Our Office in Oakland

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 26, 1882

Our Office in Oakland.

MUCH as there was done at the late camp-meeting, there was not time to attend to some things which we would have been pleased to see come before the Conference. The condition of our Publishing House in Oakland was only noticed incidentally in our remarks at the election of the officers. We are happy to be able to speak well of its management and of its prosperity. The type-casting material has been sold this year. When we saw a notice in the SIGNS in 1878, while we were in Ohio, that a type foundry was to be set up in this office, we feared for the consequences. We thought our people had neither the experience nor the means to justify the step. But as it was the decision to build up the business if possible, we labored diligently to make it successful. Since it was started our stock of experience has been largely increased; the means were not increased in proportion. It was brought, however, to a position where it ceased to be an expense, and became a convenience and a source of some profit. The material was sold on fair terms to those who have capital, and will make that their sole business. Printing, stereotyping, electrotyping, and book-binding are necessary in such a work as that in which we are engaged. And for these branches our office is well equipped.

The issuing of a “special edition” of the SIGNS became a necessity in this political campaign. At such a time people will read a paper when they will not look at a tract. Besides, the paper has a variety, and this constantly varying, which the tract cannot have. It was clearly our duty to make a special effort to get our faith before the people in reference to this politico-religious issue. It is not only placing the truth before thousands who had never before heard of it, but we expect it will greatly increase our permanent work. We need more laborers on this coast; more cultivated brain power. Our college comes none too soon. We regret that it was not in operation a year sooner. We need, and must soon have, assistance on the SIGNS and in the preparation of our denominational works in this office. We must not be satisfied to do in the future no more than we have done in the past. The work is fast growing; our efforts must increase and we must increase our facilities. May the Lord increase our faith and raise up laborers.

About two months ago opportunity was presented of procuring a new Cottrell & Babcock Cylinder Press. This was secured, and the step proved to be truly providential. Without this we could not possibly issue the special edition. The amount of labor which this extra puts upon the editors and presses is large. We are doing more work in this office now than ever before.