Formal Dedication of the New Sanitarium Buildings.
In accordance with previous announcement, the formal dedication of the mammoth buildings of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., took place April 10. For several weeks previous to the opening, the workmen and helpers had been exerting themselves to the utmost to get all in readiness for the event, which had been anticipated with much anxiety as well as pleasure during the nine months since work was begun on the buildings. For a week or two previous to the opening, work was carried on night and day. Every one seemed exerting himself to the utmost, yet amid all the noise and commotion there was a spirit of harmony and good feeling that was very pleasant to observe. For a description of the day's exercises we shall draw largely upon the reports of the various representatives of the press who were present. The following we copy from the Daily Journal of this city:— “The ‘Sanitarium,’ the costly and magnificent edifice erected in our city for Hygienic purposes, was formerly opened Wednesday with appropriate exercises. The day was remarkably fine, and at the hour designated for the commencement of the public proceedings on the occasion a very large number of our prominent citizens, comprising both gentlemen and ladies, assembled in the spacious parlors of the building, which were completely filled, and many persons were obliged to stand in the halls and corridors. There were also many eminent persons from abroad. “Over the main entrance were placed in evergreen letters the words, ‘Temple of Hygiene.’ In the main hall an evergreen motto, ‘Welcome,’ was displayed conspicuously over the passage-way, and in the dining-room the following: ‘Air and sunshine, Nature's Tonics;’ ‘Eat That Which Is Good.’ The platform was also beautifully decorated with bouquet of natural flowers. “The Rev. Mr. Canright, of Boston, and the resident clergymen of our city, occupied seats on the platform with Dr. J. H. Kellogg, physician-in-chief of the institution, who directed the exercises.” The exercises began at eleven o'clock with music by the choir, which consisted chiefly of students from the College led by Mr. H. W. Herns, with Miss Maria Hawes presiding at the piano. After the song a short prayer was offered by Rev. A. A. Knappen, of the M. E. Church of this city. After another anthem by the choir, Elder D. M. Canright, of Boston, gave a historical sketch of the growth of health-reform principles in this country, and particularly of the development of the institution from a small beginning twelve years ago to its present prosperous condition. We quote the following respecting the remarks of other speakers from the Lansing Republican, which paper published a full report of the day's proceedings:— “Rev. Mr. McGrath, of the Episcopal church, believed that an institution for promoting the health of men and the welfare of the community ought to be honored and encouraged, and God be thanked for it. A union of religion and science for human welfare is delightful to every Christian heart. “Rev. A. A. Knappen felt himself richer because of this institution for the relief of illness and for the education of the people in a knowledge of the laws of health. “Dr. Kellogg said that during the first years of the institution its management was ultra. It went to extremes in diet and the use of water. Now its aim is to keep step with the highest science, and to utilize every discovery for the relief of human suffering. The first distinctive water-cure system was German,—rather unrefined, inconvenient, and unsuitable for Americans. Our old rooms had become wholly unfit for the patients of to-day. The new appliances are absolutely necessary. He gave notice that the Sanitarium would be open for public inspection on every Monday of this month.” After the remarks by Rev. A. A. Knappen, the hymn, “Praise ye the Lord, was read by Rev. L. P. Palmer, and rendered with good effect by the choir, after which the dedicatory prayer was offered by Elder D. M. Canright. A few minutes after the conclusion of the157exercises, dinner was announced, and the large doors into the dining room were thrown open. Tables were set for two hundred persons, but it was not until they had been filled for the third time that the great concourse of people had all been seated, so that fully six hundred persons partook of the elegant yet wholesome repast prepared for them. We quote from the Michigan Tribune:— “The dining hall on this occasion presented a most tempting appearance. The tables were loaded with good, wholesome food, most attractive in variety and arrangement. On the east wall was displayed the significant motto in evergreen, ‘We Eat to Live,’ while on the north wall was another declaring the fact that ‘As a Man Eateth so Is He.’ In the gymnasium, which opens into the dining-room, and was used as such on this day, were observed the two other appropriate mottos, ‘Air and Sunshine, Nature's Tonic's,’ and ‘Eat that which Is Good.’” TOASTS AND CONGRATULATIONS.
After dinner the guests adjourned to the large parlors, and by request Hon. W. S. George, of Lansing, acted as toast-master, performing his duties in a skillful manner, adding thus very greatly to the interest of the occasion. The Republican here gives in full the appropriate toasts and responses offered by many distinguished guests. When the toast, “Our Patients” was offered responsive letters were read from a large number of absentees who have been benefited at the Sanitarium. The following are a few extracts from some of the many letters received:— From Prof. L. V. Dodge and lady, of Berea College, Berea, Ky.:— “We regret to say that circumstances positively preclude our attendance. We cannot, however, let this kind invitation pass without acknowledgment. We remember the pleasant surroundings of your home, and the hearty treatment of those in charge, with feelings of keen appreciation. “Scarcely anything could give us more pleasure than to mingle with those who are to assemble on the 10th inst. Assuredly our thoughts will be with you, and we desire to be remembered to those with whom we may have had the pleasure of an acquaintance. “Our wishes and prayers go out for a long and prosperous career for the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium of Battle Creek.” From Judge Carson Graham, of Viroqua, Wis.:— “I congratulate you upon your success in the construction and completion of your noble building to be dedicated to the amelioration and relief of suffering humanity from the various ills that so frequently overtake and beset mankind. Considering the financial pressure and the scarcity of money everywhere prevailing throughout the whole country the past year, it certainly required both nerve and courage to undertake the building of an institution such as yours, requiring so great an expenditure of money. But there was pluck and push at the bottom in this case, crowning the enterprise with success. I feel a deep and abiding interest in the continued success of the Sanitarium in its efforts to heal the sick and afflicted, as well as to teach men and women how to live. This, I am assured, has been and will be the mission of the Sanitarium. Personally, I can say that my own condition has been bettered both physically and morally; and reasoning from analogy, I conclude that what does good in one case may do good in many others. “On looking over the names of the physicians under whose immediate management the institution is mainly dependent, I see they are the same as when I left there ten months since; and I make no attempt at flattery when I say that their well-known skillful and judicious treatment of patients, and universal kindness and courtesy to all, will insure to the Sanitarium that success which it so justly deserves.” From Mrs. Mary A. Brownell, Kalamazoo, Mich.:— “Please accept our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the continued prosperity and usefulness of the institution. With its enlarged and greatly improved facilities, while under such excellent supervision, it must become a great power for good to thousands of suffering humanity. May the blessing of Heaven rest upon it and all connected with it.” Many other letters of congratulation were received from persons to whom invitations were sent. We were quite disappointed at not meeting our friend Dr. Baker, of Lansing, Mich., secretary of the State Board of Health; but we received instead the following encouraging words in a letter received a day or two before the dedication:— “I heartily congratulate you on the completion of the fine building which you have labored so faithfully to make a model of comfort, convenience, and health. Your excellent Sanitarium starts off under very favorable auspices. You have my best wishes for its success and prosperity.” On the opening day, during the exercises, we received the following congratulatory telegram from the doctor: “Official duties detain me. Accept cordial congratulations and best wishes.” Following the toasts, a resolution offered by Mr. Bogardus, of Ohio, thanking the Board of Directors of the Sanitarium for the pleasures and courtesies of the day, was adopted by unanimous acclamation. The proceedings concluded with excellent music by the choir. INSPECTION OF THE BUILDING.
Two hours were then spent by the guests in inspecting the building, the various rooms of which were thrown open to the guests, assistants being everywhere in attendance to explain the workings of the different kinds of apparatus used in carrying on the work of the institution. The steam elevator was kept in constant requisition, carrying scores of landscape lovers to the roof, from which a most charming view met the eye, while many others descended to the basement to inspect the mammoth heating apparatus, together with the bakery and kitchen arrangements, and the improved mechanism for the manufacture of gas. All were profuse with exclamations of surprise at the completeness of all the apartments of the institution, its elegance and convenience. THE EVENING ENTERTAINMENT.
We copy again from the Daily Journal, as follows:— “In the evening the Sanitarium presented a brilliant appearance, each of its many rooms, spacious halls, and corridors being fully illuminated, and from the city it appeared like a goodly temple on a hill. Early in the evening, the parlors and lower halls were filled with guests, while a crowd almost as large thronged the verandas and grounds, unable to gain admittance. It is estimated that no less than one thousand were present at the evening entertainment and during the afternoon.” The evening entertainment consisted of instrumental music by the sextette orchestra of this city, and vocal duets and quartets by some of the best talent of the city. The exercises were conducted by Mr. Geo. Tenney, and were very enjoyable. Although the crowd was so great that only a small part of the auditors could see the performers, the good order and quiet observed were so great that all could hear with ease. The music was even heard distinctly in the upper halls of the building. The hearty and frequent acclamations showed distinctly the keen appreciation of the audience. The entertainment closed at 9 P. M., with a vote of thanks to the musicians; and the immense audience, which filled the parlors, library, halls, offices, and even the stairways and verandas, and a large portion of the gymnasium, rapidly dispersed, leaving behind them hearty good wishes for the success of the Sanitarium, which had entered upon its new era with such an auspicious beginning. Visitors all expressed themselves as delighted with the exercises of the day, and the weary managers and helpers were delighted that the day to which they had looked forward so anxiously, and for the success of which they had labored so arduously, had at last come and gone. By 10 P. M. the usual quiet had again settled down over the place, and all but the vigilant watchman were safe in the arms of Morpheus, who brought grateful relief to a hundred and fifty weary frames and tired nerves from the excitement of the day. The following is an abstract of a portion of the address delivered by Elder D. M. Canright on the occasion:— PROGRESS OF HEALTH REFORM.
We date the rise of the health-reform movement among us more than a quarter of a century back, with Elder Joseph Bates. He was a sea-faring man, and at an early age became captain of a merchant vessel. As was the custom with that class of men, he used not only tea, coffee, and tobacco, but also spirituous liquors. As early as 1820, he saw the evil effects of alcoholic drinks, and, although it cost him a severe struggle, he entirely abandoned their use. Soon after, he concluded that tobacco was an evil, and its use an intemperate habit; and he cast tobacco aside, with his liquor. Shortly, also, he laid aside both tea and coffee. He performed an immense amount of labor, became a minister of the gospel at fifty, and remained strong and hale until past eighty years of age. In 1824, he organized the first temperance society in the United States. Having embraced the Seventh-day Adventist faith in 1846, he introduced the subject of health reform among this people. They observed its beneficial effects upon him, and were led to regard it with favor. As early as 1850, Elder James White, who has ever been a leading man among this people, had his attention called to the subject. Consumption and dyspepsia had brought him nearly to the brink of the grave, and he soon saw that medicine would not save him, but that he must change his mode of living. All liquors, tobacco, tea and coffee, were entirely laid aside by him. He found that he reaped great benefit from the change. Wherever he traveled, he told his experience, and advocated this mode of living. Some years afterward he discarded the use of pork, and was finally led to adopt the present system of health reform. About the year 1862, Elder J. N. Andrews, another leading man among us, had his attention forcibly called to the subject by the failure of his health. He suffered very severely from catarrh, and his lungs were badly affected. He partially adopted the reform, and was much benefited. He had a little son six or eight years of age whose left limb was badly diseased. The doctors said he must lose it, but he was sent to a water cure, and by a course of careful treatment restored to perfect health. This opened the father's eyes to the importance of the subject, and he became a thorough convert to the system. As early as 1864, Mrs. E. G. White began to write and lecture extensively upon the subject, and she has ever since continued to do so, with great success. In that year a little work, entitled, “How to Live,” was published. This was the first health publication among us. It had a rapid sale and a wide influence. Since that time we have been thoroughly committed to the reform movement. An interesting fact which I have noticed, and one showing the progress these principles are making, is that, although twelve years ago, when I began to travel as a minister, I could find graham bread, oatmeal, and such dishes, only in the families of reformers, yet now these dishes are found on the tables of every respectable hotel. Another noticeable fact is that all respectable papers and journals devote more or less space to the subject of health. Even the old-school doctors are modifying their practice, thus giving the subject of hygiene more attention, and uniting it with their practice. We regard this as a great triumph for the cause of health-reform. We believe that this reform is designed to prepare the way for the temperance movement. I notice this fact, that all the prominent temperance lecturers are fast coming upon our ground; that is, they are discarding not only all liquors, but tobacco, tea, coffee, and all other stimulants, as the use of these only creates in the system a demand for strong drink. We have to confess that this reform movement, like all other good causes, has had its drawbacks. Some of its early advocates were, no doubt, too radical. A water-cure of twenty-five years ago was a place, where nothing but water was used as a remedial agent. Much harm was done by this mode of treatment, although it produced some good results. It gave a bad impression. Others have been inclined to be radical in their diet, not making allowance for different constitutions. These things hurt the cause; but our motto is, “Live and learn.” It was just so with the temperance movement, just so with the anti-slavery movement. You all remember John Brown's raid in Virginia. It was a rash move; yet perhaps these very radical means are necessary in every reform, to arouse public investigation. Again, many who have undertaken to treat the sick on hygienic principles have been nothing but quacks, possessing no medical skill whatever. Other things have occurred which have tended to hold in check and hinder the work somewhat, but they are now almost wholly removed. The Health Reform Institute was organized in this city in the year 1866. The institution was opened with one patient. The first six months there were seventy-six patients treated. The books show that during the last six months there have been treated four hundred and fifty patients,—a very encouraging increase. Up to this date, the institution has labored under great disadvantages, from lack of proper facilities. As it has grown, from time to time other buildings have been bought to accommodate the increasing patronage. The bath-rooms have been small and unhandy, and the buildings have been unadapted to the purpose, yet the institution has steadily increased in prosperity. About ten years ago the foundation was laid for a brick building, and considerable money expended upon it; but it was finally abandoned. Some have regretted that the building referred to was not pushed to completion; but all are now glad that it was not done, as we now have a building which is far more complete in its appointments, and convenient and commodious in its arrangement, than that would have been. The physicians who have served in this institution are as follows: Dr. H. S. Lay, with Miss Dr. Lampson, were the first. Dr. Lampson still remains with the Institute; this fact is good proof of her usefulness. Next was Dr. J. H. Ginley, who served four years. Dr. Wm. Russel succeeded him. For the last year and a half, J. H. Kellogg, M. D., has been physician-in-chief of the Sanitarium. Drs. Sprague and Fairfield have just graduated, and are now able assistants. Miss Dr. Lindsay is also a thoroughly educated physician. The Sanitarium employs at present, seventy helpers, in the various departments. We are glad to hear them spoken of as ladies and gentlemen of real Christian worth. In conclusion, I would say that we feel grateful to God and our brethren, and to the patrons of this institution generally, for the marked success that has attended the enterprise thus far. We shall do all in our power to merit the good opinion of the citizens of Battle Creek and of those who may attend this institution.—Health Reformer.