The Washington Sanitarium by W. A. Ruble

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1907

The Washington Sanitarium

By W. A. Ruble

IN view of the fact that Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world are watching with interest the development of the sanitarium work in Washington, a few words regarding the progress of the new institution and plans for the management and needs of the work will not be out of place.

The Sanitarium is located six miles north of Washington, on one of the highest points of land for miles around, and at an elevation of three hundred feet above the city of Washington. The front of the building, facing the setting sun, overlooks a deep valley through which the babbling Sligo merrily leaps from rock to rock, making melody for the “good Samaritan” on its banks. Beyond, in the distance, may be seen the nation’s Capitol, and the Washington Monument, ever pointing upward as did the life of the great man whom it commemorates. To the east, a stone’s throw, is the Washington Training-school, with which the Sanitarium is to co-operate in preparing well-equipped men and women to go forth into all parts of the world to represent the great Medical Missionary. On every side is a virgin forest of chestnut, tulip, oak, fir, maple, birch, and cedar in its natural beauty, stretching for miles in some directions. The sanitarium grounds comprise thirty acres.

The new building is fast nearing completion. Owing to delay in securing material, it will not be ready to occupy until May 1, instead of April 1, as was desired. The architecture is somewhat more elaborate than on some of our other sanitariums, but not more so than the location justifies. Local requirements have been considered in its construction, which demand extensive verandas, wide halls, and spacious public rooms. On three sides of the building, on the first floor, and at the east approach are wide verandas, supported by square piers, and surmounted by columns supporting the balcony above. Opening off the west front veranda is the foyer, with the business office at the left and the reception room at the right. This foyer leads back to the elevator, stairways, and treatment rooms. These latter occupy the east wing of the building, the women’s bath being on the right, and the men’s on the left. The wide corridors lead to the left and to the right from the foyer, the former to the dining-room, and the latter to the parlor. Off these corridors are the waiting-rooms, offices, and reading-room. The second floor is given almost entirely to individual guest-chambers, with the exception of a lounging-room, over the front entrance, and two offices. The third floor also is designed for guest-rooms, but also provides for operating-room and small ward, as well as a lounging-room. The fourth floor may be used as a ward, and has a number of individual rooms. The basement accommodates the laundry under the women’s bath, the heating plant under the men’s bath, the kitchen under the dining-room, the gymnasium under the parlor, with helpers’ dining-room, stores, etc., under the offices and waiting-rooms. Appropriate approaches, including steps and inclines, are provided at the four entrances. The building will be heated with steam, and will be lighted with electricity and gas.

Takoma Park is reached from Washington by electric cars, which run every half-hour, or by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The Sanitarium is a mile and a quarter from the terminus and station. Private carriage service to and from Takoma Park will be maintained for the accommodation of patients.

After obtaining the best counsel possible, and having provided the Drs. Richards for the Wahroonga (Australia) Sanitarium, it was decided to ask Dr. D. H. Kress to connect with the Washington Sanitarium as its superintendent. Dr. Kress is expected to arrive sometime in April, and will be ready to take charge of the institution from the start. No comments are needed regarding Dr. Kress, as he is well known by almost every Seventh-day Adventist as one of our best qualified and most devoted physicians. His experience in starting an institution under similar circumstances in Australia has given him a preparation especially adapted to the situation in Washington. The work in Australia has been well provided for by the arrival of the Drs. Richards to take charge of the Sydney Sanitarium. Other physicians are in preparation for English territory, and will soon, it is hoped, be ready for active service.

Having a superintendent in whom we all have confidence, a beautiful new building well equipped, ideal location and surroundings, and a most important field, we wish to call for consecrated, efficient helpers for every department to co-operate with the management, under God, in making this a model institution for the treatment of the sick, a training-school for workers, and a light in the world by upholding the third angel’s message at the nation’s capital. We want men and women who are willing to share responsibility, sacrifice selfish interests, and work for the advancement of God’s work in the earth. We have had no direct correspondence with any regarding this matter, but now desire to enter into correspondence with any who are willing to help this work to be all that the Lord desires it to be in this place. Remember we want only people who are strong spiritually, physically, and professionally. Please give several good references in writing. Those who come must expect to meet difficulties. An institution at headquarters is at the center of the firing line, but we can also be assured that it can be at the center of communication and at the base of supplies. Who of our most faithful workers—nurses, helpers, cooks—are willing to volunteer their services to carry forward the work in Washington?

In addition to the corps of regular employees, a goodly number of young people will constantly be in training for various fields of usefulness. Nurses’ courses are in progress at present in connection with the Branch Sanitarium at 1 and 2 Iowa Circle and the Washington Training-school. A new class will be started in the near future, and correspondence with those contemplating such a course is invited. The Washington Training-school assuring systematic , thorough didactic work, the Iowa Circle institution, with its associated city experience together with the clinics and hospitals in Washington, are a few of the advantages offered by the Washington Sanitarium to those desiring to take the nurses’ course. Address the writer at Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. W. A. RUBLE.