Fifty years had now elapsed since the first ship arrived at Nain, 9th August 1771, with missionaries on board for the service of the Esquimaux, and in the morning of the same day of the same month, August the 9th, 1820, at eight o’clock, the Harmony cast anchor in the same bay, bringing stores and provisions for a Christian settlement containing one hundred and sixty-eight inhabitants, chiefly gathered from among the heathen, and exercising the habits of civilized life, instead of roaming the wilds as rude savages, or infesting the seas as ruthless pirates.  The day of the vessel’s arrival was always a day of gladness, as she brought tidings from their Christian friends in Europe to the missionaries; and good tidings from a far country, especially when brought to such a secluded spot, were doubly welcome.  That this communication should, notwithstanding all risks, have been uninterrupted, afforded much subject for thanksgiving, which the brethren expressed by hymns, and likewise endeavoured to show by some little external tokens.  They hoisted two old small flags and a white one, on which the sisters had marked, in large figures, the number 50, surrounded by a wreath of green laurel; their small cannon fired several shot, which were answered by the ship, and the Esquimaux fired their pieces as long as their powder lasted.  Meanwhile, some tunes of hymns, expressing thanksgiving to God for his mercies, were played on wind instruments, which altogether made a good impression on the Esquimaux, and gave them an idea of a jubilee rejoicing.  Brother Kohlmeister explained to them the meaning of the number 50 on the flag, and made them understand that it was the fifteenth time that a ship had come safely to Nain for their sakes, and how it had been preserved, by the wonder-working hand of God, from all harm in these dangerous seas, and that this was the cause of these extraordinary demonstrations of a joyful gratitude; they listened with great attention, and then exclaimed, “Yes!  Jesus is worthy of thanks!” nor were the sailors unmoved.

Next year, 1821, completed half a century which the brethren had spent in Labrador, and was celebrated as the jubilee year at the three settlements.  At Nain the commemoration day was the 9th of August, in all the services of which a spirit of joy and thanksgiving prevailed throughout the whole congregation.  The baptism of two adults tended much to solemnize the festival.  “We praised the Lord,” say the missionaries, “with heart and voice, for all the wonders he has wrought in behalf of the mission in Labrador during half a century, in which he has led, preserved, and blessed us abundantly.  His mighty arm has protected us in many dangers, and the preaching of his cross has been attended with power and the demonstration of his Spirit in many hearts; and many heathen have been brought in as a reward for the travail of his soul.”  An account of the beginning of the mission, and of all the remarkable incidents and proofs of the mercy and