Medical Missionary Enterprises on the Pacific Coast
By David Paulson
DURING the last week of January there were assembled at San Francisco about a score of doctors, nearly the same number of medical students, and a goodly number of nurses, engaged in studying the underlying principles of medical missionary work. Dr. Kellogg's instruction was appreciated by all present. After this conference we visited Los Angeles. Here Dr. Moran and a corps of workers are engaged in a promising medical missionary effort. Thousands of tourists in search of health, visit this city each winter. Large numbers of them would gladly avail themselves of the advantages of a well-equipped sanitarium. Dr. Moran has charge of the best patronized hygienic restaurant that we have in operation, and a small sanitarium effort is also maintained. At San Diego Dr. T. S. Whitelock and Dr. Sophia Johnson have been laying the foundation for future medical missionary efforts. Leading citizens of this place manifest the deepest interest in the18sanitarium idea, and promise to co-operate in the building up of such an institution in their midst. San Diego is blessed with the most equable climate in the world, as well as with an almost unlimited amount of sunshine. This makes it an especially favorable place for a certain class of invalids. The Pacific Union Conference, which was held at Portland, Ore., was a most important gathering, and will mark the beginning of a new era in the development of medical missionary work on the Pacific Coast. Medical missionary institutions are located at each of the three great Pacific Coast gateways to the Orient. The future will undoubtedly reveal the fact that these have been providentially located so as to be easily accessible to each of the great lines of travel that will soon be established between our country and these distant shores. At this conference steps were taken to unite more closely the various missionary enterprises on the coast by the organization of the Pacific Union Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, and the following brethren were elected to constitute the first board: A. T. Jones, W. T. Knox, Drs. Loper, Simon, Whitelock, Parlin, and Boeker. For the healthy development of the various sanitarium enterprises, health-food industries, nurses' training schools, as well as the hygienic restaurants and food stores, such an organization was a necessity. It was unanimously voted to organize in harmony with the general plan upon which the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association is formed. Much prayerful and earnest study was given to this question by Brethren Jones, Daniells, and Knox. It was clear to all, on account of the enormous business interests involved in this branch of the work, as well as the large number of perplexing questions connected therewith, that it was a step in the right direction to place this work under the direct supervision of those whom God has especially raised up to look after these departments of work, thus relieving those who have been especially set apart for the work of the gospel ministry. The primitive church received definite instruction to look out properly qualified men whom they might “appoint over this business.” Dr. Loper, of the Nebraska Sanitarium, and Drs. Winegar and Whitney, of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, have recently connected with the St. Helena Sanitarium, and this institution bids fair to have a prosperous and useful future. The Portland Sanitarium is full of patients; and peace, harmony, and activity reign within its walls. After the Portland conference, I made a brief visit to the headquarters of our medical missionary work at Seattle. Here are located treatment rooms and a hygienic restaurant, with Dr. A. Q. Shryock in charge. This work has increased materially during the last few months, and it will soon become an important center in this rapidly developing city. I next visited Walla Walla College. The school is patronized by an intelligent and earnest class of young people, the majority of whom are preparing to work for humanity. Dr. Isaac A. Dunlap is connected with this institution, and gives his entire time to the development of the health and medical missionary work. The Spokane Sanitarium has recently been enlarged in size, as well as in equipment, and is well filled with an excellent class of patients. The beginning of this enterprise was marked with many special providences. This institution has enjoyed much of the signal blessing of God; and if all who are connected with it will be true to principle, a great work will be done. It is beautifully located, overlooking the entire city of Spokane. Some of the leading citizens of Helena, Mont., have for several years been desirous that the Battle Creek Sanitarium should establish a branch in that city. Several years ago one of their wealthiest citizens erected a magnificent hotel, and built one of the largest swimming baths in the world. At its completion this gentleman died, and so the ideas of its originator have never been carried out. Some of the citizens are anxious that this property be used for sanitarium purposes. Whether or not this is the proper thing to do, Providence must indicate.