07/08/02

(Taken from the book: "MY CHURCH")

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THE FORGING OF A UNION

Progress in their efforts led to the gradual withdrawal of the London Missionary Society (LMS) and the formation of the Congregational Union on 28th, February 1877. The objects of the Union were set out as follows:

That while this Union distinctly recognizes the independence of each church, and disclaims legislative powers, yet the objects of this Union shall be to promote fraternal intercourse among the members of the associated churches; to extend Evangelical religion and education in the island by grants in aid of establishing new stations in suitable places; to enable the members of this Union to express their sentiments as a body on political and religious questions; to promote the adoption of such plans as may be thought desirable for the advancement of the cause of God generally; and also to increase the number and efficiency of native pastors, and to assist if necessary in meeting the expenses of bringing out European ministers to occupy vacant churches. (Jamaica Congregational Churches, pgs. 9 - 10).

The hurricane and subsequent drought of 1880 created doubts about the sustainability of the work and so, appeals were made to the LMS. The Society was sympathetic but was reluctant to resume work in a sphere from which it had withdrawn. In an attempt to solve the financial difficulties and to strengthen the work of God, discussions with the United Presbyterian Churches were held locally, and between the respective missionary societies in Edinburgh and London. However, they were unsuccessful in these attempts.

Rev. T. Jenkins of Davyton was deputized to take the case to England in 1882. A joint committee of the L.M.S. and the Congregational Unions of England and Wales met to consider the appeal. Following on this, a deputation was sent to Jamaica in 1883, and from their report a plan was adopted that allowed the L.M.S. to give substantial aid for a number of years. This support stimulated the local body and enabled the strengthening of its work in all areas.
In July 1891 the First International Congregational Council was held. The Congregational Unions of England and Wales and the National Congregational Council of the United States sponsored it, while the Jamaica Union was represented by Rev. James Watson of Porus.

The question of the relation of the elder Congregationalism of Christian lands to these younger Congregational communities was fully discussed in an excellent paper read to the Council by Rev. R. Wardlaw Thompson, Secretary of the L.M.S. (Jamaica Congregational Churches, p. 16).

It was suggested that "elder Congregationalism" must advise and assist her children to settle in an independent was of life. These considerations bore practical fruit and an agreement was arrived at where the Colonial Missionary Society "became the connecting link between the home churches and native Congregational churches gathered by the L.M.S." (Jamaica Congregational Churches, p.17). Through this new arrangement assistance was afforded the Jamaica Church in areas of church extension, building maintenance and the training of young men for ministry. This new arrangement proved beneficial as the financial depression in the island between 1895 to the turn of the century necessitated another special appeal to the Colonial Missionary Society (CMS) to enable work to continue. The congregational Union of Jamaica can be credited with  the sending of missionaries to Central Africa in the persons of Mr. and Mrs. J.H.E Hemans of Porus; they sailed from England in 1887. This, in addition to the community work of Rev. Gardner mentioned earlier, the formation of schools including Clarendon College in 1945, stands as testimony to the spirit of outreach that conceived and guided the work of the Congregational Union. This same spirit was brought into the union in 1965 and exists in the new church today.

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