Another Forward Movement
By C. H. Jones
Change of Location of the Pacific Press Publishing Company
OVER twenty-five years ago the Pacific Press Publishing Company was incorporated and established its business at Oakland, Cal. Since that time there has been a wonderful growth, both in the business of the company and in the city itself. When the buildings were erected at the corner of Twelfth and Castro Streets, they seemed to be out in the country, as there were but very few houses within several blocks. But, as before stated, the place has grown, and now we find ourselves in the heart of a large city, with San Francisco just across the bay. In the early stages of the work it seemed to be necessary to take in some commercial work in order to keep the employees busy and the machinery moving. This has served a good purpose by way of instruction and financial assistance, but several years ago it was seen that the commercial work was assuming such large proportions that it was interfering more or less with our denominational work. More than that, it was bringing into the office a spirit of worldliness and commercialism which was anything but desirable. For over two years messages have been coming to the managers urging them to “cut away” commercial work, and move the office to some rural district, away from the demoralizing and corrupting influences of these large cities. At the annual meeting of the stockholders held in Oakland, Cal., April 28, 1902, the following action was taken:— “That we instruct the incoming board of directors to make a continuous effort to reduce commercial work, and develop the publication of religious, educational, and health literature. “Also, that we recommend that the incoming board of directors dispose of the plant as a whole or in part, as Providence may open the way. “We also recommend that, in case the plant is sold, a smaller plant be established in some rural district convenient for our denominational work, for the training and education of missionaries.” The foregoing action was reaffirmed at the annual meeting of the stockholders held last year. To some it may appear that we have been rather dilatory about heeding this instruction, but we wish to say that we have not been idle by any means. Since that action, negotiations have been entered into with various parties, but somehow,19in every instance, the way has been hedged up. Nevertheless we have tried to heed the instruction concerning the matter of curtailing commercial work and giving more attention to denominational business, with very satisfactory results. We are pleased to say that our denominational work is increasing right along, and the outlook is very encouraging. Until quite recently we have felt that we could not move into the country until we sold this plant, buildings and all; but the way being hedged up, we finally decided to consider the advisability of moving the plant (machinery, etc.), and selling the buildings when we could. We are in a splendid location, viewed simply from a business standpoint, and there is no question but that the buildings can be disposed of to advantage as soon as they are vacated. As this question has been agitated, different places have been suggested by different ones, and all have received careful consideration. In making a move of this kind, several points must be taken into consideration:— First, we were instructed to establish our plant in some rural district, away from the large cities with their temptations, surroundings, and trouble that is coming upon them. Second, railroad facilities must be regarded; for at the present time we are using nearly two car-loads of paper a week. Our mail and express business is also quite heavy, and must be handled promptly. Banking privileges should also receive consideration. Third, while we are looking out for the interests of the institution, we must also bear in mind the interests and welfare of our employees. We might find some place quite suitable for the factory so far as shipping facilities, etc., are concerned, but not at all desirable for our employees. In the investigations that have been made, all these questions have been borne in mind, and the directors have finally decided to locate the plant at Mountain View, Cal. This is a small place about thirty-nine miles south of San Francisco, and eleven miles from San Jose, on the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad running into San Francisco. It is a rural district, and a very desirable location not only for the plant, but also for our employees, as it is right in the fruit belt of the famous Santa Clara Valley, and land is quite reasonable. The incorporated town of Mountain View has only about eight hundred inhabitants, but it is surrounded with small holdings of five, ten, fifteen, and twenty acre tracts, and settled up with a good class of people. Fruit of all kinds, and the finest varieties, are raised in this valley. We have been very fortunate in securing for the factory a tract of five acres, fronting on the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and near the station. The citizens of Mountain View have raised money to purchase this land, and put in a switch and side-track so that material can be loaded and unloaded right from the cars without hauling by team. This property has been donated to the Pacific Press Publishing Company. The citizens will also donate two hundred dollars to purchase a lot on which to build our church. To further show the interest on the part of the citizens of Mountain View in this matter, we quote the following from a letter just received from the Board of Trade of that place:— “Pacific Press Publishing Company,
Oakland, Cal. “DEAR SIRS: The Board of Trade of Mountain View desires to express to you its pleasure in the knowledge of the fact that your publishing plant is to be removed to Mountain View in the near future, and that you are to become permanent residents of our thriving town. At its regular meeting held Thursday evening, January 21, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:— “Whereas, the Pacific Press Publishing Company, of Oakland, has decided to move its entire publishing plant to this city,— “Be it Resolved, That we hereby extend to them a cordial welcome as members of our community, that we shall at all times be ready and willing to extend to them every courtesy and consideration, collectively and individually. “That the secretary be instructed to mail a copy of these resolutions to the Pacific Press Publishing Company.” “Respectfully yours,
“H. G. COPELAND, Secretary.” Mountain View is near the lower end of San Francisco Bay, and there is a little inlet that runs up to within two miles of the city, capable of floating two hundred ton boats, thus giving us water competition. Fourteen passenger trains pass Mountain View each way every day, and ten of them stop. We recognize the fact that this is a very important move, and that it means much to the institution; but it is right in line with the light that has been given, and we confidently believe that God will signally bless the effort. Indeed, we have already had remarkable evidences of his approval. In moving to Mountain View, it is our purpose to eliminate commercial work, at least to a great extent, and give our whole time and attention to extending and building up our denominational business. In doing this, it can readily be seen that it will be absolutely necessary so to arrange matters that this business will be placed upon a paying basis. Heretofore we have depended largely upon our commercial work to furnish the funds necessary for carrying on the denominational business, on which there was almost invariably a loss. This must now be changed; for we know that our brethren and sisters do not want to see the office running behind from year to year. Plans have already been inaugurated with a view to placing the work on a paying basis, and we now ask for the hearty co-operation of our brethren and sisters and conference workers in helping to make them effective. And above all, we want your prayers and your counsel. The work is one, and we desire to unite our efforts with yours in trying to get this truth before the people in the shortest possible time. We believe that “the pillar of cloud is rising,” and it is time for God’s people to “move forward.” In reference to the importance of moving our institutions out of the large cities, we quote the following from “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII:— “‘Out of the cities’ is my message. . . . The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while the cities will be terribly shaken. . . . The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of destruction. “For years I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work. Men are seeking to bring those in the different trades under bondage to certain unions. This is not God’s planning, but the planning of a power that we would in no wise acknowledge. God’s word is fulfilling; the wicked are binding themselves up in bundles ready to be burned. “Light has been given me that the cities will be filled with confusion, violence, and crime, and that these things will increase till the end of this earth’s history.” Already we see this prophecy being fulfilled in our land, and is it not time to heed the warning? We believe that our brethren and sisters everywhere will rejoice with us at the move which the Pacific Press is about to make. Buildings must be erected, and we do not expect we shall be able to make the move till next July or August, but the work will be pushed forward as rapidly as possible. C. H. JONES, General Manager.