Washington, D. C by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1904

Washington, D. C.

By J. S. Washburn

“God's Great Memorials” was the subject of the address last Sunday evening at the Memorial church. The purpose that God has had in providing a suitable church in the best situation possible in the city of Washington has been manifest many times. Representative men of the nation have already been in attendance at our church, among them members of the House of Representatives. And at the meeting of which I am now writing, the president of the Senate of the State of West Virginia was among our hearers. He seemed deeply interested in the great Sabbath truth especially. Before the close of our work many representative men of this nation and others will hear the truth in this church which God has given us here at the head of the nation for the great closing work of the third angel's message. Our first baptism in the church, using the new baptistery, will be held Sabbath, May 28.

The first work of building our institutions on the school and sanitarium grounds is now going forward. We have been met at every step of the way in the work here in Washington by perplexities and hindrances, but every hindrance has only brought us a blessing. Our brethren in the field can scarcely realize the perplexities and difficulties that have been met and are being met in establishing the work in this city.

We appreciate beyond language to express, the sympathy and encouragement given by our people to this work. Over ten thousand dollars is already donated to the $100,000 fund. Thus one tenth of the work needed has been accomplished. It is a most encouraging beginning of this great task, but we shall need a mighty, united, patient effort to finish the work at the present rate, and yet it may be that the Lord, who has promised to cut his work short in righteousness, will move upon the hearts of our people to do a quick work. This is our hope.

Four published lists of donations have been headed by a donation of practically one thousand dollars. The list this week is headed by a donation of $500. We consider this most encouraging. We pray that it may continue.

Will not every one of our people act as an agent for this work? After you have made your own donation, will you not take the subscription papers and the literature which we provide, and seek to secure help from others? We are much interested to see that many who are not Seventh-day Adventists are contributing to our work. Many who are not with us in religious belief or practise, will gladly help in the erection of our sanitarium in Washington. Will not all the readers of this paper give to their friends and neighbors an opportunity? We will gladly provide subscription papers and illustrated leaflets needed for this work.

We call the special attention of the readers of this paper to the article by Elder Daniells on the subject of “The Call of God to Our People at This Time,” on page 5; also to the intensely interesting letter of Sister White, on page 17. It will be seen from this letter that the Lord has not only led his people in the matter of selecting the city of Washington as their headquarters, but also in the choosing of the very spot upon which our institutions are to be built. Where God leads, all his people in heart will gladly follow. J. S. WASHBURN.