p. 20 | Another Suggestive Incident by W. H. McKEE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

Another Suggestive Incident

By W. H. McKEE

The little company that gathered under the tree in Sister White's dooryard, on Main Street, in Battle Creek, Mich., nearly thirty years ago, and organized the Religious Liberty Association, had, at that time, but a small conception of the magnitude to which the religious liberty work would so rapidly grow. Within a few years incidents occurred for which it had been believed a score of years would be required to prepare the way. Yet, notwithstanding the rapid growth and the persistency of the movement which the association was established to oppose, it has been privileged to be a large factor in the “holding of the winds,” for an almost unexpectedly lengthy period. Now, however, there is an unprecedented intensity, seemingly, taking possession of all things, and betokening a speedy fulfilment of the conditions to which we have so long looked forward. This is being manifested in every phase of life and of human experience. Both small things and great are becoming everywhere witnesses to this fact.

Nearly fourteen years ago, shortly after leaving the editorship of the Youth's Instructor, Mrs. McKee and I, with a few friends, established the Michigan Home for Girls, which has been in successful operation ever since. It has carried on its work upon a purely charitable basis. The recipients of its advantages have paid nothing for what they received. Their domestic labor, while being cared for, trained, educated, has been the only return made. It has, probably, been the only place in the world where the advantages there obtainable could be had by the sinful and the needy, without money and without price.

It has become necessary, however, to close the doors of the home as a charity work. Financial support is no longer forthcoming. For several years we have been warned that unless we gave up the observance and advocacy of the seventh-day Sabbath, this would be the result; while, on the other hand, if we would but join ourselves and our influence to the Sunday forces, it “would not be necessary to go outside of Grand Rapids for a dollar.” This is the reason why the Michigan Home for Girls is obliged to close its open door as a charity work. What its future may be is not yet decided. W. H. McKEE.