One of Canada's Pressing Needs by Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1905

One of Canada's Pressing Needs

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

LAST September, Elder W. C. White and the writer attended the Canadian Union Conference held at Knowlton, Quebec. At this meeting we met nearly all our ministers of eastern Canada, and the majority of our brethren and sisters of the Quebec Conference.

These ministers and people united in a most earnest request for us to help them raise four thousand dollars for the Knowlton Sanitarium. They proposed to raise one thousand in Canada, and asked that the conferences in the States be asked to contribute three thousand. Some of their reasons for making this request for help from the States were these:—

First, there is no place in North America where our sanitarium work is calculated to render this cause better service than in Quebec. The Catholic element and influences are strong. For years our cause has languished in that province. The work that has been done by the Knowlton Sanitarium has already exerted a wonderful influence in that section of the country.

Second, for over forty years Canada has been sending contributions of money and youth to our schools and sanitariums in the States. It is true that during the same time the conferences in the States have sent ministers to Canada, and helped to support them. But the constant

draining of the Canadian field of its young people who come to the States to attend our schools and enter our sanitariums, greatly weakens the work in Canada.

Third, the Canadian brethren are now struggling to establish one or two small schools, and a small sanitarium. They have taken hold with cheerful and liberal hearts to do all they can financially, but they are not able to place these institutions where they can do the efficient work they should to give them the standing and influence that should attend them.

Fourth, they are starting on a very modest scale, and are aiming to keep from loading themselves down with large institutional debts. They are making brave and successful efforts to become self-supporting. In this they are being greatly blessed. The sanitarium has had a good patronage ever since it was opened. But from a personal, thorough inspection with a large committee at the time of our visit last fall, I am free to say that the institution must have help to provide better accommodations and equipment, if it shall be able to hold the confidence of the public.

These are a few of the reasons why the Canadian brethren ask our brethren in the States for help, and why the General Conference Committee at the College View (Neb.) Council recommended that this request be granted. The cause in Canada should and must be strengthened. This is one of the most important steps to take just now. A few thousand dollars invested in this enterprise will bring large returns later on. May the Lord move upon those who are able to respond to this need. Send your gifts to your State conference treasurer, stating that they are for the Knowlton Sanitarium. A. G. DANIELLS.