Annual Meeting of the Constituency of the New England Sanitarium
By W. M. LEE
THE eighth annual meeting of the constituency of the New England Sanitarium was held at the sanitarium in Melrose, Mass., March 18, 1908. In his address the president reviewed the dealings of God with the institution during the year just passed. On Jan. 29, 1907, the New England Sanitarium constituency took a firm stand to place the institution in perfect harmony with the counsel given in the spirit of prophecy. In the Testimonies we are told that it was a providential opening that put us in possession of this magnificent location for a sanitarium. During the time since the passing of the property to the conferences of the New England States, the institution has passed through some trying experiences. But in all of them the cause of truth has triumphed, and we stand in a better position to-day to do work for the Lord than ever before. While the patronage during the year 1907 was not quite so large as during the previous year, yet the financial statement of the treasurer showed quite a decided gain over the year 1906. We have seen encouraging results from the recent Life and Health campaign during January and February. We believe if this work with our health journal would continue throughout the year, it would be an important factor in attracting the people, and would fill our institution with patients. The treasurer’s report was then read and approved, subject to the auditor’s report. As the term of office of twelve members of the constituency expired at this meeting, the following persons were elected to serve for two years: H. B. Tucker, W. A. Westworth, E. W. Farnsworth, C. O. Prince, P. F. Bicknell, W. R. Andrews, B. F. Machlan, F. M. Dana, I. P. Bradford, W. E. Fortune, C. P. Frye, and P. P. Lane. W. M. Lee was elected clerk and treasurer. The following persons were elected to serve on the board of trustees: E. W. Farnsworth, C. O. Prince, P. F. Bicknell, A. P. Needham, W. A. Westworth, B. F. Machlan, W. M. Lee, and H. F. Ketring. H. F. Ketring was elected president for the coming year. At a meeting of the former board of trustees, held March 3, 1908, the condition of the sanitarium was carefully investigated, and it was clearly seen that our present bath-rooms are altogether inadequate and unfit to do the necessary work, and to command the respect of a good class of patients. The board therefore voted that new bath-rooms should be provided, in order that we might draw to the institution a good, paying class of people. They also provided for some needed repairs on the buildings21that we already occupy. This action of the former board was approved by the new board of trustees, and steps are already being taken to carry out the will of the board. It was also voted to invite Dr. W. E. Bliss of the Madison (Wis.) Sanitarium to connect with the work at Melrose, and that Brother J. W. Davis be invited to act as business manager. The future prospects of the New England Sanitarium were never brighter than they are at the present time. The cloud that for years has hung over that institution is rising, and the brethren and sisters throughout the Atlantic Union Conference feel more confidence in it than ever before. The Testimonies, in speaking of this institution, say: “And here is to be done the very work that the Lord specified must be done in our medical institutions, — a work resembling the ministry of Christ, the greatest Medical Missionary our world has ever known, a noble, helpful, sympathetic work.” And again these encouraging words come to us through the spirit of prophecy: “Those who are acting a prominent part in connection with this sanitarium should be encouraged by what the Lord has done in behalf of the institution. Let all move forward unitedly.” In a more recent Testimony, the servant of the Lord tells us that there are brighter days ahead for the New England Sanitarium. The family, consisting of about seventy persons, was never of better courage, to press forward and do the work that the Lord has said should be done in this place. We earnestly desire that the Lord may lead, and that we may have an interest in the prayers of God’s people, that we may understand the Lord’s leadings.