The Graysville Sanitarium by W. A. R.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 10, 1910

The Graysville Sanitarium

By W. A. R.

THE words, “A city that is set on an hill can not be hid,” come to one’s mind as one leaves the station in Graysville, and drives through the country with the sanitarium in full view ahead of him on the mountainside overlooking the valley beneath.

The surroundings of this institution are very picturesque. From this place one may look for miles over orchard-covered hills and fertile valleys dotted with farmhouses. Immediately in front, about half a mile away in the valley at the edge of the town, is the Southern Training School, with its dormitories, educating and sheltering one hundred fifty of our bright young people. It was my privilege to speak to them of the superior advantages of our schools in giving a true Christian education.

The grounds of the sanitarium comprise thirty acres of virgin forest. This is beautifully laid out, and is dotted with cottages, rustic seats, mountain brooks, foot-bridges, springs, and rugged rocks. One very interesting feature is a large natural cave in the mountain, extending into the earth hundreds of feet. In some places this cave is as much as twenty feet high. Here and there babbling brooks flow through it. Chambers lead off this way and that, filled with wonderful sculpture carved by the great architect, Nature, stalactites and stalagmites surpassing in perfection of outline and size those in the wonderful Cave of the Winds near Colorado Springs, Colo. Some of these are several feet in length, and often the two stalactites from above would, by extending down and meeting with stalagmites from below, form massive columns which seem to support the rugged roof above.

Here will be a congealed waterfall, there a fantastic formation of seeming frostwork, everywhere wonderful freaks of nature in this dark dungeon, which never sees a ray of natural light. And yet some of these figures are as spotless as the driven snow, beautiful illustrations of pure character, which the Great Architect can fashion in a sin-darkened world. Near the entrance to this cave a large stream of water issues from the rocks. This feeds an artificial lake, which has been constructed for the pleasure of the guests and patients of the sanitarium.

The institution consists of a main five-story building, and several cottages scattered through the natural wood lot, a part of the grounds. The four lower stories of the main building are surrounded by verandas, making it a very enjoyable place, especially in the summer. The basement accommodates the treatment-rooms for men and women. The first floor is occupied by dining-room, kitchen, offices, and parlor. The remaining floors accommodate the patients of the institution, there being rooms for from thirty to forty persons.

Dr. A. I. Lovell has been in charge of the Graysville Sanitarium now about eight months. The patronage is steadily increasing, and an excellent work is being done. A good practise is being worked up in the surrounding country on account of the success that has attended the practise of Dr. Lovell. Considerable surgery is being done, and this has proved entirely satisfactory. There seems to be a good prospect for the institution.

Dr. Lovell has associated with him his wife, who is a trained nurse, Mrs. Robinson as matron, and several undergraduate nurses in training.

Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Hansen, up to a few weeks ago, were connected with the institution, he as business manager, she as medical matron, but since he has been called to the field secretary work of the General Conference, to conduct the campaign with the “Ministry of Healing,” they have severed their connection with the sanitarium, and will reside in Washington, D. C.

One very pleasing feature is the religious spirit manifested. Every morning and evening nearly every helper in the institution is in attendance at family worship. Worship for the patients is also conducted, but at another hour. At the time of service at the church, which is a mile away in the village, either on Sabbath or at the Friday evening prayer-meeting, the sanitarium is almost depopulated of workers, all being at services except those required to be on duty.

With the support of our people in this vicinity and a continuation of the present consecrated effort in behalf of this work on the part of the helpers, there is no doubt but this little sanitarium set on a hill will continue to be a bright and shining light to the country around.

W. A. R.