The Portland (Ore.) Sanitarium
By W. R. Simmons
THE past summer season has been the most prosperous one in the history of the work. The Exposition brought a number of people to us who would, perhaps, have gone elsewhere had it not been for the special railroad rates. But aside from these transients, we have had an excellent patronage. It became necessary during the summer to put up tents to accommodate those who came. Among our guests were people from nearly every State in the Union. One lady from West Virginia spent several weeks at the sanitarium. Since the fair has closed, our patronage has decreased somewhat, but we still have more patients than usual at this time of the year. The work is steadily growing in every department, and we are endeavoring to add new facilities from time to time, that we may be better prepared to care for those who come to us for help. A class of ten nurses have just finished their course of study. Some of these have gone to work in different parts of the field, but five are still at the sanitarium, helping in the work. A new class of twelve members have already begun their course of study and are taking hold of the work very enthusiastically; some of the number have had experience in caring for the sick in other places, and their help is much appreciated. The regular course has been lengthened to three years, and more studies have been added, so that each one will receive a complete training for the work. We appreciate very much the help given by Elder Daniel Nettleton, who has accepted the position of chaplain. His Bible classes, given three times a week, are especially interesting. These studies, together with the Friday evening sermon, regular weekly prayer-meeting, and Sabbath services, make it possible for patients and helpers to learn much of the Bible truths. Several of the patients are much interested in the truth, and one, a banker, so much so that he intends to dispose of his business and follow out the things he has learned. We are thankful for the many blessings God has given us the past year. We realize that this prosperity comes only through his love. We are all of good courage, and pray that God will give each one of the workers connected with this institution the wisdom and skill necessary to carry on the work as it should be done; also that with his19blessing we may be able to continue in the work for suffering humanity, and relieve the many who come to us for help. The financial basis of the institution is better than ever before. Several thousand dollars of the original indebtedness has been paid, and the interest materially decreased. The prospects for the future were never brighter. We trust, by a continual consecration to his service and by devotion to the work, that we shall have his blessing, and by this power that he alone can give, be able to help those in need of the principles for which the institution stands.—W. R. Simmons, in the Pacific Union Recorder.