Dedication of Hinsdale (Ill.) Sanitarium
By Wm. Covert
The formal opening of the new sanitarium at Hinsdale, Ill., a suburb of the city of Chicago, took place September 20, at 3 P. M. Several hundred people gathered on the lawn in front of the building to listen to addresses by lawyers, doctors, ministers, and judges. These were for the most part from the city of Chicago. Judge Orrin N. Carter, of Cook County, gave the opening address. Dr. J. H. Kellogg spoke for a time with reference to the sanitarium idea. Addresses were also made by Dr. Thomas of Chicago, Representative Wilson, Mr. Hart of the Children’s Home and Aid Society, and others, including Dr. Paulson and W. S. Sadler. The exercises were presided over by Hon. R. A. Childs, ex-congressman from some district in Illinois. Before and after the exercises, hundreds of people were shown through the building, where various demonstrations of sanitarium methods of treatment, diet, dress, etc., were given. I think it was in August, 1904, that Sister White wrote in the REVIEW AND HERALD concerning her visit to Hinsdale. She spoke of the ideal location, and said: “The sight of the trees and flowers, with the sunshine and fresh air, will bring health to mind and body. In anticipation of this I see the Hinsdale Sanitarium established, with hope and faith coming into the hearts of the patients.” Her prediction in this respect is being fulfilled. Those in charge of the institution are asking that as far as possible the nurses and helpers receive Bible instruction from our ministers. They express themselves as very anxious to have the third angel’s message taught in all its significance to all these helpers, so that they will be in perfect harmony with the message and its work wherever they may go. Although this sanitarium is not organically connected with the Northern Illinois Conference, it did seek for such connection, but conditions were such at the time the request was made, that it was not thought practical. It is under that the management of what is called the Hinsdale Sanitarium and Benevolent Association. I believe it is possible for those in charge and the conference to make this sanitarium in its teachings and operations what the Lord wants it to be. Since it is in our midst and must have a leading influence in caring for the afflicted people of Chicago, and since in the very nature of things it must come in touch with the Seventh-day Adventist churches of this city, is it not a consistent thing that the conference furnish strong ministerial help to assist it in carrying out the ideas suggested for it in the writings of Sister White? There is no question but that the citizens of Hinsdale and its vicinity are greatly pleased to have it in their midst. They were present in large numbers to witness and enjoy the dedicatory services, and seemed to give a very hearty welcome to the sanitarium and its promoters. The building is now well filled with patients. Besides this, a number of tents have been pitched in order that the overflow may be accommodated. It seems to be doing the same kind of good work that other sanitariums are doing, and we hope that it may be conducted in such a way that it will be a material help in advancing the cause of the third angel’s message in this field.