"Letter from Preiswerk, Praetorius’ Secretary, on the Inspection Journey into Akim"

The first half mcstly reports the proceedings of the Akim Synod. The 2/3d church tax was put before the Synod as a new measure. The inspector's journey into Akim coincided two deaths - Mrs Buck and Missionary Krauss. Praetorius was also quite ill during his period in Akim - presumably this was why they kept the news of Krauss' death from him for some time. They felt that the movement in Akim was continuing to make progress nevertheless. In Awiakwa there it took some time for a riotous welcome in the jungle to resolve itself into orderly song - they found 25 new catechumen. Admittedly, he writes their motives are various and indeed the whole movement has its national and social side, but onee cannot help being cheered by what has occurred. The communities itself were inspired to set up a new chapel, though the walls were so badly done that they will have to begin again. They will, however, get a grant from the Basel Committee for the building. The achievement of chapel-building in Kukurantumi and Kibi was financially the equivalent of 19/4d and 21/7d per member, respectively. His judgement over Akim is that 'We have here a field of labour which India can scarcely match. On the one side is an unbounded and unequalled ethical depravity and a yearning of the heathen under their heathenism, and one cannot help being joyful over every individual who struggles out of this slough. On the other hand there is a reception of the gospel and a willingness on the part of the local Christians to help the work along.

22.02.1883

22.02.1883

Text