Adventism first started in “Mon Repos” through one “Polimis Poleon”, with his elder brother, “Jn Baptiste Poleon”, and a first cousin of theirs, “St. Luce Desir”. The two last named were illiterate men. Only Polimis was an educated chap. It happened that during his school days, the Holy Bible was a lesson book in the schools.

And on this account, he became impressed with the view that Catholicism was not the truth. But as he, his brother and their cousin, were understanding so well, he therefore made it his duty to teach them from the Scriptures. Then these three agable men decided to keep the Sabbath in obedience to their creator. This took place in the year nineteen hundred and twenty eight (1928).

It happened that during the course of that same year, one “Abernaty Charles”, who was a Seventh-Day Adventist in De Brieul, came to Mon Repos to work, as a tanner and shoemaker.

On his encounter with these men on his line, was able to add more to their information. Also, he hastened his return to De Brieul, to bring the tidings to the church there.

Then brother “Henry Edwards” and a few others made their way to Mon Repos to help these men of faith. At this point, they decided to be baptized at the ending of the year. But somehow, a postponement intervened and it did not. And beside, there was no resident Minister in the island. So the first Baptism took place in the month of May, 1929 by Elder W. H. Lewis. And instead of three, ten precious souls were buried with their Lord. They were “Polimis Poleon”, and his wife, one daughter, one grand-daughter, one nephew, “Cevilien Brice” with his wife. “Jn Baptiste Poleon”, Polimis’ brother, with one daughter of his also; the first cousin to the two Poleons, and one “Jenton Ferdinand” who afterwards married this same grand-daughter, of “Polimis Poleon” the founder of Adventism in Mon Repos.

In that same year, were added with them “Calixte Peter”, his wife “Louisa Peter”, and the only son of his “Pedro Peter”. This man and his wife were baptized at the end of the following year, 1930 by Pastor “Cole”. This was the second baptism.

At that third baptism, which took place on the 16^th January, 1933, were three of Calixte Peter’s children, his son, “Pedro Peter” and two daughters. His wife’s brother, “Sonney Joseph”, with his wife, his eldest daughter and another granddaughter of the said “Polimis Poleon”. Seven Candidates, by elder L.H. Gardiner, then President of the Leeward Island Conference.

And they were at this time, organized into a church by themselves. At first, were branched up with the De Brieul Church, but the most interesting part of the subject is the way the Peter’s family got the message.

It so happened, that the wife and mother, was a staunch Roman Catholic, but was much addicted to her Bible. In fact, she was quite a religious lady. To her, such practice as that in operation as a new found faith by “Polimis Poleon”, and his associates, was only a big joke. But one day she had a dream. She dreamt someone came to her and said: “I send you to read something, you don’t read it?” And she answered him in the dream and said “I read it”. Then the person said to her, “read it continue” – so she proceeded reading: Titus, Philemon, Hebrews. And when she got to the fourth chapter, there she found the Seventh Day Sabbath.

And she was immediately convinced. Now being convinced at this point, approached her husband, “Calixte Peter” and said to him: “Do you know what these men are doing, they are right, in their observance of Saturday”. The husband said: True? She answered yes, for I see it in the Bible. And then said, I am going to join the Seven Days. The husband replied: not you alone, I too! For since I know myself I’ve been living in a way when I die, to get a satisfaction with God. If it is there to get, there’s nothing to hinder me.

This discourse took place in the presence of their only son, “Pedro Peter”, who at the time had touched his teens and on hearing this, made his decision also, without uttering one word. And he was first to follow the footsteps of his parents in serving the master.

Now, with this membership mentioned before, after the third baptism, which amounted to nineteen baptized members, they put themselves out to build a house of worship.

For their place of worship then, was available at the home of “Polimis Poleon”, the founder of Adventism there. They succeeded putting up the first building there, on the early part of 1933. It was covered with shingles. It also happened that around the month of August, it was blown down by a hurricane.

This actually raised much criticisms and rejoicing, against Adventism, among the unbelievers. The Catholic priest, in the parish of Micoud said to his people, every time the Adventist puts up this building it shall be blown down. So there were great rejoicing indeed, on the opposite side.

But the members were not discouraged, although they had to go through all on their own, without any assistance from their conference or any where else, including other churches. Except the location, where it is erected; which was purchased by the conference, through the president thereof: Elder L.H. Gardiner. Yet, through the same “Polimis Poleon”, who had before sent an application to the administrator on this same behalf. After he succeeded to have it granted by the Government, he then informed the Conference about it so far. And thanks to God, they immediately intervened, and made the purchase thereof. For the church was unable to do so, at the time. All the same, they succeeded putting up the building again, before the year ends; but did not attend service therein, before January, 1935.

Unfortunately, “Polimis Poleon”, the founder, did not have the privilege to enjoy one Sabbath in the church, during his lifetime. His first and only entrance into the completed church was at his funeral in June 10^th, 1935.

The three pillars and founders of the Mon Repos Church were laid to rest in succession. “St. Luce Desir” died in April, 1934; “Polimis Poleon” in the month of June 1935; and “Jn Baptiste Poleon” in August 1936.

So within the space of two years and four months, these three notable warriors of the cross, which in reality, served as electrical switches of Adventism, in the vicinity of Mon Repos, were laid to rest peacefully, awaiting the call of  the life giver, whom they have chosen to praise and glorify.

But with the help of God, that little company, began spreading the message over in Dennery, Micoud, and Desruisseaux. It happened that in the month of May, 1935, Pastor A.A. Fortune made his arrival in St. Lucia as an evangelist. He visited Mon Repos in the month of June, recently after the death of brother Poleon; accompanied by Elder L.H. Gardiner, who announced to the church, that the conference had so arranged that Pastor Fortune should hold an evangelistic meeting in Mon Repos, for three months. On this account, Mon Repos became Pastor Fortune’s first field of labour in the island.

It so happened, that in accordance with the interest already gained in Dennery by the Mon Repos Church, where was an amount of four baptized members as a result; therefore, the church contacted Pastor Fortune on the matter. And he laid plans for an evangelistic meeting there, which took place in the month of May 1937. And on the 16^th October, that same year, nineteen souls took their stand with the Lord in Baptism. Now, turning over to the other side of the labours, so far as the parish of Micoud is concerned, Pastor Fortune did not enjoy the privilege to have Micoud evangelized, during his stay here.

He worked in Mon Repos, DeBrieul, Dennery, Soufriere and Castries, where he succeeded in building the first S.D.A. Church on the waterworks Road in 1938; at the dedication of which, himself was ordained, in the moth of June.

Also, in those days, means of transportation was rather difficult. Therefore, no activity could move along with much speed. Pastor Fortune’s stay on the island was six years and seven months; From May 1935 to December 1941. So Micoud was then tackled by Pastor Fortune’s successor Pastor F.A. Sebro, in April of 1944, with the help of the Mon Repos Church through which the seeds of truth were being sown, for many years. But at this time, the church at Mon Repos was accompanied with one brother “Pierre James” of Micoud, a young man in his prime, who had accepted the message in Castries during his short stay there, working as a shoe maker in the early forties.

On his return to his home base, he used to meet with the brethren at Mon Repos for worship on Sabbaths. So with the combined efforts of Brother James and the Mon Repos Church which helped Pastor Sebro to start reaping the ripened harvest there, a large number of souls joined the Lord’s army.

But most joyful of all, the church at Mon Repos continues to prosper in a mighty and courageous manner. For in the year 1973, succeeded to dedicate quite an extensive church building in wall, with a downstairs apartment, for a Church school.

At present, this new building is almost too small to accommodate its members whilst the work is rapidly in progress. So may the Lord be praised, and may entire victory attend every effort of the Mon Repos Church, whose birth had been experienced, all in miracles.

Ah! The major experience of all, as touching Ms. Calixte Peter’s experience in the parish of Dennery, where she attended church as a Roman Catholic, which had forgottenly been left out. It would have been placed soon after the completion of her acceptance of Adventism. Anyway, it was on this wise. As a member, so deeply attached to the Roman Catholic Church, was also a member of different orders of the church. Therefore, after becoming an Adventist, did not go to Dennery until some time had passed, which was approximately two months.

It so happened that on her first return there one Sunday, and being no such has ever been heard of by the people before, as Seventh Day Adventist, therefore she appeared in their sight as one who has committed the most heinous crime ever known. And on this account, had been surrounded by a crowd too great to number; with shouts of jeering and ridicule.

In fact, they even flocked the home she first entered in. They reaped up images and crucifix at the person’s home and dancing with these in front of her. But she did not take them on. When she left that house to somewhere else, it was amazing to see the mob which followed after, with shouts and abuse.

At this home, the owner chased them out and said, not here! So they waited on the street, until she comes out. In the meantime, the Corporal of Police came to her, (Mrs. Calixte Peter) and asked “Is it after you the crowd is pursuing?” She answered him “Yes!” He asked again, “Why?” She said, “Because I’m a Seventh Day Adventist.” He answered, “Is that so!” and went his way.

On returning to the Police Station he took two other Policemen with him and returned to the scene, keeping guard on the street. They occupied a certain part, giving orders that none should cross. One man came to cross but a policeman stopped him. He resisted, and was pushed back. Unexpectedly he pushed the Police and he fell.

When the officer got up, he had a walking stick in his hand. He ramsacked the man with it and had him under arrest. Then all the shouts of triumph turned into instant mourning and there was a great calm. They immediately forgot their plans to follow the Seven Days on the way to her home, where she had to cross an uninhabited area of five miles distance. A good amount were arrested and charged. Some were jailed, some fined. Thus respect and tranquility were obtained in the place to operate in quietness.

So, of a truth dear brethren, the Lord has worked explicitly on behalf of those converted, by his own divine inspiration.

Therefore pray for the Mon Repos Church.