p. 20 | Nashville Sanitarium Food Factory by C. F. McVAGH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 20, 1909

Nashville Sanitarium Food Factory

By C. F. McVAGH

THIS enterprise was established in direct response to the following instruction:—

Extract from a letter dated Feb. 2, 1902, addressed “to those in positions of responsibility in the Southern field:” “In the Southern field there should be facilities for the manufacture of inexpensive, necessary health foods. Worldly policy is not to be brought into this work. . . . Concerning the manufacture and sale of health foods in the Southern field, I would say: If the Southern Union Conference will choose men of ability and strict economy to take up this work for the benefit of the cause in the South, it is well.”

“The spirit of selfish monopoly must not enter into this work, but the spirit to help the people get healthful foods freely and at moderate prices. . . . The health food business should be regarded as God’s gift to his people.”

From a letter dated Lodi, Cal., May 10, 1906, with reference to the plant now in use: “I wish to express myself as in full harmony with the establishment of the food factory, where there is so much that can be utilized in the line of

machinery to advance the work. This is as it should be.”

After prayerful study of the above instruction and the whole situation, the plant was purchased by the Southern Union Conference, and is being operated for the benefit of the work in the South. Brother M. Hare, who has had long experience in successful management of the food business in Australia, spent months of conscientious labor in putting the building and machinery into condition, and we had relied upon him to superintend the business, but just as the factory was about ready to start, Brother Hare was obliged to retire from the field on account of his health. After considerable delay and negotiation with different men, M. F. Knox, one of the elders of the Nashville church and a man of Christian character and successful business experience in the city, was selected as manager, and J. A. Hart, of St. Helena, Cal., who has had eighteen years of experience in the food business, as baker. The factory is now in operation, and turning out foods which in quality will compare favorably with any, and at prices that can not fail to please.

Mrs. E. G. White visited the factory recently, and expressed pleasure at what had been accomplished. These foods are prepared by Christian help, in a clean factory, put up in packages or bulk with the idea of accommodating direct trade with the consumers. If you have not had a price-list, write to M. F. Knox, Nashville, Tenn.

C. F. McVAGH, Pres. Southern Union Conf.