FIRST VISIT TO THE BAHAMAS 



pitiful in quality, gave unmistakable evidence that here was an humble 

 representative of the historic Church whose people were properly trained, 

 and proud of their heritage. I said, "Is this the Roman Catholic Church?" 

 The young girl, with a slight inclination toward the altar, said, "No, sir, 

 this is the Church of England. The Roman Cathohc Church is on the other 

 side of the village." "Does your minister live here?" "No, sir, the priest 

 lives in Nassau and comes here once a month, but we have a Catechist who 

 lives here. He teaches school and reads the services when the priest is not 

 here." "Does the Bishop ever visit you?" "Oh, yes, sir, he comes once a 

 year for confirmation." "Does the Roman Catholic Priest come often?" 

 " 'Bout same as ours. He got a mighty fine boat; she lay out there by yours. 

 They have a Catechist too." This girl was as merry and noisy as the rest 

 of the children until she entered the church, whereupon she assumed a 

 quiet dignity. She exhibited training and education which though it did 

 not entirely rid her of the negro dialect, renewed my respect for British 

 institutions and for the Missionary organization of the Church of England. 



An Anglican priest at Nassau gave me the following additional informa- 

 tion. One priest is required at times to visit all the churches on Andros, 

 Bimini, and the Berry Islands, thirteen in all, and each separated from the 

 other by water. Fr. Brooks at present has that duty and a sailing boat, New 

 Dorothy, is at his disposal. More often the care of these churches is divided 

 between two priests. Rectories have been provided at the principal settle- 

 ments, and at most of the others there are small cabins for the use of these 

 ministers. The churches are supported by the people themselves and by 

 subscriptions collected by "The Nassau Association" of England and 

 Canada. 



The Anglican and the Roman churches apparently do a good job on 

 the Islands. Speaking only of the negro element (there are white people 

 on some of the islands), other Christian sects exist, but I think that none of 

 these has an energetic supervision by white people. 



DO 



