|
It was in Wood Park that Bro. Dennis heard
the gospel being preached by Bro. Small,
a Sabbath School Superintendent. Bro. Dennis
gladly received the word and was baptised
by Bishop Chase. During that time Deacon
Clark had a gathering at Barkley's Town
which Bro. Dennis visited. Deacon Clark
took the gathering to Guys Hill after which
he relocated to Richmond.
This meant that the closest church to Bro.
Dennis was in Linstead. He was zealous of
the gospel, and he did not hesitate to go
to Linstead on Sabbaths. At times not even
having a drive, he walked. This was a difficult
task, but he did it with joy. He was eager
to learn all he could about the gospel of
Jesus Christ. The more he learned, the more
he believe and he felt the need to share
the good news of the kingdom with others.
Many believed and were taken to Bishop Chase
to be baptised.
Bishop Chase saw Bro. Dennis' zeal and
determination and the Lord instructed him
to ordain him to the gospel ministry. So
it was that Bro. Dennis was ordained, Elder
Dennis and sent to Carron Hall. He began
with about fifteen members. However, this
field proved unprofitable and Bishop Chase
instructed him to "Go where the Spirit
leads you".
Elder Dennis, along with four of the members
from Carron Hall moved on to Retreat. Like
Job, he was tested. Sister Dennis, his wife,
decided that she was not going to Retreat
because they had no material substance there.
So she left him for Kingston. Knowing that
God had sent him to this field, Elder Dennis
moved on in faith. He rented an apartment
and kept the Sabbath service there. The
first member to join the church in Retreat
was Bro. Pert. Elder Dennis continued spreading
the gospel, and soon Bro. and Sister Bloomfield
were added to the number.
While a place of worship was being erected
in Retreat, a building was rented at Gayle
to hold service.
When the structure in Retreat was ready,
the saints moved into this new place of
worship. The Lord added many members to
the church and they soon outgrew the building.
A new place of worship had to be sought.
As this search continued Elder Dennis continued
to spread the gospel. He climbed rocks and
mountains and went through valleys and dales
to share this everlasting gospel with all
that would listen. He took nothing for his
journey. He not only preached the word,
but he lived an exemplary life, remembering
the precept that says we should "Shun
the very appearance of evil."
God rewarded his faithfulness, and after
fifteen years of separation from her husband,
Sister Dennis returned home. This great
man of God received her as if she had never
left.
The saints acquired a piece of property
in Petersfield and erected a tabernacle,
which still stands today.
We pray for the saints of this tabernacle
that the Lord will turn again the captivity
and allow them to do a good work to His
honour and glory.
|