p. 12 | Another Move Forward by E. E. Andross

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 20, 1906

Another Move Forward

By E. E. Andross

E. E. ANDROSS

After several years of continuous searching for property suitable for our institutional work in the British Union Conference, we have purchased an estate known as “The Stanboroughs,” two miles from the town of Watford, in Hertfordshire. It has been no small task to find such a place, one which was in every way suited to our work, where there were no objectionable covenants or restrictions imposed on the property, thus preventing us from using it for the purposes for which we required it, and which could be purchased at a price we were able to pay. We now believe that the Lord has led us to a place that in every way suits our requirements. We are permitted to erect such buildings and carry on such lines of business as may be necessary in the prosecution of our work.

Watford is situated on the main line of the London and Northwestern Railway, about fifteen miles from London, in a northwesterly direction, whence it is reached by an express service of trains in about half an hour. It is a very old town, with many interesting features. and is widely known for its healthfulness and for the beauty of its surrounding scenery. It has a population of about thirty thousand.

The property is situated about one and three-quarter miles from the station, and covers an area of nearly fifty-five acres lying compactly together, and consisting chiefly of well-timbered park land and woodlands. The residence is attractive, substantially built of brick, with slate roof, and occupies a delightful and well-chosen situation, about three hundred feet above sea-level; it has a southeast outlook, and commands a beautiful view of the surrounding picturesque, well-wooded country.

The pleasure-grounds surrounding the residence, though of a delightful character, will be comparatively inexpensive to maintain. They are adorned with wide-spreading cedars, Wellingtonia, and other specimen trees, and are tastefully laid out in beautiful rose and flower gardens, shady lawns, etc. Adjoining the grounds, lying in a warm and sheltered position, is a walled kitchen garden, containing a few wall fruit-trees, vinery, forcing house, and tool and potting sheds. On the south side of the garden wall is a small, but prolific orchard. Conveniently situated, is excellent stabling, with accommodation for four horses, coach house, harness room, loft, etc.; also near by are cow sheds, cart and wood sheds, fowl and tool houses.

The house is not large, but being well built and conveniently arranged, it is well adapted to sanitarium purposes, and can easily be enlarged without detracting from its beauty. It is approached by two beautiful carriage drives.

It certainly seems that the Lord had prepared the place for us, and held it in reserve until we were prepared to purchase. While it might seem to our brethren in America that the price was excessive, yet one acquainted with the prices of such properties in this country will recognize the Lord’s special providence in enabling us to secure it for £8,250. It was formerly held at £16,000. The timber on the property is valued at £2,000.

We expect to complete the purchase and take possession of the property December 24. Early in the new year we are planning on beginning the erection of our new buildings. We must put up a food factory, and move as soon as possible from the present unhealthful location. We have also long desired to remove each of our institutions from the noise, smoke, and fog of the great cities, into a quiet, rural district; and we praise God that at last the way is open for us to do so; but we must erect buildings sufficient to accommodate our growing business. For the present, we shall doubtless be able to carry on our college work by using the residence temporarily for school purposes.

We are very thankful that the Lord has helped us lay aside a little money from our publishing work, and that, with what we have already raised in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” and by direct donations to the educational work, gives us a little over six thousand pounds to begin with. We had expected to get the ten thousand dollars promised us some time ago by our brethren in America, in time to make our final payment on the property, and this would have enabled us to pay for it without contracting any debt, but we are sure our brethren will now come to our assistance in building up such institutions as are really necessary in conducting the work in this field. We have hitherto conducted all our institutional work in rented buildings, with the exception of the sanitarium at Caterham, and this has been done under adverse conditions. But we are now following the light that God has so plainly given, and are removing into one of the most beautiful country districts of England, where we shall be in the green fields, shut in by the giant and stately forest trees, which form a perfect screen on every side of our property but one, and which grow on our own land. At the same time, we shall have the advantage of being located near one of the best railway lines in England, and within thirty minutes of London. There are sixty trains each day between Watford and London.

We have demonstrated the truth that our strength does not lie in imposing buildings, and we do not now propose putting our trust in anything but the living God; hence we shall erect plain and inexpensive buildings. But we hope to make it the center whence will issue young men and women whose lives have been wholly consecrated to God, and whose intellects have been sharpened by a course of training that will make them as polished shafts in the Lord’s quiver. We hope to see the truth coming from our presses by the millions of pages, to fall over this kingdom like the leaves of autumn. Pray that God may give wisdom in the management of this new enterprise. If our brethren have means that they wish to invest in a secure place, where it will yield thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold, and will send it to us through the usual channels, they will receive in due course, and without fail, the returns, providing, of course, they are prepared to hear from the lips of the Master the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” But all such investments must be made soon, or it will be forever too late.

Leicester, England.