Being offered for sale at a low figure, it was bought and repaired and is now a commodious house of wor- ship for the First Baptist Church of Bahia. From Inquisi- tion Building to Baptist meeting house! Is this not a miracle of transformation? Peace and harmony have not always prevailed in this church. There have been some dissensions and oppositions. Several years ago a second church was constituted, and between this new church and the mother church there was a spirit of unfriendly rivalry, but all this came to an end in the summer of 1909, when a glorious reunion service was held and all differences were settled. On this occasion the gentle spirit of for- giveness and loving-kindness filled the hearts of the mem- bers of both churches. Senhor Tomaz L. Costa, superin- tendent of the Sunday school of the First Church, writing about the meeting says, that the Spirit of God was so manifest that “heaven seemed to be very near.” The Bahia Mission has twenty-nine churches. In this space it will be impossible to give historical sketches of all of these, but reference to the beginnings of a few will illustrate the pioneering methods used in evangelizing this vast territory. Alagoinhas was one of the first churches established SOUTHEIiN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 23 in the interior. Mr. Taylor, in company with a colporter, had made several visits to this city and a preaching hall nan been openea, where services had been held with more or less regularity. In the summer of 1890 small- pox became epidemic in the city. Hearing of the dis- iiess caused by it, some of the members of the church ill Bahia decided to go to the relief of the sufferers. Six men and women volunteered and Mr. Taylor accompanied them, the railroad furnishing passes. They found more than one hundred cases — some huddled together in old houses, on pieces of planks or mats^ and some on the ground. The hospitals were little better than places of negligence and death; the ignorant and superstitious people refused medical treatment and w^ent into hiding rather than be carried to the hospitals. There w^ere only two nurses to look after the victims, and these locked the doors at night and went home, leaving them to live or die. After conferring with the authorities and the physician in charge, and rendering such service as lay in his powder, Mr. Taylor returned to raise money for the relief of the sick. As the epidemic declined the pub- lic began to realize the condition of affairs and the mem- bers of the Bahia church w^ere able to return home, after having given tw^enty days to alleviating the suffering in Alagoinhas. The church was founded and fostered in this atmosphere of love and sympathy. Vargem Grande was founded in 1890. The native preacher, who organized the church and became its first pastor, was for a number of years, supported by funds contributed by a number of our Baptist churcnes in Mex- ico. A house of wmrship was built and paia lor by the members, and the church soon undertook the support of its pastor. Jequie, one of the strongest churches in the Mission wms organized by a native evangelist in 1902, with seven- teen members. In a brief time there w-ere more than 24 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 100 members, a commodious house of worship and pas- tor’s home were built, and immediately the church began to pay their pastor’s salary. This pastor first became in- terested in the gospel by reading the New Testament. Hearing of the missionaries in Bahia, he made a journey to that city to learn the way of salvation more per- fectly. While there he was baptized. Later he returned and was ordained. The church above described is one of the first fruits of his labors, and the story of its be- ginnings illustrates the early history of many of our churches in this Mission. Amargosa. An entrance into Amargosa, one of the best commercial cities in the interior of the state of Bahia, was effected in a peculiar way. Two gentlemen from Amargosa, one a captain and the other a colonel, called BATISMAL SCENE IN VALENCA RIVER. to beg him to visit them and preach to the people the gospel of the Lord Jesus. They had bought a Bible and several tracts from a colporter who passed through Amar- gosa, and, after reading and re-reading the Bible, had SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 25 on Mr. Ginsburg one day, and told him they had come become so interested that they longed to know more about it. Seeing his address on one of the tracts, they had come to him for more light on the wonderful words of the Book. Mr. Ginsburg seized the first opportunity to make a trip to Amargosa, and was deeply gratified at the kindly reception accorded him and the interest mani- fested in his message. Large numbers attended the ser- vices, listening profoundly, with eager faces and bent heads. “It seemed,” said Mr. Ginsburg, “as if the Spirit of the Lord was awakening them from a long sleep. The priest expostulated with the president of the municipal house for buying a Bible without the bishop’s permis- sion and for countenancing Protestants. The president replied: ‘Sir, priest, I also have judgment and a con- science.’ ” Our church at this place now has 45 members. Conquista is an interior town, 250 miles from Bahia. The church was organized in 1900, with fifty-five members. From the first the church has sustained their own pas- tor, and were able, unaided, to build a handsome house of worship. Writing of this work, Mr. Taylor says: “It pays to extend the work interior. I made a long trip through the country, and found this flourishing church with 150 members, under the leadership of a native pas- tor. They had built a spacious house of worship and pastorium. They sustain their pastor, and a wonderful work of transformation has been wrought in the lives of many.” Santa Ritta, Petrolina and Corrente. During several years, Mr. Taylor, in company with some of his evange- lists and colporters, made frequent trips up the great San Francisco River into the upper part of the state of Bahia and the interior states of Piauhy, Minas Geraes and Goyaz. Some of these trips extended almost a thou- sand miles from the coast and required two or three months. On these tours the gospel was preached in 26 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. many towns and communities, and many tracts distri- buted and Bibles sold; but not until 1899 was a mis- sionary secured to give all his time to this interior work. This missionary was IMr. E. A. .Jackson, who came to the Mission from the Christian Alliance, and was bap- tized and ordained for the far interior work. After mak- ing several trips through the great San Francisco val- ley, and witnessing the needs of its more than one mil- lion people and their interest in the gospel wherever it was proclaimed, Mr. Jackson was convinced that a launch would greatly facilitate the work of evangeliza- tion, and so he began to pray that the I.ord would make it possible for him to procure a launch which he might use in this way. While on a visit to the United States, he mentioned his desire to some friends who united with him in the prayer. As he pressed his work, for some time it seemed that his prayer would not be answered, but. after several months, he received an assurance that God was at work, for he received a contribution of $1.00, sent by a poor sewing woman, toward the pur- chase of the boat. Greatly rejoiced, he praised God by faith for the entire amount, of which this dollar was a pledge. After long waiting, another contribution of $2.00 was sent. This' was followed by a brother in New York stating that he had $100 to invest in the boat. An editor in Louisville, Ky., became interested, mentioned the mat- ter in his paper, and after a time, was able to send $150. Thus the amount grew larger and larger; people in Bra- zil, in England, and on board steamers’, made contribu- tions, until the total amounted to more than $400. A manufacturer in New York offered to give a reduction on the list price by building the launch for $500. After much prayer, the order was placed, while nearly $100 of the purchase money was lacking. This amount Mr. Jackson’s mother was able to secure from friends whom she had in- vited to dine with her at her home, in Abingdon, Va., on the SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 27 day before ber son’s departure on his returning to Bra- zil. As he paid in the purchase money, he says the manu- facturers seemed to be touched by the telling of how it had been secured, and at their own expense provided $50 worth of extras. The agent of the steamship company offered to transport it to Bahia for $50, which amount some friends were moved to give on the day before sail- ing. The governor of the state of Bahia approved the plan, and secured permission for operating the boat on the river; and one of the directors of more than 300 miles of railroad, over which the boat had to pass to the river, had it transported free of charge. In closing the story of his boat, and how it was secured, Mr. Jackson says: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” The launch was dedi- cate free of debt, the entire cost, including transporta- tion, being about $700. Mr. Taylor says: “This is the third vessel ever used for missions in South America — the first being used by Allen Gardiner on the Falkland Islands; the second on the Orinoco River, and this, the third one, on Brazilian waters.” In this launch, Mr. Jackson has made many trips, visiting many towns and preaching the gospel to thousands of people. His terri- tory is about 1,500 miles long and 500 miles wide, com- prising parts of five states. Three churchs have been established, Santa Pitta, Pe- trol ina and Cornete. The two last named support their own native pastor. Mr. Jackson is pastor of the Santa Ritta church, and has his home there. All three of these churches have built good houses of worship. There are many out-stations, where the gospel is preached from time to time. The Bahia Mission has twenty-one other churches, all under the care of native pastors, and thirty-five out-sta- tions. Space forbids telling, even briefly, the story of these churches. Their names are given as follows: 28 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. Cruz de Cosme, Plataforma, Valenca, Castro Alves, Bel- monte, Cap'm, Arroznovo, Olhos d’Agua, Felicia, Genebra, San Antonio. Rio Salsa, Pede Serra, Areia, Duas Barras, Genipapo, S. Miguel, Guandu, Irara, Riacho and Ribeirao Bicho. Guandu was organized last year, with forty-nine members, and reached ninety-two before the close of the year. A deputy sheriff directs the worship. Cruz de Cosme and Plataforma are within the City of Bahia. The three last named are new churches, organized in 1909. 2. Pernambuco Mission. The Pernambuco Mission em- braces the state of Pernambuco, and, for convenience of operation, is divided into five districts: Recife District, Nazareth District, Limoeiro District, Gravata District, and the Palmares District. Recife District. The City of Pernambuco, otherwise known as Recife, is the capital of the state, and has a population of about 280,000. About 1890, Mr. Z. C. Tay- lor and some of his native assistants visited this city, preaching at irregular intervals. A church was orga- nized, but, for lack of attention, little progress was made. In the summer of 1892, Mr. W. E. Entzminger, who had been in Bahia for about a year, removed to Pernambuco, which seemed to be one of the most inviting fields in Brazil. Many seemed anxious to hear the gospel as pro- claimed by our Baptist missionary. The church was re-orga- nized with twenty members from the former organization, together with five new ones, and began a career of re- markable growth. Mr. Entzminger remained on the field until October, 1900, when he removed to the Rio de Ja- neiro Mission, and Mr. Ginsburg came on the field. The First Church in Pernambuco has continued to make steady progress, and has now about 450 members. Besides this First Church, three others have been orga- nized within the city: Cordeiro, Gamelleiro and Torre. Two others, Joboatao and Cabo, are within the suburbs of the city. SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 29 The work at Cabo had a most interesting beginning. Two ministerial students visited the place to see what the outlook might be for work. They spent almost the entire day in walking up and down the streets without telling anybody their business. As they were about ready to leave without having found any encouragement at all, they saw a large frame hanging on the wall as they passed the door of a certain house, and in this frame was a verse of Scripture in large letters. One said to the other. “There are Christians in that house, because I see the sign.” Sure enough, when they knocked at the door, they found three very devout believers, who encouraged them to come and preach the gospel in the community. This was the beginning of what proved to be a most prosperous work. All six of the Pernambuco churches are fairly pros- perous. The five new churches are largely the result of work done by members' of the First Church. Besides these six churches, preaching is carried on at seventeen out-stations. At many of these we may expect churches to be organized in the future. When Mr. Ginsburg left the field in the summer of 1909, to take charge of the work in Bahia, Mr. D. L. Hamilton came from Maceio and assumed the oversight of the Mission. Shortly after his coming a revival of unusual interest was held. i\Irs. Hamilton, writing of this meeting, says; “During the last two or three weeks Ave have had an old-time revival in the First Church of Pernambuco. A native, who is a hard worker and an earnests peaker, did the preaching. Great crowds came to hear him. filling the church some nights to overflowing. One night seven- teen joined the church, and on the last night of the meeting about twenty persons Avere baptized in the bap- tistry before a congregation of some 400 people. “The meeting closed August 29th, but the interest con- 30 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. tinned. September 1st, five were baptized; again five more on September 5th. “The interest exists not only in the First Church, but also in the other Baptist churches and out-stations in this city, and in the churches of the interio’. “It is calculated that, on August 29th, 3,000 people heard the gospel preached by Baptist preachers in Pernambuco. Services were held in the morning at the two largest churches'; in the afternoon, two open-air services were held, and at night services in all the churches and out- stations, “The seed has been sown during many years, and now the harvest is at hand. God is indeed blessing the preach- ing of His Word to the saving of many souls.” Nazareth District. This field lies in the northeastern part of the state, and includes the Nazareth Church, with its many preaching places, and the churches in Jardim. Goyanna and Timbauba. The Nazareth Church was organized in 1896. Hr. Entz- minger had made several previous visits to this city, and a growing interest in the gospel was the result of his preaching. The little church was born amid bittef persecution. Services had been held for several months in a rented hall, when one night it was entered by un- known parties who took the oil from the lamps and saturated the Bible, organ and other furnishings, and set fire to them. The family living next door, awakened by the flames and smoke, hastened to the scene, and succeeded in arresting the fire, but not until the furniture had been destroyed. The next morning there was great rejoicing in the town over the destruction of the Bap- tist preaching hall. A few days afterward, iMr, Entz- minger went to Nazareth to investigate the matter. He was met at the station by about a thousand people, armed with clubs, knives and pistols, to despatch the heretic, but the governor had sent soldiers with him, and SOUTIIERX BAPTIST MTSSIOXS TX SOUTH AMERICA. 31 the tirrhulent mob was converted into a friendly escort. The attendance at the service he conducted was greatly increased, and a new impetus seemed to be given to the cause of truth. He continued preaching for several days, and organized the converts into a church. From the be- ginning it was entirely self-supporting, contributing the first year for different purposes about $275. Soon a lot was secured, and, at an immense sacrifice on the part of the members a chapel was erected which was dedicated in August, 1897. Several of the members of the congre- gation owned brickyards, while some of the others were bricklayers, and still others were carpenters. So that, in spite of being poor, they themselyes, with but little out- side help, built their own chapel. The Jardim Church was organized in 1906, and now has forty- six members. The church at Goyanna was organized in 1893. Its growth has been slow, but some of the members haye 32 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. shown wonderful devotion, and have made great sacri- fices. The Timbauba Church was organized in 1900. The membership here is small but faithful. One of the mem- bers, an extensive farmer, was not able to make any- thing from his farm for a year after he accepted the gospel and united with the church. His unfriendly neigh- bors persecuted him severely, burning down all the sugar- cane that he planted, and destroying his other crops. In the midst of it all he was patient, and the gospel has met with great success in the city and adjacent com- munities. The Limoeiro District. This district lies in the north- western part of the State of Pernambuco. Here we have six churches: Limoeiro, Mheitas, Outeiro, Moganga, Urus and Figueiras, and twenty other preaching places. The Gravata District. This field lies west of the City of Pernambuco, and is easily reached by railway. Here three churches have been organized and four out-stations have been established. While there has been no marked outward persecution, still the work has been hindered by secret and persistent opposition. Many of the best people are favorable to the gospel, but hesitate to make open declaration of their faith. The Palmares District. This lies south of Pernambuco. It is also reached by railway. Three churches have been organized, and there are many communities in which the gospel has been preached to people who gladly hear. The work in the Pernambuco Mission has made notable progress, though not without difficulty, but the difficulties have often proved to be like stepping-stones to larger success. Mr. W. H. Cannada, who joined the Mission in 1902, tells about a Bible burning in the City of Pernam buco. The Anti-Protestant League, a Catholic organiza- tion, formed for opposing the gospel, decided to make a grand rally on the occasion of the League’s first anniver- SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 33 sary in the city, September 27, 1903. They published about two weeks beforehand a very extensive and elabo- rate program, a part of which is as follows: “There will be burnt twenty-six Bibles, forty-two New Testaments, forty-five copies of the Gospel of Matthew; Luke, nine copies; John, twelve copies; Mark, four; and Acts, nine.” In the list also were included many other books and about 300 copies of different religious evangelical papers. According to the program, the bishop was to preside. Soon after the notice of this Bible burning appeared, Mr. Ginsburg telegraphed to the National Congress in Rio de Janeiro. The matter was discussed vigorously before that body, and finally the governor of Pernambuco sent an order to the chief of police to prevent the burnnig in pub- lic. But lest there should be a complete defeat of the vile purpose, the Bibles were burnt in the backyard of the church. On a former occasion, February 22d, of the same year, 214 Bibles were burnt before the public. Some one managed to get one from the burning pile, and the partially burnt title page of the New Testament was photographed and published in one of the daily papers. This greatly stirred up many people in the city, and opened the way for proclaiming the gospel. 3. Alagoas Mission. Alagoas is one of the smallest states in Brazil, and lies’ just south of the state of Pernambuco. This Mission reports five churches and five out-stations. Maceio, the capital city, has a population of about 25,000, and is the principal city of this Mission. As early as 1885, fifty persons in that city began studying the scriptures, which had been secured from a colporter. As their interest deepened they sent a message to Bahia, ask- ing some one to come and explain the gospel. One of the native workers, Senhor Teixeira, who was a native of Maceio, made two visits to the city, and preached to large congregations. This was the beginning of our 34 SOUTHER]^ BAPTIST LIISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. mission work there. Soon a preaching hall was opened, and a few converts were baptized. Later a native worker named John Baptista was stationed there, and a church was organized. The prog'ress was very slow, but in 1893 the church numbered sixty-six members. At this time Mr. Joseph Aden came and took up the work, and remained for two years, during which time some advancement was made. When Mr. Aden retired from the field the work was kept up principally by a deacon of the church, Sen- or Manuel Lins, a godly, zealous man, who was tactful in approaching his countrymen, many of whom he led to Christ. In 1901, Mr. J. E. Hamilton came to the Mis- sion, which now consisted of two churches, iMaceio and Rio Largo, and one mission station. Under his ministry the Maceio church grew rapidly. Within two years it reached a membership of more than 140. After iMr. Ham- ilton left for the Amazon Valley the church prospered under the direction of a native pastor, under whose lead- ership it continued to grow until it rose to a member- ship of about 250. In 1908, however, a revolt arose within the church, and the membership was greatly divided, and the cause suffered fearfully. Later Mr. D. L. Hamil- ton, a brother of the noble man who died in Para, came to this field. After much faithful work by this earnest man, the church entered upon a new era of prosperity. Many who had been deluded into revolt returned, and, in 1908, there were many converts and baptisms. Other churches in the Alagoas Mission are Rio Largo, Pilar, Penedo and Atalaia. The last named has built a good house of worship. The entire state of Alagoas is ripe for the gospel. There are many places which might be won easily if there were more workers. The Mission is now enjoying its best season of prosperity under the leadership of Rev. R. E. Pettigrew, who came from the Bahia ^Mission about two years ago. SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 35 III. THE AMAZON VALLEY P'lELD. Ill this field are included the northeast coast of Brazil from Cape St. Roque to the mouth of the Amazon River and the valley of the great river from Para to its sources in the Andes Moun- tains. In extent, it covers a terri- tory about 3,500 miles in length, with an average width of 1,000 miles. It has a population of about 4,500,000, and is one of the most difficult and extensive mission fields in the world. In this vast territory we have about fifteen E. A. NELSON. chuTches, and as many out-stations. This entire field will be studied as one Mission. Natal, just south of Cape St. Roque, is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, and has a population of about 25,000. The church in this city was organized December 3, 1896, with thirteen members, by Mr. W. E. Entzminger, who at that time was in charge of the Per- nambuco Mission. It entered upon its’ existence with every promise of prosperity and usefulness. Its member- ship was composed of some of the best families in the place. It began by defraying its own expenses, except salary of the native pastor, who, for twenty-five years, had been a public school teacher, well known and highly respected. He was ordained to the ministry in Pernam- buco, December 12th, and went immediately to take charge of the newly organized church. For about two years it enjoyed great prosperity, and then strife arose among some of the members which greatly retarded the work. It has had a checkered history, a slow but steady growth. Para. In 1891, Mr. E. A. Nelson, who is worthily called 36 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. “The Apostle of the Amazon,” came to this great field. Of Swedish parentage, he came to America in 1869, and lived for a number of years in Kansas. Coming to Bra- zil as a self-supporting missionary, he endured trials, hardships and privations that would have daunted a less faithful and courageous soul. Mrs. Nelson, to whom he was engaged when he left Kansas, went out to Brazil and married him in 1893. They located in Para, a city of 150,000 inhabitants, at the mouth of the Amazon. This is an important commercial center, and many people are attracted to it by its immense rubber industry. It is the key to the whole lower Amazon. With a large package of Bibles, Testaments and tracts under his arm, Mr. Nel- son would walk up and down the river bank, speaking to all who came. To sailors from foreign countries, traders from the interior, and to all he told the good news, and many were anxious to obtain the Book that contained the wonderful story. Early in 1897, Mr. Ginsburg re- sponded to Mr. Nelson’s call to come and help him in the reaping time, which he felt was just at hand. On the 2d of February, of the same year, five candidates were baptized in the Amazon. For the first time in the history of the world, this' mighty river was used for this holy purpose. On the same day a church was organized with ten members, and Mr. Nelson was elected pastor. The whole Amazon Valley presented a promising field for missionary work. It was practically unoccupied, and along the banks of its upper tributaries there were numer- ous savages' who had never seen a white man, much less heard the gospel story. This church, standing as it does at the entrance of this mighty valley, has continued to grow until now it has nearly 200 members, and supports its own native pastor. In 1902, Mr. J. E. Hamilton and wife, who had been laboring at Maceio, came to Para, where he labored with marked efficiency until December, 1904, when he fell a SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 37 victim to yellow fever. In this short time, under Mr. Hamilton’s care, the church almost doubled, both in members and power. Though h^'s missionary career was cut short by death, he did a work whose influence will to felt for many years to come in this vast destitute re- gion. On March 5, 1905, the house of worship which had been begun by Mr. Hamilton, was dedicated without debt. It was a tender experience in the lives of the members as they remembered that next +o God, they owed their beautiful house to Mr. Hamilton and his noble wife. The Amazonas Church was organized by Mr. Nelson, in 1897. Amazonas is the most northernly state of Brazil, lying just under the Equator. The majority of the popu- lation are Indians' and savages. A young native brother who was supported by a Brazilian Christian, helped Mr. Nelson in the work at this point. Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, has about 60,000 inhabitants. It is situated about a thousand miles above Para, at the confluence of two mighty rivers — the Amazon and the Rio Negro. This is about the center of the Amazon Valley, and the key to the upper Amazon, Peru and Bolivia. It has all the modern improvements, such as electric cars and electric lights. The city is growing rapidly, many people coming from Europe and from the southern states' of Brazil. In the summer of 1897, Mr. Nelson spent fifteen days in this city, preached nineteen sermons, and baptized six converts, one of whom was a very intelligent man who began immediately after his baptism to conduct meetings in his dining-room every Sunday night, and who later became the treasurer and deacon of the church, which was organized in 1900, in his private dwelling, with twenty members. By December 31st, of that year, the church numbered twenty-seven. On that night the meeting was held till midnight, await- ing the entrance of New Year. Inviting all to take part in praising the Savior’s name, a young man stood up. 38 SOUTIIERISr BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. and amidst sobs, thanked God for the forgiveness of his sins and for grace to turn away from the worship of the saints and their images. His heart seemed full to over- flowing, and although he suffered great loss in his busi- ness for the step which he took, he persevered, and be- came a most effective preacher of the gospel. The church continued to grow, and in 1903, purchased a fine lot and erected a most comfortable meeting house. It has be- come a great center of missionary activity, several of its members having become workers of consecration and power. Its present membership is about 150. It main- tains a good Sunday school, and contributed for all pur- poses in 1908, $1.6101. In 1903, the year in which the house was built, its toal contributions for all purposes amounted to 84,252. Periquito and Ajaratuba. A fine example of the mis- sionary zeal of this church is found in one of the young men of the church who went up the Amazon River about a hundred miles and started a small plantation, chopping wood and gathering rubber to support himself, but his chief aim was to preach the gospel, which he did so effectively that in three different places inembeTS were converted. IMr. Nelson visited these out-stations in 1903. baptized the converts in Periquito, and organized them into a church. The young man made his home at this l)lace. and managed to build a humble palm leaf house, constructed as a meeting place for the little church. Going on twenty-five miles farther up the niver to Ajaratuba, IMr. Nelson baptized another company of believers and organized a church. Later this young man was ordained at IManaus and sent back to take charge of his two churches, which soon became self-supporting. IMt. Nelson has made many extensive trips on the Ama- zon River and its large tributaries. In 1903. he made one trip into the Republic of Peru, selling 1.200 copies of the Scriptures. During that year he traveled on the rivers SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 39 5,700 miles, sold about 3,000 copies of the Scriptures and distributed many thousands of tracts, Santarem is a city of 10,000 inhabitants on the Ama- zon River, midway between Para and Mauaus, in the state of Para. In 1903 a native worker from the Manaus church spent some time there preaching the gospel. Mr. Nel- son joined him and preached there ten days. Several SU.N’DAY SCIHjOL IN SANTAREM. years before, he had spent three months in this city sell- ing 800 Scriptures and preaching the gospel. In 1904, a church was organized in this city, which now has its own native pastor and a good house of worship, which was dedicated in November, 1905. Maranhao. This is a state twice the size of Georgia, bordering on the northeast coast. In the capital city of the same name, a church was organized in 1908. Ceara. Still farther east is the great state of Ceara. 40 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. In its capital city, of the same name, a church was orga- nized in 1908. Other churches in this great field are Quern Diria, Amama, Castanhal, Antaz Miry, Jerumenha, and Mirim, all of which have their native pastors. Be- sides these churches, there are many out-stations. As one comes across the names of these towns in this vague, far-off stretch of territory, one may feel that surely this is in “the regions beyond.” However, there are needy fields still farther on into which the indomit- able Nelson and some of the Brazilian evangelists have penetrated with the gospel message. The following ex- tracts from accounts of some of Mr. Nelson’s trips will illustrate the pioneering spirit and apostolic zeal of this heroic missionary: “In the month of January, 1904, I made a trip up the Madeira River as far as Madeira Palls. I found some good large towns that need the gospel. In at least three of them entrance was easy. T sold hundreds of Bibles, and scattered tracts in great numbers.” On March 5, 1903. he writes from Iquitos, Peru, on the Amazon, 2,400 miles above its mouth: “I left Manaus February 3d, on an Amazon River boat, and touched at all points of any consequence. I fiund a number of towns of from 200 to 600 inhabitants. I sold nearly 200 Bibles and Testaments on the way. The first Peruvian town on the Amazon is called Caballococha, and has about 1,000 inhabitants, and the next is this place, which has over 10,000. The big ocean steamers from Liverpool come here twice a month. Smaller boats go up four days farther on the Amazon, and twenty days farther on the Ucayali River, steaming against the current until you come within the region of Norbamba. All through this region you find some villages of mostly rubber gatherers. Will not the Southern Baptist Convention take up this field at once? It is part of Peru, and can only be worked from this side of the Andes.” SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 41 Acre. In still another direction in this great valley the gospel has been carried by a man who was won to Christ in one of our churches. The story of his career is full of thrilling interest. One of the most important rubber fields is the Acre territory, in the extreme western part of the State of Amazonas, adjoining the Republic of Bolivia, This section of country is drained by the Purus River, a tributary of the Amazon, and is reached by a steamer voyage of more than 2 000 miles west of the City of Para at the mouth of the Amazon. About four years ago Senhor Chrispianiano, a young Baptist brother, of the city of Bahia, left his home and went to seek his for- tune in this far western district. He carried his religion with him. In this new country no Catholic church had been established, nor had the priests appeared. Our young Baptist brother saw the need and appreciated the opportunity. With the courage of his convictions, he began to tell his fellow-workmen about Christ. He re- fused to work on ^Sunday, and some others followed his example. On Saturday nights and Sunday mornings he gathered great crowds of men around him, and preached the gospel to them. He kept on preaching while he cut rubber to pay his expenses. As time went on, the people who came to hear him preach contributed money, and a handsome chapel was built. In the spring of 1909 he re- turned to Bahia, a distance of 3,700 miles, and was or- dained to the ministry. Later he attended the Brazilian Baptist Convention at Rio, told the brethren about his work, and received their pledge of support through the Brazilian Home Mission Board. Returning from Rio to Bahia, he married a consecrated young Baptist woman, and together they set out for the far-away field of labor near the headwaters of the Amazon. Having come back to his work, and being now an ordained minister, he soon baptized twenty-five converts, and organized a Baptist church. He is now preaching to large congregations, and the little church is prospering under his ministry. Al- 42 SOUTHEEN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMEKICA. ready he has opened a second preaching station, where enthusiastic crowds meet to hear him preach. III. PROGRESS AND EXPANSION. I. AN OPEN DOOR FOR BAPTISTS IN BRAZIL. 1. The Day of Opportunity. Brazil has entered upon a new era. To those who are used to tracing things to their source, it is easy to discover that the taproot of Brazil’s national growth strikes down into the fact that during the two decades just past the Word of God has been extensively circulated, and the gospel widely preached within its borders. It is doubtful whether there is a mission field in the world where the gospel has strucR more deeply into the national conscience. The supreme vantage ground for Baptists has ever been among those people who are in transition from the old to the new, who are developing a new self-consciousness and a new world-conscicusness who are struggling toward an ideal, who are coming into a sense of individual and national independence, and who are. therefore, acquiring for them- selves a large capacity for religious truth unmixed with error. Just at this time Brazil offers such a field of opportunity. This opportunity incurs an obligation which Southern Baptists, through their representatives, are seek- ing to discharge. 2. Our Obligation and Advantage. To the question. Why send missionaries to Brazil and other Catholic countries? no better answer has been given than the following, by President E. M. Poteat: “We send mission- aries to pagan lands because there Christ is not known; we send missionaries to lands under allegiance to the Pope of Rome because there, as we believe, Christ is not truly known. In pagan lands Christ is not represented; in papal lands Christ is misrepresented. We may go to SOUTIIEEX BAPTIST MI.SSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 43 pagan lands as Christians; we must go to papal lands as Baptist Christians. Tn China we go to publish salvation: in Italy and Brazil and Mexico we go to correct the inter- pretation of a salvation already published.” Our position as Baptists makes it easier for us to prose- cute mission work in Brazil than for other evangelical Christians. In this connection, we ciuote again from Presi- dent Poteat: “Further, we believe that as Baptists v^e have a special call and mission to papal lands, becausf*- we carry none of the toggery of Rome among our old clothes. We have never yet put vhe church or any of its ministrations between the individual soul and God, ana we do not carry in our blood the taint of the virus of sal- vation by works.” II. METHODS OF WORK. 1. Evangelism. Nothing can take the place of preach- ing the gospel, and so first attention has been given to evangelism. This has been carried on in various Avays by the missionaries and uatiAm preachers. Congregational Preaching. The best results are ob- tained when the evangelist can speak face to face to the people assembled in a hall or other auditorium. Unless he is of the ruffian ty])e. as scon as a man enters a preaching hall, he feels that in some Avay he is the guest of the preacher Avho has the meeting in charge, and is impelled by the instincts of courtesy to give some atten- tion to what the speaker is saying, and so, in entering a new toAvn, the missionary seeks as soon as practicable to secure a place into Avhich he can invite the people to hear his message. Oftentimes a vacant storeroom is rented or theatre. Sometimes a man friendly dis- posed to the gospel Avill invite his friends and neighbors to his home, and then send for the missionary to come and preach to them. As soon as the interest in the toAvn Avill justify, a permanent preaching hall is secured and fitted up as a chapel, on the front of which a sign is usu- 44 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. ally displayed, announcing the preaching of the gospel at stated times. Upon occasion of a visit by an evangalist, he usually distributes invitation cards from house to house and to persons on the streets, and so he gains an audience. The missionary ought to be a good singer, and carry a supply of hymn books to be distributed among his hearers, while asking them to join him in sing- ing the gospel songs. Not infrequently he carries with him a baby-organ, which, together with the singing, usually attracts' thp crowd, as Brazilians are fond of music. After he has gotten together a few hearers, of course, he pro- ceeds to read the Scriptures and proclaim the gospel. This first religious exercise almost invariably awakens opposition, which often develops into outright persecu- tion, but almost without exception sofe are interested, and as their interest deepens they become bold in taking sides with the preacher. The leaven continues to work, and from such small beginnings many a church has been orga- nized. Itineraries. Reference has already been made to the long trips made by the missionaries, either by boat or railroad, or on horseback. By means of these journeys the gospel has been carried to many remote places. Be- fore the work in the state of Espirito Santo was organized into a mission, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Jackson made several trips into this section of the country. The following account by Mr. Taylor illustrates the importance and the hardships of such itineraries: “I have made three journeys, in which I spent five months. The first was a long trip into a distant part of the state of Bahia, where no missionary had ever preached. The- aters, town halls, hotels and private houses' were freely opened to me, and I never had so generous a reception. Fourteen hours on boat, two days on train, and 400 miles on horseback made up the round trip. The most prosper- ous of all was the visit to the state of Espirito Santo, not- SOUTHEEN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA, 45 withstanding I had some narrow escapes from danger. On one dark night, with my horse, I fell about fifteen feet from a bridge, and received a wound on my head which required a month to heal. At another time, on a rainy day, the mule which I was riding slipped and to- gether we rolled down a precipitous hillside, thirty-five feet below, with two boxes of Bibles. On this trip 1 preached many times to large audiences. Ten years ago Brother Francisco began sowing the seed in this field. Last year Brother Jackson baptized seventy-six. This year three churches were organized. So the work goes on- ward. During my third trip one church was organized, eight were baptized, two deacons were ordained, and a good spirit of zeal developed. The native brethren ac- companied me in crowds wherever I went, aiding in the most loving and effectual ways.” Street Preaching. Much street preaching is done. In this way many people hear the gospel who would never otherwise come under its influence. Several years ago a Young People’s Society was organized in the First Church in Bahia the members of which did excellent service in holding meetings in the open air and at various out- stations. The young ladies assisted in the singing, while several young men would take part in praying and Scrip- ture reading and preaching. House to House Visiting. Mr. Taylor tells of the Bible campaign which was made in Bahia in 1908: “In September I made a Bible campaign of the city. Had five helpers. We divided the people into classes, I tak- ing the governor and all public officials, doctors and law- yers. From quite all I had good receptions and oppor- tunity to speak of Christ. So the Bible has gone into many homes of this upper class. One worker took the shoemakers, another the tinners, cabinet makers, and so on, for in this country one cannot go from door to door with the Bible as we do in the States. It would bring 46 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. on too much persecution. I could only give one month to this work, whereas it required three or more months to make a thorough canvass. The British and Foreign Bible Society furnished the Bibles free.” Colportage and Tract Distribution. This is one of the most effective and certain means of publishing the gos- pel. It is difficult to tabulate the results of this kind of work, but they are none the less sure and abundant. The report from one mission for 1903 says: “We sold and distributed 1,535 Bibles and portions and some 15,000 tracts and religious books.” In the report of his work in Alagoas for 1902, the lamented J. E. Hamilton writes: “During the year members of Maceio Church did much colportage work, selling Bibles, Testaments, Psalms, Gos- pels, Acts and evangelical books, and scattering gospel tracts and our paper — O Jornal Baptista — -in nearly every part of the state. This work will bear fruit for years to come. For their kind co-operation in the colportage work, our thanks are due to Mr. H. C. Tucker, of the American Bible Society, and Mr. Frank Uttley, agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society.” The following example, related by Mr. Nelson, is only one out of many. He says: “We uecently baptized a Spaniard who had studied six years and a half in a Catholic seminary, and as secretary to the bishop of Manaos, had done whar he could to hinder us, but a tract and the Bible did their work, and he is now selling Bibles.” 2. Publications. Though the lamentable illiteracy of the people has long been the bane and blight of Brazil, the Brazilians are now fast becoming a reading people. The British and Foreign Bible Society, and the American Bible Society, through their various agencies, have done much towards circulating the Scriptures. In this work our own missionaries have taken an active part. Book Stores and Bible Depots. Every mission has its Bible depot, and in several centers evangelical book stores SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 47 have been established. The one in Sao Paulo has grown into an institution of power and influence. Concerning this store, Mr. Bagby writes: “This is one of our best evangelical agencies, and its influence is felt far and wide. It has given our cause prestige in all this state, and its influence reaches nearly all the siates where the gospel is preached. The Lord gave us a fine native brother, who runs the business. He is one of our best helpers in any part of the work. This phase of our work is doing a far-reaching business— sending books, tracts, Bibles and other -religious literature to all parts of Brazil. We receive orders from the far north and far south, and send many pieces of literature to the far interior. It seems to be the only large evangelical book store in all Brazil, and is literally sowing the seeds of the kingdom in all parts of the country, bearing constant testimony to the truth.” Tracts and Local Papers. Important and fruitful as the work above described proved to be. our missionaries were not content merely to dispense literature through the book- stores, but early began to feel that something ought to be done to supply the great lack of evangelical books and distinctively Baptist literature for our multiplying churches, and, accordingly, in almost every center, the missionaries published large numbers of tracts', wrote for local papers as opportunity was given, and themselves published several small papers, which proved a most suc- cessful medium for scattering the seeds of truth as well as for bringing the churches into closer relations with one another. Chief among these little papers was As Boas Novas (The Good News), for six years published at Campos with Mr. Ginsburg as editor. This little paper had an extensive circulation and accomplished much good. O Jornal Baptista. Late in 1900 several of the mis- sionaries met at Rio de Janeiro and decided that there 48 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. should be begun a general publication work which would consist of tracts, a Baptist journal and a book depart- ment to supply all of the Brazilian missions with Baptist literature. As a result of this conference the first issue of the new paper, entitled, O Jornal Baptista, appeared on .January 10, 1901. This journal has since that time filled, in a larger degree, the place formerly occupied by As Boas Novas and the other papers, and has continued to grow in popularity and usefulness. It is now on eight-page weekly, the subscription price of which is $2.25 per annum, payable in advance. In 1906 it paid its own expenses and since that time has been self- supporting. It has about 2,000 regular subscribers, but many copies are published for gratuitous distribution. Mr. Deter tells how, in 1906, he made a long trip into the interior of the state of Bahia, where he learned of a farmer who came into possession of a copy of O Jornal Baptista, and, by reading an article, was converted. This man went far out to his home in the interior where he commenced to preach the Word of God, and numbers ot peoplo were converted. The fruitful service of this paper is illustrated in another way. In the interior of the state of Bahia there was a flourishing little church which had no pastor, and no one in its membership could sup- ply the lack. A church meeting was called and O Jor- nal Baptista was elected pastor until a better one could be secured. On Sunday mornings the services' were held regularly, and not uncommonly consisted of the reading of the contents of the paper by one of the members to the others, who gave it their most religious attention. For almost a year the services of this little church were conducted in this way, and the church was reported as making commendable progress. Competent judges among evangelical Christians other than Baptists do not hesi- tate to declare that O Jornal Baptista is the neatest and best printed, as well as the most solid and reliable, of all the denominational papers in Brazil. SOUTHERN RAPTI8T MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 49 Sunday School Literature and Other Publications. To meet the demands of the growing Sunday schools, it was decided to undertake to prepare a suitable literature. The result is that there is now published for adults and for children a most creditable series of the international Sunday school lessons. These lessons have been pre- pared by Mr. O. P. Maddox, and are clear, forceful expo- sitions of the Scriptures. Plans are maturing for the publication of a Baptist monthly magazine, with a de- partment for native preachers. Also departments for young people and for Mmmen. This will fill a long and acutely felt want. In addition to these periodicals many thousands' of evangelistic and denominational tracts have been published. Several Baptist books have been issued, and others are in process of preparation. In 1907, 10 000 copies of the Brazilian Baptist hymn book, “O Cantor Christao,” were published, this making the eleventh edi- tion through which this popular hymnal has passed dur- ing fifteen years. Mr. Ginsbnrg revised and enlarged this hymn book, adding over fifty new hymns to it. many of them his own composition. It is considered one of the best, if, indeed, not the best, hymn book in the Portuguese language. The Publishing House. Thus it will be seen that with- in less than ten years a large evangelical publishing in- terest has been built up in the city of Rio de .Janeiro. Under the management of Mr. Entzminger this interest has rapidly developed, and our publishing plant, valued at more than $8,000, is one of the strongest assets of the Baptist cause in Brazil. A great need is for a business manager for this growing enterprise, a consecrated Bap- tist layman who is full of the missionary spirit, and who is willing to dedicate his life to the building up of this great gospel agency in Brazil. If such a man could be secured, Mr. Entzminger would be relieved of a great 50 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. deal of the detail work, and would be able to exercise his marked editorial and literary abilities more effect- ually. 3. Education. The fact that only 16 per cent, of the population in Brazil know how to read and write, shows that the education of the people has been sadly neglected. While there is a public school system, whose efficiency is increasing, there is still a special opportunity for the mission to render a most telling service. (1) Primary Schools. In connection with our various missions there are about twenty-five schools of primary grade, with an enrollment of nearly 1,000 pupils. Free tuition is not held out as an inducement, though occa- sional concessions are made to the children of very poor Christians. As a rule, the. schools are self-supporting. Every mission sustains several of the primary schools. The wuves of some of the missionaries have done excel- lent service in starting such schools, and even w'hen not able themselves to teach classes, have exercised a help- ful oversight over them. In 1896, Misses Stegner and Wilcox w^ent to Brazil from the United States, hoping to conduct a self-sup- porting school, and still have time for other missionary vmrk. After staying a year in Nova Friburgo, they moved to Bello Horizonte, the new^ capital of the state of Minas Geraes. Here, at her own expense. Miss Wil- cox erected a home and a school building. In 1898, these ladies received an appointment from the Board, and for some time continued their school work in Bello Hori- zonte. Later they removed to Sao Paulo, where they assisted in the organizing of that Mission, and for some time conducted a small school for girls. Two pioneers in this field are Mrs. W. B. Bagby and Mrs. Z. C. Taylor. They began their school work in a day wdien Christian education was not popular in Brazil, SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 5l but they have proved the wisdom of their undertaking, and have strengthened the sentiment in favor of mission schools. (2) Sdiools of Higher Grade. Besides the primary schools there are several boarding schools of higher grade. Tt is a part of the educational program of the Baptists of Brazil to have at least one of these high grade schools in each mission. Only three of these schools are men- tioned. The Girls’ School in Bahia. Several years ago a mem- ber of the Bahia Church, a rich coffee planter, proposed to Mrs. Taylor that she should open a school. He and some other members made liberal contributions to its equipment, and some rooms in the old Inquisition Build- ing were fitted up with modern furniture, and in the spring of 1898 the school was formally opened. Many of the best people of the city and prominent educators were present. The governor sent a band of twenty-five musicians, and the address was delivered by the leader of the house of representatives of the state of Bahia. The school opened in May of that year with eleven IHipils, and closed in December with seventy. In 1908, it had a total enrollment of 150. In 1900, Miss Alyne Goolsby, an experienced teacher in the mission schools in this country, joined the Mission, and for about seven years taught with great success in the school. Mis.s Genevieve Voorheis, besides her many other duties in the Bahia Mission, at present has charge of the primary department. Girls’ School in Sao Paulo. In 1902, ]\Irs. \V. B. Bagby opened a school for girls in Sao Paulo. It has con- stantly grown in favor with the people. Many of the students come from the best families of the city. Many parents, who are ardent Catholics, prefer this school to others. However, they know that it is an evangelical school, in which the Bible and Christian hymns are 52 SOtTTHEKN i?APTlST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. taught each day. By means of the teaching here given, the gospel is planted in many young hearts which will spring up and produce abundant harvest in the future. Some of the best members of our Sao Paulo Church wer« first brought in touch with the gospel through the influ- ence of the school. For 1908, the enrollment reached 165, and others were turned away for lack of accommcda- tion. The boarding department, under the direction of Miss Annie Thomas, is proving a great success. The great need is for more room and better equipment. Boys' School in Pernambuco. A school for boys was begun in Pernambuco in 1905, by Mr. W. H. Cannada. Mr. H. H. Muirhead is the present director, and the enrollment reached seventy last year. In his report, Mr. Muirhead says: “We cannot over-emphasize the im- portance of our schools as evangelistic agencies. Our students come from the leading homes of the state. These homes, the most of which are closed to the evan- gelist, are open to the missionary teacher. Already we are beginning to see isome results. During the year several of the students were baptized, and whole families were led to attend the church through the influence of the pupils. Our schools are rapidly breaking down the preju- dice against the ‘new sect,’ and are inaKing persecution practically impossible.” (3) The College and Seminary in Rio de Janeiro. Train- ing a native ministry is possibly the most urgent need of our Brazilian churches. As the churches increase and new fields open, the demands grow for well equipped pastors and evangelists, hnese demands cannot be met by the foreign missionaries. The greater part of the work must be done by the natives, and, in order to do the best work, they must be educated. Already we have thirty ordained native preachers, and about the same number of unordained helpers. In Sao Paulo, Campos, SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 53 Rio de Janeiio, Pernambuco and INTaceio, and at several points in the Amazon Valley, attention has been given by the missionaries to the training of native preachers for the pastoral office and the work of evangelism. In 1906, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Shepard arrived in Per- nambuco to devote themselves to school work. Mr. Shepard’s main purpose in going to Brazil was to give himself to the training of the native preachers. At the first meeting of the Brazilian Baptist Convention, which was held in June, 1907, plans were laid for the establishment of a college and seminary in Rio de Ja- neiro, with Mr. Shepard as director. Soon thereafter, Mr. Shepard removed from Pernambuco to Rio de Ja- neiro, and began the plan for opening this school. The old college building of Emperor Dom Pedro II. was se- cured, this being one of the most commodious build- ings to be found in the city. On March 4, 1908, the school was opened, and by the end of the year the en- rollment had reached fifty-six. Of this number six were ministerial students. The primary aim of this institu- tion is to train young men called of God to preach, but at the same time it offers the best possible advantages to those who wish to prepare themselves for service in other walks of life. It is confidently expected that this institution will become one of the greatest agencies for spreading the gospel. In 1909, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Lang- ston were appointed to the Rio Mission. Mr. Langston had made special preparation for educational work, and came to the mission to unite with Mr. Shepard in the work of the seminary. III. DENOMINATIONAL LIFE. Already it may be said that the Baptist cause is so far established in Brazil as to be a force and a fact felt and recognized throughout the country. While the 54 SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. great mass of the population is yet practically untouched by our propaganda, at the same time the Brazilians know that the Baptists are among them and doing busi- ness. 1. Resume of Results. Starting at Santos and follow- ing the coast northward to Para, thence up the Amazon River and the Purus River into the Acre District, we have a line of missions extending more than five thou- sand miles. Our missionaries have preached the gospel in nineteen of the twenty states of the republic, and not more than three states remain which have no Ban tist church. The latest reports from the fields show that we have now 121 churches, over 6,000 members, 225 out-stations and forty-one houses’ of worship. Last year 1,249 baptisms were reported. There are 130 Sunday schools with more than 8,000 scholars. These facts show that we are successfully planting the gospel in this land and furnish confirmation of our conviction of a special call and mission to Brazil. 2. Self-Support. An aim steadily kept in view by our missionaries has been to so train and develop the churches that at the earliest possible moment they shall become self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagat- ing. In 1902, one of the missionaries said in his report: “All the churches are working away and tugging at self-support. They err and stumble, and often fall, but they manage to get along, and this is the only way to independence. The natives will not take hold as long as the foreigner wishes to manage their affairs. It is inspiring to see some of the churches taking hold and and keeping house for the Lord. It is the day of small things for them, but they will be all the better and stronger for it. Then it gives so much more time to the missionary to evangelize.” This plan has been followed in every mission with SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 55 the result that about three-foiirths of the churches are now under the care of native pastors, whose salaries are paid in whole or in part by the churches. In the summer of 1904, Mr. Z. C. Taylor, writing from Bahia, says: “In May I took a trip 250 miles southwest of Bahia to Conquista, where Brother Quiroz, in the last four or five years has raised up a church of 150 members. Saturday at 11 o’clock we arrived at Conquista, Brother Quiros av^aiting us. Next day we had worship in the new temple they had erected.” Continuing, he says, “I now understand why God never permitted me. to visit Conquista during these five years. I believe it was for the purpose of showing me that the native Christians can and Mill take care of themselves and the gospel if we will only confide in them, and not try to govern them. I wonder how many churches in the United States have built their own house and pastorium and sustained their pastor from the start? Not a cent from the Board has ever been spent on Conquista church and its pastor.” Instances might be multiplied illustrating the progress which the churches are making toward self-support and independence. Last year the total contributions to all objects, including the gifts of the missionaries, amounted to about $21,000. 3. Organization. Among the churches there is a grow- ing desire for union and co-cperation. They feel that there is a mighty work for them to do and that it can best be accomplished by organized and mutual effort. Associations. The churches in nearly every mission have organized themselves into what would be known among us as a district association. These association do much to foster the spirit of brotherhood and co-op eration and to advance evangelism in destitute sections. Some of the annual meetings of these associations are seasons of great spiritual power. 56 SOT'THERX BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. Brazilian Baptist Convention. In June, 1907, the Bra- zilian Baptist Convention was organized in Bahia. All the male missionaries and all the lady missionaries hut five were present, together with a goodly number of na- tive pastors and other workers. The meetings of this first session were attended not only by the Baptists of Bahia, but by others. The papers of the city pub- lished daily accounts of the proceedings. The constitu- tion of the Southern Baptist Convention, with some mod- ifications made to suit the genius of a “new cause in a new land,” was adopted. At one of the sessions in which the beginnings' of the work in Brazil were discussed, a large portrait of Gen. A. T. Hawthorne was unveiled in recognition of him as the founder of the Brazilian Mission. Each succeeding annual meeting of the Con- vention marks new growth and interest, and is more largely attended every year. Denominational Boards. At the first session of the Convention five denominational boards were appointed, as follows: A Board of Foreign Missions, a Board of Home Mission, an Educational Board, and a Sunday School Publication Board and a Board of Directors for the Baptist Roung People’s Unions. These several boards have already done noble and notable ser- vice in “eliciting, combining and directing” the enthusi- asm, interest and liberality of the churches, and in increasing measure they are carrying on the work which has been entrusted to them. Besides appointing and supporting native missionaries for destitute fields, the Board of Home Missions is also endeavoring to aid and bring into co-operation a number of Russian and Ger- man Baptist churches in the extreme southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Parana and Santa v^atharina. Al- ready the Board of Foreign ^Missions has opened missions in two foreign countries — Chile and Portugal. Mr. W. SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. B. Bagby, at the request of 800 Baptists' in Chile was sent to that country and assisted in organizing these Chilean Baptists into churches and an association. Through this Board the churches of Brazil are paying the salary of a missionary in Chile. This Board also defrayed the expenses of Mr. Z. C. Taylor to Portugal, where he opened a mission and organized a church in the city of Oporto. The pastor of this church is a Por- tuguese who was baptized years before by Mr. Bagby. Thus the work grows and spreads and the Baptists in Brazil bid fair to become a great force in the mighty task of evangelizing the world. ARGENTINA. I. PREPARATION 1. The First Step. Following a recommendation made by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1903, “To care- fully consider the possibility of opening new fields for missionary effort,” the Foreign Board de- cided in June, 1903, to open a mission in Argentina and Mr. S. M. Sowell was appointed as a mis- sionary to that field. Sailing from New York September 23rd, Mr. Sowell arrived in Buenos Aires, November 30th. 2. The Force. In December of of the same year, Mr. and Mrs. .1. D. Hart and Mr. and Mrs. K. W. Cawthorn were ap- pointed and joined the Mission early in 1904, but in 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Cawthorn returned to this country on ac- count of the ill health of the latter. In October, 1904, the Mission was reinforced by the coming of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Fowler, and again in April, 1905, by the ar- rival of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Spight. In 1908, Mr. and i\Trs. J. M. Justice and Mr. and INIrs. J. C. Quarles were appointed by the Board and joined the Mission. On March 20, 1906, Mr. S. M. Sowell and i\Iiss Ermine Bagby were married. Miss Bagby is the daughter of ]\Ir. W. B. Bag- by of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and had previously been ap- pointed by the Board to that Mission. In 1909, Mr. Rob- ert Logan and wife, who had previously been working S. M. SOWELl . iOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 59 with the Christian Alliance, upon the earnest recom- mendation of oiir missionaries, were appointed by the Board. At present the Mission has fourteen members and six native helpers. 3. A Noble Forerunner. Twenty-seven years ago, i\lr. Paul Besson, a native of Switzerland, a man of cul- ture, conviction and deep spirituality, came to Argentina and succeeded in building up a Baptist church composed principally of converts from among his own people. This Baptist preacher and his church soon found themselves confronting grave difficulties because of the restrictions under which they had to live and do their work. Through many successive efforts and by various means Mr. Besson made known his principals and position as a Baptist. He encountered fierce opposition from the Catholic priests and other sources, but, nothing daunted, he persevered and finally secured absolute religious lib- erty, not only for himself and his own jieople, but for all others in Argentina. In his long conflict he repeat- edly appeared in the halls of the National Congress to explain his position and demand bis rights as a citizen. The agitation became widespread. The columns of La Pren- sa, the largest and most influential newspaper in South America, were opened to him. Through a long series of articles he made known to the Argentine public the great doctrine of soul liberty and separation of church and state. Thus at the pen point, wielded by a Baptist preacher, a great victory w^as won, a great privilege was ^vrested from the church of Rome, and “an act of justice \vas done to those within whom conscience was a burning fire.” Thus this brave and noble man paved the way for the work of our missionaries in Buenos Aires and throughout the re- public. Upon their arrival in the country, he gave them a cordial welcome and has, in many ways, encouraged and assisted them in their work. 60 SOUTHERN baptist MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. II. THE FIELD ENTERED. Work has been opened in the three largest cities in the republic, Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Santa Fe. Be- sides these there are various out-stations and the mis- sionaries have made prospective tours and preached in a number of other towns and cities. 1. Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, the capital and larg- est city, is the greatest metropolis of the southern hem- isphere. In fourteen years, its population has doubled. At present it has about 1,300,000 and is increasing at the rate of 100,000 annually. It contains one-fifth of the en- the population of the republic and controls the country as possibly no other capital in the world does the land it is supposed to dominate. Being the center of a network of more than 12,000 miles of railroad, it is the great gateway of the nation and the radiating point for influ ential movements throughout the entire La Plata country. In propotion to population. Argentina is the largest exporting country in the world, while, according to its area, it is receiving the largest per cent, of European immigration of any country in the two Americas. Sooner or later, almost everybody in this part of the world goes to Buenos Aires. Any movement, therefore, which wins vic- tory in this center, will make itself felt to the farthest borders of the republic and far beyond. These condi- tions make Buenos Aires one of the greatest mission fields of the world. Here we have two well established churches. Constitucion, Our church at this place was organized with eight charter members April 2, 190.5. It takes its name from the Plaza Constitucion, a large square on which the preaching hall is located. This is one of the most populous centers of the city, being situated near the great Southern Railway station, so that many in going to and from the station enter the hall, hear a hymn or a portion of the sermon, and as they pass out are given SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 61 a tract. In this way the gospel message is often sent far into the interior. The work at this point is at present under the direction of Mr. Spight and has made steady progress from the beginning. The church has about seventy-five members and reported twenty baptisms for the last year. Mr. C. J. Ewald, one of the Y. M. C. A. secretaries in the city, and Mr. F. S. Battley, a New Zealand Baptist, have rendered valuable aid, both in contributing of their means to support the work and in assisting in the services and the Sunday school. Some of the native members are proving to be most efRcient teachers in the Sunday school, which is maintainea throughout the year. A young Englishman baptized last year, has been instrumental in bringing a large native family to accept the gospel. At present he is in the Ignited States, preparing for the ministry. This church maintains an out-station in a very thickly populated dis- trict known as the Boca, where large audiences hear the gospel and where there have been several con- versions. Once. This church was organized in November, 1906. It derives its name. Once (eleven) from its' location on the square called “The Eleventh of September ” this date being the birthday of the great President Sarmiento. who began life as a school teacher, and. as President, led in establishing the very efficient public school sys- tem of Argentina. Mr. Sowell is pastor of this church Its present membership is about forty, and it maintains a good Sunday school, also an out-station, where the pastor preaches regularly every week. 2. Rosario. — This city is situated on the Parana River 225 miles above Buenos Aires. It has a population of 200,000 and has been called the new Chicago of the S'^’’+b. First Church. — The work here was begun by Mr. Hart and Mr. Sowell and the church was organized with five charter members in 1905. The progress of this church has been most gratifying under the direction of Mr. Hart. 62 SOUTHEEN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. He has had a valuable co-laborer in Mr. R. S. HosfoTd, a Baptist from Ireland, and a successful business man. Two valuable native workers, Senor Maximino Fernandez and Senor Juan Varetto, have rendered large service to the cause in this city. The former is spoken of by the missionaries as a “tower of strength and steadfastness,” and the latter as “an eloquent preach- er.” In 1907 the church and its friends bought a lot and built our first chapel in the Argentine Mission at a cost to them of $4,000. A large part of the money was solicited by Mr. Hosford. Second Church. In 1908 a Second Church was organ- ized by members from the First Church in one of the best districts of the city and immediately called Senor Varetto to its pastorate. Both of the Rosario churches have good Sunday schools and each maintains two out- stations. 3. Santa Fe. This is one of the principal centers of Jesuit influence and power and has been considered one of the most difficult fields for evangelistic work. In Jan- uary, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler moved from Buenos Aires to Santa Fe, but, owing to the difficulties of getting set- tled and equipping a suitable hall, did not begin work until the first of April. First Church. The First Church of Santa Pe was organized February 18, 1907. Its membership has reached above forty. A good Sunday school is maintained, also a Young People’s Union. Mr. Fowler, assisted by his native helper, Senor Alfonso Yebra, holds regular ser- vices in two outside towns. Its out-stations are supported by members of the church, wffio stand faithfully by the work. Second Church. A second church has been organized and has now a membership of thirty-five. Senor Oster- man, an old French brother, who was baptized by Mr. Besson a number of years ago, is the pastor and is doing faithful work. SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 68 III. EVIDENCE OF PROGRESS. 1. Results. Though it has been only about six years since this Mission was established, it now numbers six churches, with nearly 300 members, and about ten out- stations, at most of which it is hoped to organize churches in the near future. 2. Self Support. One of the most hopeful signs is the rapid progress made by the churches towards self sup- port. Last year the average contribution per member was a little more than ten dollars. One house of wor- ship has been built and paid for, and already plans are maturing for the erection of other houses. The mission- aries are aided by six native preachers, some of them men of unusual ability. In the training classes, taught by the missionaries and their wives, have been developed some most excellent Sunday school teachers. Many of the members see and accept their obligation to do what they can to give the gospel to their fellow-countrymen. 3. Publications. A most effective means for publishing the gospel has been the printing plant at Rosario. Be- sides printing and distributing many leaflets and thou- sands of pages of tracts, literature for the Sunday schools has also been prepared and published. There has been begun also the publication of Expositor Bautista, a lit- tle Baptist paper which has already met with the hearti- est acceptance, and which bids fair to be a most useful agency in the future. 4. The Argentine Baptist Convention. On December 31, 1908, representatives from the churches met in Rosa- rio and organized the Argentine Baptist Convention. Mr. Spight was elected president and Senor Yebra, secretary. Of course, this was a small beginning, but it will mean much for the organized life of the denomination. The Convention assumed control of the publishing plant and also expressed a deep interest in the mission work in Chile, and have begun to show that interest by helping in a financial way. ah J Hi* ^ ■ -* roU>^ a>t'TCiiJ _EQO>'ro B xi>o» EV