A former policeman, the son of a holy man, an army of foot soldiers, those who birthed Naparima and Hillview—and many more.
These were some of the dedicated men and women who were the "right hand" of the Canadian missionaries laying the foundations of the Presbyterian church in T&T.
Their work may have been shadowed over time and recalled now only by their descendants, though the names of many live on in prominent annals of T&T history to present day. But their stories are to be found in the aptly named recently released publication, The Missionary's Right Hand.
The collection of seven essays from various writers, shares perspectives on the lives and work by the many T&T citizens that went into the building of the Presbyterian church from its earliest years. The book was launched at Tunapuna's Aramalaya Presbyterian Church recently and at St Andrews' Theological College, San Fernando, on November 16.
Historian Prof Brinsley Samaroo examines the people who dared to go to areas in T&T where the Canadian missionaries didn't. Samaroo and Tobago resident Larry Delochan also examined the growth of the church in Tobago.
Rev Daniel Teelucksingh delves into the local heroes of the missions. The publication was edited by Teelucksingh's son, Dr Jerome Teelucksingh (UWI).
Retired business executive/pilot Irwin Alexander traces how his maternal great grandfather, Henry Jurawan, arrived here in 1862 aboard the "Alnwick Castle" ship, and how Henry and his wife, Rebecca, worked with Canadian missionary John Morton in southern areas.
UWI lecturer Dr Gelien Matthews explores another branch of the church's work: the establishment of homes to educate girls. Writer Rambai Espinet goes behind the Naparima formation and its bearing on the church, while retired principal Robert Ramsahai examines the history of another institution linked with the church—Hillview College.—Gail Alexander
