p. 16 | Canadian Sanitarium by W. H. Thurston

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

Canadian Sanitarium

By W. H. Thurston

The work at the Knowlton Sanitarium is progressing, and the patronage is gradually increasing, but the Board is laboring under pressing difficulties and great perplexity at the present time. A moderate addition to the building, and equipments and better facilities are needed in order to do successful work, and to give satisfaction to the public.

In the first place, the property was bought very reasonably, and all agreed that it was an opening for the starting of the medical work, for which there seemed to be a demand in the Canadian Union Conference. The work was very satisfactory to all during the first year, and the second year started in with better prospects and greater responsibilities.

The Canadian brethren are doing what they can to supply the needed improvements and enlargement of the building, and at the annual meeting last fall they were much encouraged with the prospect of some help from the States. We were hopeful of raising three thousand dollars in the States for this worthy enterprise. At the College View Council the brethren favored the raising of this amount, and recommended that we solicit the funds in the Lake and Central Union Conferences. The matter was taken up by personal effort and by correspondence, and a little money was raised. The churches that I visited in Wisconsin responded freely, and some others I believe have contributed some; but very little has been received outside of this.

I mention the matter in this way that all may understand the situation, and that as we present the matter again, all who have not contributed to this fund, and who can and will do so, will be prompt with their contributions, so the work may not be hindered.

Now brethren, we appeal to you once more in behalf of the Knowlton Sanitarium. Knowlton is located about seventy miles east of Montreal in the province of Quebec, a very desirable place for a sanitarium. We desire to raise four thousand dollars to make the necessary improvements. The Quebec Conference has undertaken the task of raising one thousand dollars of this money, and we appeal to our brethren in the States to raise three thousand dollars with what has been contributed. We are asking our brethren in the other conferences in Canada to contribute to this fund, and no doubt they will assist, more or less, as they are able. I know that in some union conferences in the States great efforts are being made to build up this same line of work, but it appears to me that the Lake Union, Central Union, and Northern Union Conferences can give us the desired help, and it is to these conferences we especially appeal.

This amount of money will put the Knowlton Sanitarium in shape for successful work, and it will then be self-supporting, and a great blessing to the cause in Canada. We appreciate the fact that there are many calls for means, and this is due to the advancement and enlargement of the work.

We believe that all our people are loyal to the cause, and desire to see the work develop and extend to all the earth; and just to the extent that we all put our shoulders to the wheel and lift, the work will move on.

We desire to see the work in Canada become self-supporting and develop workers for the Master, and we hope that time is not many years hence. But at the present time we need help, and we believe the desired amount is forthcoming. Now, brethren, do not pass this matter lightly by. Please consider it carefully, and decide what you can do for this important work at this time.

I have written to several local conferences, according to arrangements, and some have replied that they will assist us. We trust they are working this matter up, and that we shall hear from them soon.

We do not desire to keep this matter ever before the people, neither do we intend to do so. We hope that a sufficient number will be impressed with this need at this time to furnish the desired amount, that we may go on with the work in hand without delay.

Dr. W. H. White, the sanitarium physician, will write something for the benefit of our people respecting the work at the Knowlton Sanitarium, and perhaps others will join us in setting the matter before you, that you may fully understand the situation, its work, and needs at this time.

We feel grateful to all our people who have contributed to the work in this field, and feel sure that many will come to our relief at this time. I would suggest that all money for this purpose be sent to the conference treasurers, specifying what it is for, and the treasurers will send it to Elder S. A. Farnsworth, Knowlton, Quebec, Canada.

W. H. THURSTON.