By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The Baptist missionaries who were martyred in Hopevale in Tapaz, Capiz.
On December 20, 2023, we mark the solemn occasion of the 80th anniversary of the martyrdom of a group of American Baptist missionaries at a location known as “Hopevale” in the hills of Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz. This tragic event claimed the lives of dedicated individuals, including Jennie Clare Adams, Prof. James Howard Covell, Charma Moore Covell, Dorothy Antoinette Dowell, Signe Amelia Erikson, Dr. Frederick Willer-Meyer, Ruth Schacht Meyer, Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose, Gertrude Coombs Rose, Rev. Erle Frederich Rounds, Louise Cummings Rounds, and a young boy, Erle Douglas Rounds.
In the early days of December 1943, these missionaries, along with other Americans seeking refuge, were likely preparing for their Christmas celebration. This would have marked their second Christmas since evacuating in 1942, but tragically, they were denied the opportunity to celebrate.
On the fateful day of December 20, 1943, the Japanese soldiers who had captured the American Baptist missionaries, assigned to institutions such as Central Philippine College, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Filamer Christian College, and various churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, executed them. Subsequently, their bodies and possessions were burned by the Japanese forces.
Remarkably, amidst the devastation, divine providence ensured the survival of certain belongings, including sketches, drawings, letters, written poems, and songs. Filipino Baptists safeguarded these artifacts, ultimately transferring them to the care of Central Philippine College after the conclusion of World War II.
Two works originating from the hills of Hopevale provide poignant reflection during this Christmas season. The first is a poem titled “Jesus, Thou Tender Shepherd,” composed by Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose. The second is a typewritten Swedish Christmas hymn, “När Juldagsmorgon Glimmar,” penned by Betty Ehrenborg in 1851 and translated into English by Signe Amelia Erikson. These enduring pieces serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of these missionaries and the resilience of hope even in the face of adversity.
“JESUS, THOU TENDER SHEPHERD”
By Francis Howard Rose
“Jesus, Thou tender Shepherd of the sheep,
In vain we try this mountain trail to keep,
Keep Thou Thy flock within safeguarded door
And in Thy bosom, O bring us home once more.
Life’s dark enigmas everywhere abound,
Make, without Thee, a ceaseless nightmare round
Where shall we turn, in turmoil, loss, and strife?
Thou are our answer, Thou are Eternal Life.
Thou are the Truth, Incarnate Word of God,
All others fail to point us out the road.
Though seek we rest, our Quest will never cease
Until we find Thee, find Thee our Perfect Peace.
Jesus, Thou Mighty Shepherd of the sheep,
We trust our all, Thy pierced hands to keep
Against that day, in Thy fair Morning land,
When, in Thy Presence, before Thy face we stand.”
“WHEN CHRISTMAS MORNING DAWNS”
Translated into English by Signe Amelia Erikson
At dawn of Christmas morning, I wish to go to the place
Where God throughout the night hours, Upon the clean straw rest
Where God Throughout the night hours, Upon the clean straw rest.
How good you were who wanted To this old earth come down;
No more in sin shall follow my childhood days again,
No more in sin shall follow my childhood days again.
We need you now, dear Jesus, You greatest children’s friend;
I wish no more to trouble You with my sins again,
I wish no more to trouble You with my sins again.