“There is no Baptist church in this country but ours.  We have purchased a piece of land, at the east end of Kingston, containing three acres for the sum of 155 l.[3] currency, and on it have begun a meeting-house fifty-seven feet in length by thirty-seven in breadth.  We have raised the brick wall eight feet high from the foundation, and intend to have a gallery.  Several gentlemen, members of the house of assembly, and other gentlemen, have subscribed towards the building about 40 l.  The chief part of our congregation are SLAVES, and their owners allow them, in common, but three or four bits per week[4] for allowance to feed themselves; and out of so small a sum we cannot expect any thing that can be of service from them; if we did it would soon bring a scandal upon religion; and the FREE PEOPLE in our society are but poor, but they are all willing, both free and slaves, to do what they can.  As for my part, I am too much entangled with the affairs of the world to go on,” as I would, “with my design, in supporting the cause:  this has, I acknowledge, been a great hindrance to the Gospel in one way; but as I have endeavored to set a good example” of industry “before the inhabitants of the land, it has given general satisfaction another way....  And, Rev. Sir, we think the Lord has put it in the power of the Baptist societies in England to help and assist us in completing this building, which we look upon will be the greatest undertaking ever was in this country for the bringing of souls from darkness into the light of the Gospel....  And as the Lord has put it into your heart to enquire after us, we place all our confidence in you, to make our circumstances known to the several Baptist churches in England; and we look upon you as our father, friend, and brother.

“Within the brick wall we have a shelter, in which we worship, until our building can be accomplished.

“Your ... letter was read to the church two or three times, and did create a great deal of love and warmness throughout the whole congregation, who shouted for joy and comfort, to think that the Lord had been so gracious as to satisfy us in this country with the very same religion with ... our beloved brethren in the old country, according to the scriptures; and that such a worthy ... of London, should write in so loving a manner to such poor worms as we are.  And I beg leave to say, That the whole congregation sang out that they would, through the assistance of God, remember you in their prayers.  They altogether give their Christian love to you, and all the worthy professors of Jesus Christ in your church at London, and beg the prayers of your congregation, and the prayers of the churches in general, wherever it pleases you to make known our circumstances.  I remain with the utmost love ...  Rev. Sir, your unworthy fellow-labourer, servant, and brother in Christ.

(Signed) George Liele

P.S.  We have chosen twelve trustees, all of whom are members of our church, whose names are specified in the title; the title proved and recorded in the Secretary’s office of this island.