The Skodsborg Sanatorium.
By W. C. Sisley
The Skodsborg Sanatorium is very pleasantly located in the beautiful and picturesque village of Skodsborg, a suburb of Copenhagen. About three years ago, after much investigation and earnest prayer, the Scandinavian Philanthropic Society purchased two good-sized houses, which were built near together on a very fine lot lying between the main drive of the town and the sea. The lot has an east frontage to the sea of about two hundred and seventy feet, and is about one hundred feet wide. One could hardly conceive of a more favorable location for a sanatorium than Skodsborg. From the grounds and the buildings a fine view can be had of the sea, the crown forest of Denmark, and the distant shores of Sweden. Great pains were taken in fitting up the buildings and supplying them with proper facilities for the most effective work. Notwithstanding the usual trials and perplexities incident to starting an enterprise of this kind with but little capital, the institution has made rapid and substantial progress. In the start there was much prejudice on the part of both doctors and people. The patronage was small, but as the principles upon which the institution was founded became better known, by being presented and enforced by precept and example, prejudice subsided, and the attendance increased rapidly, and it soon became necessary to secure more room. This was done by the purchase of a house and a good large lot directly in front, on the opposite side of the road. On this ground have later been erected a portable house of ten rooms, and a temporary building, which is being used for a gymnasium, a chapel, and a dining-room for the helpers. There are also several tents. At the present time every room and tent is full, besides a number of rooms rented in different parts of the village. The institution is fast outgrowing present quarters and facilities. Something will soon have to be done to provide for the increasing patronage. In establishing this institution, the management have had to encounter many difficulties. They started with practically no capital, but felt impelled to go forward in what seemed to them the opening providence of God. Friends have been raised up to assist them from time to time, some of whom have given quite large sums of money, or have loaned without interest. We have just had the pleasure of spending a short time in the institution, and are pleased indeed with the earnestness with which all labor to free the institution from debt. The directors and helpers are of good courage. We believe they have passed through the most critical point of their experience, and feel sure that the experience gained will be of great value to them in the future. So far as we can learn from patients and others, the institution is exerting a strong influence in favor of the truth. The principles of health reform are being set forth in a way to commend themselves to all fair-minded people. The physicians of the country, who were prejudiced and opposed to the work at the start, are now recommending the institution, and sending patients to it. We believe that this institution will be, by the help of God, a powerful medium in opening the way for the work of the Third Angel's Message throughout all Scandinavia. The Scandinavian Philanthropic Society are endeavoring to do all they can to open up the work in different parts of this field. They have already several small institutions started in different places, which are doing good work. Besides this they have quite a large work at Frederikshavn. The care of these different branches brings a heavy load on the management, especially Dr. Ottosen. The work the Skodsborg Sanatorium is doing is far-reaching. It is fast gaining the respect and favor of the influential people of Denmark and surrounding countries, which can but help pave the way for the advancement of the message. Seeds of truth, which will bring forth fruit to the glory of God, are being sown by the faithful, earnest workers of this institution. So I say, brethren and sisters, let us rally, and do all we can to help this institution in its good work.
W. C. SISLEY.