p. 3 | Untitled article by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1915

Notes From the Field — No. 1

By F. M. W.

The thought of going home brings a thrill of joy to every traveler. The hope of again mingling with the friends of yore, of gazing upon familiar scenes, and of getting back, even for a little time, in old, congenial environment, affords joy, as does also the realization.

It was with something of this feeling that we visited again for a few days, recently, our old field of labor in Colorado. It was to this health-giving climate that we were driven years ago in quest of health; it was here that health and strength returned. In the thirteen years which we spent in Colorado, we formed many associations which have developed into lasting friendships. Returning, after seven years of absence, we inquired with interest concerning the welfare of those we had known in the past. Some, we found, had moved to other places, for Colorado, like all the great West, knows the spirit of change; some had been called to lay down their burdens and rest for a little season; while others we found here at their posts, with their faces still set Zionward; and although their heads are gray with long waiting for the realization of their hopes, their hearts are still aflame with the spirit of this message and this work.

Never have we found a more loyal people than here in this conference, and we were glad to find the same earnest spirit of missionary endeavor that exists in every part of the great field. God has made the hearts of his people in every land one in purpose for the advancement of the work he has committed to their hands; and sectional lines are growing less and less distinct. We are coming to recognize that we are engaged in a world-wide movement; that our interest cannot be confined within State boundaries or within the confines of union or division conferences, but that we are debtors to all men.

In every part of the field we find homes from which have gone out to earth's remotest bounds some worker for Christ. Such a home we found near Boulder,—the home of Brother and Sister R. E. Hay, the parents of our dear Brother Hay in the Philippine Islands. These parents do not regret their sacrifice in sending their son out into the regions beyond, but rejoice, as many other parents who have sent sons and daughters to the front. They have not been able to go themselves, but they have given up their loved ones, and sent them forth with prayers to do valiant service for the Master; and the sacrifice of these devoted parents will not be unrecognized by the Lord of the harvest. Indeed, we shall find that those who have stayed by the stuff, who have remained at home, there to labor and toil to supply means to send others, have borne as truly a missionary part as those who have gone forth to battle.

At Boulder we spent several days at the sanitarium. Here we found an excellent and devoted company of men and women who realize, we believe, that they are a part of this great movement that is giving the last message to the world.

Many changes have been made in the personnel of the sanitarium family during the last few years. Notwithstanding this, the work has moved forward. We believe, however, it is coming to be recognized more and more in connection with all our sanitariums, that the fewer changes among physicians and managers, the better it is for the work.

At the sanitarium, on the occasion of our visit, we found guests who were here eight or nine years ago. Naturally, as they return, they look for familiar faces. The guests are attracted to the institution, not alone by the general character that it bears, but by the personality of its workers. They repose in these workers a confidence which grows through the years. They come to regard them as personal friends, as those in whom they can confide, and from whom they can receive help in every crisis of life.

The sanitarium at the present time possesses an excellent faculty. Dr. H. A. Green, the medical superintendent, has brought to the work a wide and extensive experience gained in other fields, both as a general physician and as a surgeon, and the Lord has certainly blessed his earnest labors as he has endeavored to build up the work on a strong and solid foundation. With Dr. Green there are associated at the present time Dr. Kate Lindsay and Dr. F. H. Weber. Dr. Anna B. Durrie, who has been connected with the work for several years, was absent on an extended vacation. Of Dr. Lindsay's long experience in connection with our denominational work, we need not speak. Thousands of young men and young women have received at her hands a training as nurses which they will appreciate and value while time lasts. Dr. Weber is rendering excellent service in the institution.

We were particularly impressed with the kindly and cordial Christian spirit of the business manager. Brother E. J. Baker, who has been associated with the institution for several years, demonstrates that it is possible to combine the exercise of Christian principles and integrity with business ability. The Lord is truly blessing his work.

During the summer months Elder A. C. Anderson has done very acceptable service as chaplain of the sanitarium and as pastor of the Boulder church. Sister Anderson, who completed her medical course in the spring, has rendered valuable assistance in the medical department during the summer months.

Faithful through the long years of efficient service she has rendered the institution, Sister J. W. Collie is still doing the work of matron.

We were pleased to note many improvements that have been made since we separated from the institution, seven years ago. At the present time the institution consists of one large main building of five stories, two fourteen-room cottages, and seventeen other cottages of varying size. The institution operates its own power plant for generating steam and electricity. It manufactures an excellent variety of foods to supply its own tables and also to meet the demands of the general trade. Brother E. L. Austin, the manager of the food department, tells us that this year has witnessed the largest output of foods since the plant was established. The institution also has a well-equipped laundry.

One very pleasing feature was the excellent dairy of a dozen sleek, well-kept cows, which supplies the sanitarium tables with milk and cream. A liberal supply of fresh eggs is also furnished by fowls belonging to the institution.

The treatment rooms for both men and women have been enlarged, which adds greatly to the convenience of the patients of these departments.

An air of general thrift pervades the institution. The grounds have been materially improved. New walks have been constructed, some of the old cottages enlarged, and much added in the way of new equipment and general furnishings. It is certainly necessary that our sanitariums be kept in good repair. We cannot allow our institutions to run down in appearance or equipment. We cannot permit our furnishings to become old or threadbare. When this is done, we shall find there will be a corresponding decrease in the patronage, and a lowering of the character of that patronage. Our sanitariums, in order properly to represent the movement with which they are connected, must be maintained in a neat, sanitary, creditable condition. This does not necessarily involve extravagance, but it does require constant care and painstaking effort on the part of those connected with them.

At the time of our visit, the sanitarium was enjoying, for this season of the year, an excellent patronage. The great problem which this institution has always had to confront is how to build up its winter trade. Its summer guests come in overflowing numbers; there is no need to advertise for them. And if the sick in various parts of the country could realize what a delightful winter climate Colorado possesses, the institution would have many more applicants than it could accommodate during the winter months. If many who seek congenial winter climate in the West, or in the South, or on the islands of the sea, could know the enjoyable winter climate of Colorado and the advantages which they could secure at our institution in Boulder, they might be turned this way. We believe that our brethren and sisters should constantly bear in mind the opportunities afforded by our sanitariums, and should direct to them their friends and neighbors who are in need of medical help.

We were pleased to meet here in Boulder some of our brethren from the East who are here seeking health. For years Elder C. E. Peckover has been making a great fight against a disease which has threatened his life. We found him of good courage, and in better physical condition than he was a year ago.

We also found here in Colorado Elder T. B. Westbrook, who, on account of his wife's health, was compelled to resign the presidency of the Northern New England Conference and come to this field. Sister Westbrook is making a brave and courageous fight, and the Lord is adding his blessing to her efforts. Brother Westbrook during the winter months will connect with the work in Boulder, as chaplain of the sanitarium and as pastor of the church.

Here also we found Brother Legg, at one time an employee of our General Conference. While still unable to return to his work in the East, Brother Legg has made marked improvement, and is finding a fruitful field of labor in connection with the sanitarium.

While in Boulder, we met Elder A. R. Sanborn visiting his son, who, with his wife, was compelled to leave New Jersey to seek relief in this climate.

We were pleased also to greet in Boulder Brother F. E. Stafford, who has spent six years of earnest labor in China. We were surprised to find him so greatly improved in health, and we sincerely hope that the Lord will give him complete restoration, and enable him to return to the field to which his heart and interest continually go out. Brother Stafford reported that he had recently visited Brother and Sister Benson and Sister Erickson, in Cañon City. Sister Erickson was greatly improved in health, and well on the road to complete recovery. Brother Benson had not availed himself sufficiently long of the mountain climate to obtain marked benefit, but his courage in the Lord was good, and he expected results from his stay in Colorado.

Sister L. L. McCamly, who spent several years in the India mission field, is doing much in local missionary labor to advance the interests of the cause of Christ. Elder W. D. Emery, forced to retire from active work, is also doing all that his strength will permit to strengthen the work of God.

Elder A. T. Robinson, president of the Colorado Conference, reports that the Lord is greatly blessing the work in his field. Good success has attended the efforts of the conference laborers.

Campion Academy is doing excellent service in preparing young men and young women for a part in this closing work. Surely, there is need for these additional workers. The fields are white unto harvest. Open doors are waiting on every hand. The great aim and desire of every young man and young woman connected with this movement should be to have a part in this closing work. May God inspire all our hearts with this spirit and this purpose. F. M. W. Boulder, Colo.