Editorial Correspondence by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1912

Editorial Correspondence

By F. M. W.

SAN DIEGO, CAL., March 17, 1912.

While staying in Mountain View we had the privilege of visiting San Francisco, San Jose, and Palo Alto. We saw some of the results of the disastrous earthquake that visited the Pacific Coast several years ago. San Francisco has been very largely rebuilt, and there remain but few visible reminders of those eventful days. The same is true also of San Jose, where the earthquake did much damage. At Palo Alto there still may be seen the terrible damage inflicted on the beautiful and expensive library building of the Leland Stanford University.

The energetic manner in which these cities and other sections have recovered from an overwhelming fire and earthquake disaster is indicative of the spirit and enterprise of the great West. In the same spirit great development work is going on, and the rich and natural resources of the Pacific Coast are being made to pay heavy tribute to the agencies of industry and enterprise that are active on every side.

We have spent the last few days at the Paradise Valley Sanitarium. This institution is located one mile from National City, a suburb of San Diego. From the porches of the institution a fine view is obtained of the Pacific Ocean, and of the cities of San Diego and Coronado. To the east Mt. San Miguel rises in lofty grandeur, while to the south one may look for a distance of seventy-five miles to the high table-lands of Mexico.

Years ago we were instructed that many excellent properties in different places would be offered us for sanitariums at much less than the original cost. The Paradise Valley Sanitarium was secured in this manner, for much less than the initial investment. To the original building important additions were made, so that at present it contains eighty rooms. These, with several adjoining cottages, enable the institution to accommodate about fifty guests, besides rooming its force of workers. One of the neatest nurses’ dormitories we have ever seen has recently been made possible of erection through the beneficence of a friend of the sanitarium.

Surrounding the institution is a tract of thirty acres, where much in the way of garden produce, fruit, etc., is raised for the tables.

In this quiet, beautiful retreat, removed from the dust and stir and bustle of city life, a little company of devoted workers is endeavoring to uphold right principles of healthful living, and through loving ministry to physical and temporal needs, reveal to the sick and suffering the even greater blessings of the spiritual life. Dr. F. F. Abbott is the medical superintendent. With him are associated Dr. Evelyn Helman, in charge of the ladies’ department, and Dr. W. J. Johnson, who also acts as chaplain of the institution. Brother H. W. Lindsay is doing efficient work as business manager, Mrs. Dora Egner as matron, and Miss Myrtle Phillips as head nurse. Three nurses’ classes are being carried forward, with an enrolment of fifteen nurses, all earnest young men and women seeking a broader experience and better fitting for their life-work.

It was our privilege to speak twice to the sanitarium family in the neat chapel, which has but recently been erected, and is awaiting, free from indebtedness, dedication in the near future.

Sister Josephine Gotzian occupies a little cottage on the grounds. She has been closely identified with this work from its beginning, affording here, as in many other enterprises connected with our work, liberal financial and personal assistance.

At this place we had the pleasure of renewing our association with Brother B. E. Teft, one of the pioneer canvassers in our work, who was for several years a worker in Great Britain. We were glad also to greet Dr. S. P. S. Edwards,

and to find him so greatly improved in health. Here also we found Elder W. W. Sharp and wife, the former seeking recuperation from many years of faithful, wearing labor.

When wearied with life's toil and labors, we shall think of the restful, refreshing spirit of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium; and we can heartily commend this institution to those in need of the kindly sympathy and efficient care it affords to those who seek its aid.

F. M. W.