The Rescue of the Nashville Sanitarium by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

The Rescue of the Nashville Sanitarium

By L. A. H.

Confirming the Testimony

A REMARKABLE turn of affairs took place in behalf of the Nashville (Tenn.) Sanitarium at the recent session of the Southern Union Conference. What seemed to be failure gave place to assurance of success; sadness was turned to great joy; disheartened men were filled with hope and courage; and an institution of God's planting was snatched from impending ruin, and placed on substantial footing. While there are features connected with the experience that in particular are not pleasant for contemplation nor edifying in repetition, the experience as a whole offers lessons of practical value. General interest in the welfare of our institutional work, and special interest of many in this sanitarium, may warrant a statement concerning some of the circumstances attending its history and the present situation.

When the Nashville Sanitarium was established in its present location, it emerged from a somewhat transitory existence of several years in rented buildings. The early rise and progress of its work, and the appeals of the spirit of prophecy in its behalf, gave confidence to the brethren to extend its field of operations. A share in the $150,000 Fund raised by the General Conference helped to give the institution a permanent home in the country. An excellent site of ten acres, with a nice dwelling, some smaller buildings, and a beautiful lawn, was secured. Suitable alterations and additions were made and furnishings and equipment provided, making a building of three stories and a basement, fairly well equipped.

The new enterprise required an investment in excess of the funds in hand, leaving an indebtedness, the beginning of trouble no doubt. A proposed street-car line that failed to materialize gave disappointment in the matter of transportation. Inadequate natural supply of water caused expense in meeting this need. Destruction of laundry, bakery, and a storeroom by fire, caused a loss. Some moves that were afterward seen to be unwise were made in the conduct of the work; such as closing the city branch before its patronage was fully transferred, and in some changes of workers. These items, with times of low patronage, increasing interest on indebtedness, depreciation of inventory values, all tended to an increasing deficit in the annual financial statements.

In the meantime a report gained circulation to the effect that the institution was established contrary to special instruction given in the Testimonies, and for this reason success was impossible and the sanitarium was attended with adversities. Many who should have been its supporters became discouraged, and with some, criticism took the place of commendation. Question as to the advisability of continuing the institution arose, and the future of the Nashville Sanitarium became a matter of the special intervention of God and a rallying of all its constituency to its fullest support.

At the recent Southern Union Conference session the last financial statement of the sanitarium was read, showing a condition serious enough to demand immediate consideration and action. This was not a matter of surprise nor the revelation of a secret. The interest of the delegates expressed the feeling of many throughout the union conference. The matter was made one of special attention. The proper committee gave it very thorough study. There was in hand copy of all that had been written by Sister E. G. White regarding the work, and this was carefully gone through. A series of resolutions was presented, stating that the selection of the present site and the establishment of the existing institution was fully indorsed by all the instruction available. A definite plan of financial relief was outlined and proposed.

At the reading of the resolutions one brother, a conference president, on whom God had very evidently placed a burden, took the floor and stated his experience. He made confession of failure to give proper support and of having taken a course that was not helpful. For a time his mind had been exercised in the other direction, and now he wanted to help in every way possible. He was on the point of selling a piece of property that he now thought had been held for this occasion, and he proposed to make a donation of $500. An earnest and stirring appeal was made for others to join in the plan of reducing the indebtedness of the institution.

After his remarks his example was followed by most of the workers present. That God was moving on their hearts was apparent. One after another announced his purpose to stand by the work of the sanitarium, and in almost every instance a substantial donation bore material witness of the proposed support. Several pledged sums of $100 or more, while others gave amounts ranging down to $5. The spirit of sacrifice could be the more appreciated when it was considered that with the most of these it meant giving out of a small income from small salaries.

Several individuals proposed to sacrifice property in order to secure means with which to assist. A lady colporteur said she was trying to sell a small home, the proceeds of which were much needed for the family wants, from which sale she would give $50. Other colporteurs made offerings, one pledging the profit on three weeks' work. One brother had no property he could sell, his only ready asset being a barrel of sorghum, but he would sell this and give the proceeds. Those who were already burdened with personal financial problems and felt the lack of means, expressed their regret at their inability to make any donations at this time. A sum of $4,000 or more was pledged at this meeting. This was Friday noon, and adjournment was taken to the evening after Sabbath.

The day following was full of Sabbath blessing, closing with an excellent revival and consecration service, and the (Concluded on page 22)

sanitarium meeting was entered upon with a spirit in keeping with the day's experience.

The Rescue of the Nashville Sanitarium

(Concluded from page 19)

The chairman, Elder C. F. McVagh, announced that he had just received a special communication from Sister E. G. White; and that, while he had not read it all, he knew it bore on the question in hand. This was under date of Jan. 14, 1912, and gave just the message that many needed as a final assurance that God's hand was set to the support of the sanitarium. All were enabled to see that when an institution is in need, it is no time to forsake it. Clear admonition was given as to the duty of all to rally to the help of a work in the establishment of which God had so signally led. The importance of searching to ascertain the true situation and of learning lessons of wise economy and right administration, was clearly pointed out. The communication was thankfully received as a specially timely one, and taken as a confirmation of what God had already done in behalf of the Nashville Sanitarium.

Further opportunity was given to render help. Some who had previously hesitated now responded; others gave who had not been present at the previous meeting; and a number increased the pledges already made. With conference assistance and all donations received, the total amount raised was about twenty-one thousand dollars. This gave credit for several good donations raised by Elder W. C. White, including an offering from his mother, bearing substantial proof of her personal interest in this work.

A resolution offered by Elder W. T. Knox, and unanimously adopted, made provision for Elder E. L. Maxwell, president of the Louisiana Conference, to make further solicitations, as openings for this may occur. Twice during the meeting did the company join heartily in singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow;" and indeed it was an occasion of praise. With an institution so near disaster, by financial embarrassment and by the discouraged surrender of its friends, it was a matter of deep gratitude that there should come such immediate and substantial financial relief and such a grand rallying of our people to its support. Without such support, final ruin is inevitable to an institution.

It is recognized that this is but a beginning of what is necessary to place the institution where it must be. Careful plans are being laid for the best possible working basis. Suitable help is being secured; an educational campaign is to begin; proper advertising methods will be carried forward; and all concerned are expected to give the fullest cooperation. One recommendation provides for an active prosecution of the "Ministry of Healing" campaign, it being recognized that this is a plan given us especially for such a need as this situation presents.

The opportunity to help the Nashville Sanitarium is not restricted to those attending the meetings referred to. Others may assist as their interest may indicate. Address Southern Union Conference Treasurer, 511 Cole Building, Nashville, Tenn. Correspondence with interested persons is solicited. Let prayer be offered in behalf of this work, that full success may attend it.

L. A. H.