The island of Bermuda is usually filled with tourists who find time all year round to swim in the lovely blue waters surrounded by pink and white sand. This island of fifty thousand people, whose livelihood depends upon tourists, was the scene of an eight-week crusade. Pastor Theodore Modell and Beryl Rivers assisted me in the crusade. Pastor Modell was the singing evangelist and did outstanding service as he led the music. Beryl Rivers was platform chairman and his wife did a wonderful job as choir leader.
We were told that the people of Bermuda would not attend the meetings six nights a week, but they came at seven-thirty nightly for eight consecutive weeks and twice on Sabbath. Our meetings were held in downtown Hamilton Hall, on the banks of the harbor that is part of the Atlantic Ocean. As I preached nightly I was often reminded of Jesus and His teachings by the seaside, as mentioned in the Bible. These meetings were attended very well. On the night the sermon for our young people on youth, sex, and dating was presented we had around one thousand people and standing room was the order of the night. The nights the Sabbath and also our health message were presented, the attendance was very good.
The mission president, R. R. Adams, gave invaluable help and worked right along with us in our crusade. Pastor William Carpenter, who is public relations secretary and Sabbath school and lay activities secretary of the mission, did outstanding coverage of our meetings. He kept the meeting before the public by television, radio, newspapers, handbills, and by encouraging the members of the churches to bring their friends. We had a thirty-minute television program each Sunday, and I personally feel that this gave great emphasis to our crusade.
Principal Roy Malcolm, of our Bermuda Institute School, helped us in the crusade and also served as moderator for the weekly television program.
Our church members helped greatly by coming every night and bringing their friends. Some of those with cars made several trips each night. Those of our members who drive taxicabs gave their time and their cars willingly to help our Bible instructors in their visitation program.
The baptisms were held at the beautiful cove at Horse Shoe Bay out in the Atlantic Ocean. People covered the beautiful mountainside as they watched the baptismal scene. It made a very impressive picture and reminded one of the days of our Lord, who also taught people by the lakes and seaside. More than 150 people have been added to our five churches in Bermuda, for which we give God the praise. This represents a 15 per cent increase in our membership in Bermuda. In the Atlantic Union we look forward to the fulfillment of the text in Isaiah 42:4: "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law." We here in the Atlantic Union pray that God will use us in the fullest capacity to accomplish His will.
