Review by Jerome Teelucksingh

God’s Servant from India: The Story of Butler Tikasingh, by Elisha S. Tikasingh. Port of Spain, Trinidad: Texprint, 2008. 97 pp

It is appropriate that the launch of this biography was held at St Andrew’s Theological College in San Fernando because Butler and his family were closely connected to San Fernando and some of its prominent Presbyterian institutions.
The story of Butler Tikasingh will become indelibly etched in readers’ memories as this biography by his son is a real page-turner. Butler is one of the East Indian workers tricked and transported here from India. His 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 of one of those brave, energetic, militant, evangelical souls of that then vibrant order called “The Catechists” of the Presbyterian Church. Yes, Butler was one of the few Christians who was recruited to Trinidad, had a high school education, and spoke a few Indian languages and dialects; he was therefore another of God’s answer to the Canadian Mission as it searched for more indigenous evangelists to the East Indians.
The book records the true story of a humble, industrious, honest, God-fearing un-ordained minister of the word who, as a local missionary, powerfully impacted on the life of the Presbyterian Church as it prepared the East Indians in the early 20th century for the new challenges of post-indentureship freedom.
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 themselves making the dreaded trip across the “kala pani”, the dark waters between India and the Caribbean.
Readers would appreciate the publication’s invaluable historical documents, including the black and white photographs of a cocoa house and ajoupa, reproductions of a certificate of Exemption from Labour and the license for Butler’s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, in the Iere Village area, where Butler and his family lived, and a map of the layout of Reform Estate, all vividly recreate Butler’s experiences, but also shed light on an area that was the birthplace of Presbyterianism in Trinidad.
The author provides historical snapshots that 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 are transported to that era when one needed a licence 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 would be 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 travelling on foot, later using a horse-driven two-wheeled carriage, a buggy and then a car. Dr Tikasingh, the author, noted that even while his father served as a labourer on the sugar estate, he was also commended by the manager and overseer for his “thoroughness and completeness”.
This biography reflects the importance of spirituality in a close-knit family and the father’s acceptance of responsibility positively influencing the children’s lives. Here was a 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 them 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 a 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: ” . . . 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 reveals the story of a man living in Barrackpore who resisted conversion but challenged Butler, saying he would attend a church service on one condition-that Butler should wash his dirty feet. But a determined Butler, like Jesus Christ who washed his disciples’ feet, fulfilled the demand and, not surprisingly, the man attended the service and eventually became a Christian (p. 50). But for me, the most poignant reference that truly reflects a 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. He vigorously assisted in the distribution of magazines, clothes, Christmas cards and books that 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-he must have been compared to Santa Claus in and out of season.
The author, Dr Elisha Tikasingh, must be commended for including in this biography both of Butler’s wives: 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 skilfully 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 103.
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 and though not nationally recognised like his namesake, Tubal Uriah Butler, his stature and reputation made him a religious colossus who was well loved and respected in many communities in south Trinidad.
This biography provides us with a vital lesson in life: that we do not have to search far and wide for role models; the most exemplary individuals are often right within your family.