The Florida Sanitarium by Lydia E. Parmele

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Apr 1, 1909

The Florida Sanitarium

By Lydia E. Parmele

THIS institution, located at Orlando, Fla., was opened for the reception of patients Oct. 15, 1908. That day three patients were registered, and the number has constantly increased, until at present its capacity is taxed. To accommodate the increasing patronage, it has been necessary to erect one additional cottage and four tents. At the present writing the property consists of sixty-seven acres of land, one building of twenty-one rooms, six cottages, one tent-house, and four tents, all in use.

The accompanying illustration shows the main building and a few of the cottages. One very gratifying feature of the work of this institution is the fact that the patronage has been so largely local. Early in January a Catholic family of some prominence, living near Orlando, brought their daughter to the institution for an operation. Owing to the gravity of her condition, they called in the priest to give her the “extreme unction,”—the last sacrament,—before she was placed upon the table. As the patient had been a student at St. Joseph’s School for girls, the “sisters” kept the sanitarium telephone quite busy with inquiries concerning the case. The operation proved remarkably successful, and the patient made a complete recovery. On Sunday, January 17, both the priest and the “mother superior” of St. Joseph’s visited the patient at the sanitarium. Seeing what had been accomplished for her, they became deeply interested in the work of the institution, and provided themselves with sanitarium booklets to give to those needing medical attention. Brethren, can not you do as much as they for our sanitarium? If so, send for a supply of the booklets. They are free.

In the illustration showing the guests and workers, many of our people will recognize familiar faces, among them Elder W. A. Westworth, president of the Southeastern Union Conference, Sister Josephine Gotzian, and Dr. Carolyn Geisel.

This institution stands for the principles of the third angel’s message. We are trying to keep prominently before its patients and guests the special truths for this time. All the profits arising from the operation of the institution go to the Florida Conference to help carry forward the work of God.

When Sister White wrote us, encouraging us to secure this property, and to enter upon the work, she said she hoped it would “become an important center, from which many well-trained medical missionaries would go forth into the unworked parts of the Lord’s vineyard.” This is our aim. We have a class of six in training now, and would be glad to add others to it.

Florida has an excellent climate. Those who have tried both, usually prefer it to California. This gives our sanitarium a great advantage.

Amid the lofty trees, and in rowing on the beautiful lake on the sanitarium premises, the patients can enjoy themselves daily throughout the year. This institution being located in a semitropical climate, fresh fruits and vegetables, grown on the sanitarium premises, can be had daily. Home-grown oranges, pineapples, and bananas are also luxuries that the patients enjoy very much. For preparation for work in tropical climates, the class of work and the location of the Florida sanitarium are admirably adapted. Those interested should address the Florida Sanitarium, Drawer 28, Orlando, Fla.

LYDIA E. PARMELE, M. D.