[Thomas N.] Swigle, Kingston, Jamaica, to John Vowell, Gosport, 20 November 1802.[Letter copied and sent to Rippon, 11 Grange Road, Southwark, by J. V. on 3 February 1803.]

Kingston, Jamaica 20 Novr 1802.

Dear Sir & Brother

         Your kind and most affectionate letter by the Packet I duly received, and I can assure you I am at a loss for words to express the feelings of my mind for your loving kindness and tender regard for this our little Church, when I read your letter in our Meeting House to the Congregation, the whole Church shouted with Joy, to hear the loving kindness of Brethren at so great a distance towards such poor feeble weak Creatures as we are, that they are pouring out their supplications and prayers at the Throne of Grace, for the saving and Salvation of our Souls, and for the prosperity of the Blessed Gospel among us poor illiterate Ethiopian Baptists in Jamaica. I am happy my dear Brother to acquaint you that the first foundation Stone for the Building of the New Chapel was laid on the 28 Augst last, (our intention was to have laid it at the time I mentioned to you when at my House before we parted, but having not the needful prevented us, and the Labourers were a considerable time in digging the foundation. It is 55 feet by 29½) and was you there at the time the throne was laid you would have been surprised to see the multitude of people of all discription, such a thing was never seen or known before among Christians in this Town in all our days – The processon was from my Home between 4 & 5 oC[lock]— in the afternoon, we walked thro’ the Parades to our place of Worship, and I gave a short discourse on the subject, taken from “16 Chapter St Matthew 18 verse” “Upon this Rock I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” – And after divine service was over, we laid the stones at the S. E. corner of the Square or what is called the lot ^this is only a note of mine –^ and upon the Stone was laid a small marble Plate and these words engraven thereon. St John’s chapel was founded 28 August 1802 – since which we have laid the foundation with Bricks above the surface of the Earth.

         We are all my beloved Brother unable to return the thanks we owe to you, and the dear contributors for the support we have already received by the contributions of a Mr & Mrs Taylor, Mr Williams, Mrs Hall, & Mrs Vowell, which amounts to £8.3 Sterlg, and as you was pleased to say I must draw on you at Rd Birts Esqr No. 10 John Street Adelphi for that Amount. Mr Philip Scoby (one of Mr [?] people) my Brothers Clerk at our Wharf, has advanced me the money in Jamaica Currency, & I have drawn on you in his favor for that amount Sterlg, which you will be pleased to pay to his Order – All my Brethren unites with me in their most Christian love in the best [?] yourself Sister [Vowell?], and each and every one of the Dear beloved Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ; and to all like them, that we are truly thankful for their loving kindness in remembering us in their prayers and they and myself most humbly beg for a long continuance of the same, and I remain my dear Brother with love and great regard – your poor unworthy Brother in the Lord Jesus Christ –

Thos N. Swigle

P.S. I wrote by a former packet another long letter to Revd Dr John Rippon, with every particular respecting our Churches, both in Kingston and different places and have given him every ^a very^ particular account of our number and also the Great Spread of the Gospel in this Island – please to let me hear from you as soon as possible –

Gosport – 3d Feby 1803 –

My dear & Revd Sir

         I am happy to have an opportunity of sending you a copy of a letter fom our dear friend and Brother Mr Swigle – I send you a true copy, in his own words, for your information, that if you chuse to print it you may dress it as you please – [?] will Mrs Hall & Mr Vowell like their names to be in print! – I can answer for Br Williams – How much do those our dear Brethren stand in need of our help? I wish some other persons woud write them it would strengthen their hands and encourage their Hearts to go on in the ways of Holiness. Had I the power or ability I would be proud to do more. But my heart is with them and they have my best wishes – I would have sent the original but want to make as many friends for them, by it as I can – If we live till May I trust I shall have it in my power to shew you his letter – Mrs V. joines me in cordial respects to yourself & Mrs R. & family – and Remain

                     Dear Doctor your obliged humble St

                                             J Vowell

Address: Revd Doctor Rippon | No. 11 Grange Road, Southwark| London

Postmark: 5 February 1803

Text: John Rippon Letters, British Library, Add. Ms. 25389, vol. 4, fols. 340-41.