A Jubilee Sound From the St. Helena Sanitarium
By L. A. H.
A financial report of unusual interest was rendered by the manager and treasurer of the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium, at its recent annual constituency meeting. The report was such as to cause great joy to those who heard it, and its encouraging features may properly be presented to others who are interested in the success of our institutions. The experience of the St. Helena Sanitarium in getting rid of a burden of debt that at one time almost crushed it is more than interesting, offering, as it does, a most helpful example from which we may take instruction and counsel, especially while we have other institutions that need help. In 1903 this sanitarium faced a crisis. The financial statement, covering a period of twenty months, and closing with the year 1902, showed an operating loss of nearly $8,000, leaving a very small net worth, which was practically wiped out afterward. The obligations of the institution reached a figure considerably over $100,000. Patronage was light, at times not sufficient even to meet the pay-roll. The interest alone amounted to $400 monthly, and the actual loss of operation was about $1,000 a month. It was seriously suggested that the institution be closed rather than continue running at such a loss. It was a question whether the assets of the institution would meet the obligations. The outlook was most discouraging. With a view to helping matters, meetings of the sanitarium family were held, and the situation was carefully and prayerfully considered. Believing that the Lord had established the work, it seemed giving the enemy a victory to close it. A call was made for those to stand who were willing to help place the institution on a paying basis, relieving it of its burdensome debt, even by personal sacrifice. The response was hearty, and all entered upon the work with earnest prayer for success. Consistent economical measures were adopted, stopping various leaks. During the next four weeks over $500 in cash and time was donated by employees toward the support of the institution. The patronage almost doubled in this time, and it was considered that the institution was paying expenses. The accounts at the end of the year showed a gross business of $3,000 less than the previous year, but with a net gain of $3,255. So much for cooperation of employees and proper economy. The board of directors now adopted the plan of setting aside ten per cent of the yearly net profits to be devoted to some phase of denominational work, preferably foreign missions. Prosperity continued until at the close of 1905 the profits for the three years amounted to more than $20,000. A substantial reduction was seen in the indebtedness, notwithstanding the four changes in the office of medical superintendent in the three years. The following year the prosperity of the institution was more marked. Some extraordinary losses and expenditures were met during nine years, 1903-11, as shown by the following figures:— Interest ................................ $27,800
Bad accounts ............................ 25,300
Loss on old association transfer .......... 6,100
Loss by laundry fire ...................... 3,700
Depreciation of plant and equipment ...... 57,800
Charity .................................. 31,000
Missionary funds, ten per cent net gain ... 21,800
Total .................................. $173,500
Less donations from all sources .......... 3,208
$170,292 The officials' of the sanitarium church report almost a full tithe received from the employees of the sanitarium and food company, amounting in the last seven years to $38,000 in round numbers, besides $20,000 in donations. During this time the indebtedness of over $100,000 has been paid. The net worth of the institution has grown to $207,806, and the patients' business increased from $45,531 to $150,130 a year. The missionary fund, made up of the ten per cent of the net yearly earnings, had accumulated, and last year the family of workers decided to remit $5,000 to the General Conference treasury to be expended in the Orient, as follows:— For equipment of medical missionary work in China ........ $1,500
For providing homes for medical missionaries in China ...... 650
For betterment of medical missionary work in Korea ........ 1,200
For providing homes for medical missionaries in Korea ...... 650
Toward support of Dr. Larsen .............................. 500
Toward support of Brother Chan Harris and wife ............ 500
Total ................................................... $5,000 The family is thankful for the privilege to help carry the message to the dark corners of the earth. A conscientiously kept record shows the expenditure of more than $12,000, or eight per cent of the gross patients' business, in charity work. This figure could consistently be considerably increased by adding to it a large portion of the $8,900 charged to bad notes and accounts, as the reason many fail to pay their accounts is because of poverty. The amount lost in this way is nearly four per cent of the entire business of the institution. A new main building is greatly needed. The plans for securing it are in keeping with the policy that has brought the institution out of debt. The management has carefully counted the cost, and from the earnings of the institution is setting aside a fund, that when they begin to build they may be able to finish. At the same time, the policy of laying aside ten per cent of the net gain for medical missionary work will be continued. It is also planned to expend at least twenty-five per cent of the net gain in charity work. It is very evident that this excellent record has not been made without much effort. Such things do not come of themselves. It has required the fullest cooperation of managers and helpers. It has meant, at times, taxing labor and long hours to many. It has taken careful planning and an exercise of business economy. Much earnest praying has been necessary, with sincere seeking to know God's will, in the conduct of the work. To all this the Lord has added his rich blessing, and results have been obtained. The efforts put forth, the hard labor performed, and the consecration shown have their reward. Those connected with the work are rejoicing for the part they have had in it. The lesson in this experience must be obvious to the thoughtful. What has been done is not credited so much to any particular men or methods as to cooperation in carrying out right principles, and to the Lord's blessing on the same. Right principles work the same everywhere. What has been done in St. Helena, Cal., can be done in other places. What God has done for one institution he will surely do for another, if permitted.