Reviewed by Jerome Teelucksingh
Guyana Journal, September 2009
We all have family albums, cherished memories and occasional tall tales of the exploits and lives of our ancestors, forefathers and parents but few of us are gifted as Dr. Tikasingh to weave this into a delightful tapestry.
It is appropriate that the launch should be at this venue because Butler and his family were closely connected to San Fernando and some of its prominent Presbyterian institutions. Butler had a home at 66 Broadway Street and was trained as a catechist at the Presbyterian College. Later, members of his family attended Naparima Teachers' Training College, Naparima Girls' High School and Naparima College. Furthermore, the family church has been the Susamachar Presbyterian Church at San Fernando. The story of Butler Tikasingh will be indelibly etched in your memories as you will find this publication a real page turner.
A significant feature of the book its reader-friendly format, i.e., presenting scholarly research in a style which will be greatly appreciated by the lay reader. The glossy layout and beautifully colored pictures all add to the attractiveness of the book.
Historically, the story of Butler Tikasingh is the story of an East Indian worker tricked and transported here from Mother India. It is the story of a man in a strange land, to be socialized in this adopted land of his children's births as he freed himself from the bondage and shackles of the disadvantaged indentured in a colonial era. Historically it is also within the Presbyterian context, the story is one of those brave, energetic, militant evangelical souls of that then vibrant order called 'The Catechists' of the Presbyterian Church. Yet, Butler was one of the few Christians who was recruited to Trinidad, had a high school education, spoke a few Indian languages and dialects so he was another of God's answer to the Canadian Mission for more indigenous evangelists to the East Indians.
The book records the true story of a humble, industrious honest, God-fearing unordained minister of the word who as a local missionary powerfully impacted on the life of the Presbyterian Church as it further prepared the East Indians in the early 20th century for the new challenges of post-indentureship freedom which incidentally coincided with the struggles in the final decades of decolonization.
The title of the book God's servant from India will certainly make it appealing to the wider community. Readers and students of history will find the sections entitled “Recruitment” and “Arrival” filled with interesting information on the indentureship system. Butler's unfortunate experience of being tricked by a recruiting agent in India is now acknowledged by historians as one of the facts of indentureship. Nonetheless he was one of the very few Christians who found himself making the dreaded trip across the 'kala pani', the dark waters between India and the Caribbean.
Readers will appreciate the supporting invaluable historical documents inclusive of the black and white photographs of a cocoa house and ajoupa, reproductions of a certificate of Exemption from Labour and the license for Butler's agricultural cart. Furthermore, references of the Manse in the Mt. Stewart -Iere Village area where Butler and his family lived and a map of the layout of Reform Estate, all vividly recreates Butler's experiences, but, also sheds light on a geographical zone which was the birthplace of Presbyterianism in Trinidad.
The author provides historical snapshots which allow us to follow the footsteps of Butler in South Trinidad during the 20th century. This includes such details as Butler's visit to San Fernando where he would stop at a store along the King's Wharf to water his horse (p. 53).
We enter a time-machine as we are transported to that era when you needed a license for an agricultural cart and there was no traffic congestion on the few roads in Trinidad. Butler was fortunate to own a car. Yes, this was an era when at cottage-prayer meetings the refreshments were coffee and crackers.
What valuable lessons can we learn from this biography and insight into the life of Butler Tikasingh? Firstly, we are amazed at the discipline and work ethic of this individual. According to the Annual Report for 1937, in the Mt. Stewart district he visited 432 homes! Incredible as it might sound, this was achieved by traveling on foot or using a 2 wheel carriage and later a buggy. What an example for our present day church workers!
Dr. Tikasingh, the author, noted that even whilst his father served as a laborer on the sugar estate, he was then also commended by the Manager and Overseer for his 'thoroughness and completeness'.
Secondly, this biography reflects the importance of spirituality in a close-knit family and the father's acceptance of responsibility impacting positively on the children's lives. Here was this busy man who would ensure that family worship was also institutionalized in his own home as “…he also held worship services with his family every night he was home.” (p.31). However, life was not dull or lifeless, recreation was also included and he would often play cricket with his children and take some to weekly outings to San Fernando.
The section entitled “His Family” on pages 57 to 64 demonstrates Butler's appreciation of education as an agent for social mobility. He ensured that all his children received sound education and today they have all excelled in their various professions.
Butler, the man, also possessed admirable and rare qualities of humility, patience and self-control. These qualities were powerful and added vitality to his missionary zeal. This is recounted in his biography and reads as follows: “…Butler would tell the villagers the Good News of Jesus Christ. By doing so, he incurred the wrath and abuse of some of the Hindus and Muslims who formed the majority of the people in the villages.” (p.30).
Another notable incident and mentioned in the section 'Conversions' reveals the story of a man residing in Barrackpore, who resisted conversion but challenged Butler that he would attend his church service on one condition - that Butler should wash his dirty feet.
How many of us would ignore such a request and consider it ludicrous? But a determined Butler like Jesus Christ who washed his disciples feet, fulfilled the demand and not surprisingly the man eventually attended the service and became a Christian (p.50).
But for me, the most poignant reference which truly reflects the Christ-like quality is the story of a non-Christian who had previously verbally abused Butler yet, on his deathbed asked Butler to baptize him (p.76).
Butler's charitable disposition, affable nature and generosity of spirit should also be lauded. In the section “Last Days” there is a sentence which aptly captured his magnanimous nature: “He was very generous and always gave away his last penny in the belief that the person asking for the money had a greater need.” (p.77).
Butler vigorously assisted in the distribution of magazines, clothes, Christmas cards and books which were sent from Canadian churches to the mission in Trinidad. Let us now visualize Butler in his suit and tie and white cork hat, moving among needy villagers and their children - must have been compared to a Santa Claus in season and out of season.
The author, Dr. Elisha Tikasingh, must be commended for including in this biography, Butler's both wives at different times in his life, the two sisters, Emma and Bessie. They supported him in his mission and the entire family is indebted to the frugality, foresight and resourcefulness of these two women. After Emma died in 1924, Butler married her sister Bessie and this reminded me of the Old Testament story - of Jacob who married two sisters, Leah and Rachel, but of course those circumstances were far more complex, complicated and intriguing than the simple straightforward relationships of Catechist Butler Tikasingh.
Bessie, resourceful and talented, kept the family together after Butler died in 1940. She endeared herself to everyone and skillfully budgeted for the family even during the challenging times of World War II. She maintained Butler's legacy of a strong family life and binding ties until she died at the ripe old age of 100.
In God's Servant from India, Butler is portrayed as a spiritual giant with steely determination who wisely used opportunities to improve the lives of members of his family and fellow villagers. He was able to overcome poverty, rise from the lowly status of estate worker and yard boy to the respected status of catechist and social worker par excellence. Yes, Butler the Methodist became Butler the Presbyterian. He successfully filled the roles of father, brother, friend, husband and preacher.
Butler Tikasingh was a tireless servant of the Presbyterian Church. He neither received national recognition nor awards as his namesake, Tubal Uriah Butler, but this did not make Butler Tikasingh a lesser human being. Indeed, Butler Tikasingh's stature and reputation made him a religious colossus who was well loved and respected in many communities in South Trinidad.
This book provides us with a vital lesson in life i.e., that we do not have to search for role models in sport, culture, movie stars, local artistes or those from North America and Europe. Yes, right within your family, you will find a role model. Such a role model as Butler is needed in our society, and the Caribbean which is plagued by multiple social ills - juvenile delinquency, a high divorce rate, a poor work ethic, murders and domestic violence and crime in general. In retrospect, Butler Tikasingh has made not just his family proud, but all of San Fernando, Trinidad, India, and I dare say the entire world.
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