In the end of 1836, a site for the erection of a church and school-house, indispensable to the consolidation of our missionary work, was at last obtained on Easthams estate, about a mile and half west from Cornwall. The congregation rejoiced, and called it Mount Zion.

It happened at that very time that an anonymous note appeared in the “Standard” of Montego Bay, inquiring, in no friendly spirit, what had become of the money that “the Seceder from the Kirk of Scotland living near Little River” had procured at home for building a kirk there, and of which nothing had since been heard. The author of the note was easily guessed; its question as easily answered. The editor, though unknown to me personally, not only gave my reply in his next number, but hand-somely supported it—making honourable reference to past events and difficulties, and expressing the best wishes for the future. What was meant for my hurt thus proved for my help, and defence came from an unexpected quarter.

In January 1837, the Presbytery met at our place, and we laid the first stone of the church with due solemnity. The company which assembled—numerous, and of all classes and colours—marched in procession, three abreast, round the ground, while the school children in the centre sang appropriate hymns. Thus we took possession of it in the name of the Lord, and by prayer, after several appropriate addresses, consecrated it to his service.