In Northern Illinois by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 9, 1911

In Northern Illinois

By L. A. Hansen

On invitation of Elder William Covert, president of the Northern Illinois Conference, I recently spent some time there in the interests of the sanitarium relief campaign, attending the meeting of elders and workers, and visiting several of the large churches.

My first meeting was with the Chicago South Side church, the largest church in the conference. It presents an excellent working force in its membership. Because of size and prominence, it receives many calls for help for various enterprises, nearly every Sabbath presenting some special call. The interest shown in the presentation of our medical missionary work was excellent, and there was a most gratifying response to the call for personal help in carrying forward this campaign. Nearly the entire congregation arose, pledging themselves to do all they can. Interviews and inquiries indicated the sincerity of the response. Elder M. H. Serns, pastor of the church, gave good support in the work, and purposes to continue the effort.

From this church I went to the North Side church for afternoon meeting. Although an hour was devoted to the special religious liberty service, the congregation listened to quite a full presentation of the sanitarium work; and here, too, there was a willing response to the call for personal missionary effort.

At the meeting of elders and workers, suitable time was allotted to the consideration

of our health work. Good interest was shown in the subject, and in answer to the call for subscriptions for books, there was promptness in making up a good order for those present. Some of the workers had already sold more than the full three years' quota, but ordered more books, and indicated a willingness to continue in the work without setting any definite mark as the limit of what they would do.

The workers' meeting was held at the headquarters of the Swedish work in Chicago, 213 Oak Street. Here is a neat hall in a building owned by our people. One side of the lower floor is occupied by an excellent vegetarian restaurant. The service and food are most satisfactory, and the prices reasonable. An appreciative patronage is enjoyed. A food store carries a suitable supply of health foods. The other part of the first floor is used for a suite of treatment-rooms. Utilizing small space to the very best advantage, provision is offered for general sanitarium treatments. Neatness and order prevail, and the nurses are doing faithful work. The upper floors of the building are utilized for living-rooms. The impression given a visitor is one of practical, business-like management of the entire premises, with a strong prevailing atmosphere of the kindest hospitality and welcome. One is glad to learn that the whole enterprise is successful.

At Moline, Elder Covert was with me in meeting the church and sanitarium family. Good response was given here, and definite steps were taken for immediate and active work in selling books. A number of patients who were present at the last meeting were not allowed to escape solicitation by the workers, and orders were readily given for “Ministry of Healing.” The sanitarium is enjoying a full patronage, and the past year showed a gain of several hundred dollars. Practical improvements are just being completed, by which almost the whole interior is made very presentable. Nearly all the rooms have been painted and neatly decorated.

The sanitarium family seems to be enjoying the work, cheerfulness prevailing throughout. Drs. F. J. Otis and E. G. Norman are conducting the training classes and attending to the professional work. Brother W. C. Foreman is business manager. All show an interest for the welfare of the institution. The influence of the sanitarium, as seen from the field, appears altogether favorable. There seems to be nothing to hinder the fullest co-operation of the members of the Northern Illinois Conference in advancing the work of the Tri-City Sanitarium.

A week was spent in visiting the churches at Aledo, Galesburg, Streator, Watseka, Waldron, and Kankakee. In all these places our brethren and sisters showed a deep interest in the matters presented. Promise was given of hearty co-operation, and in some instances the work of selling books was entered upon at once. It seemed to be accepted that this campaign is a missionary movement in the fullest sense.

Elder J. C. Harris accompanied me in most of the church visits, and will continue the effort by visiting other churches. Good results may be expected from the campaign work in this conference, as he gives it his special attention for a time. The support of the president and other workers, with the co-operation of the church elders and the entire membership, will show a definite work of relief for the Tri-City Sanitarium, and a wholesale increase of the missionary spirit throughout the conference.

L. A. HANSEN.