Washington, D. C | AdventAI

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 29, 1903

Washington, D. C.

When the fact is considered that Washington is the representative city of the United States; that here, as in no other city in the country, may be found the whole United States in a nutshell, also representatives of all other great nations of the world, it is at once apparent that it is the ideal center and head of our work; that it possesses peculiar qualifications and attractions not possessed by any other city for the headquarters of a work which in the near crisis will be the sole champion for religious liberty, for the commandments of God, the universal King, as opposed by a world in rebellion.

The fact that several other cities have a larger population in no wise militates against this statement. The fact that Washington is not a crowded business city, as are Chicago and New York, makes the location here all the more favorable; for here it is possible, as it would not be if Washington were a larger city, to reach directly the leading men who make up the government.

The North and South can alike be reached from Washington, which can not be said of any other city in the country. In every country in the world where the United States is known, the city of Washington is known. I speak from experience when I say that many larger cities of the United States are comparatively unknown in foreign lands, as compared with Washington, D. C. I know this from a sojourn of ten years and four months in a foreign country. The influence of Washington, D. C., is world wide. It is a city set on a hill.

When all these facts are considered, and the wonderful providences that have led to the establishing of our headquarters as a denomination here in the capital city, it will be at once apparent that the plan and the call for the Memorial church were not simply the plan and the call of man, but the direct providence of God. It was a forerunner of the greater things that were to follow.

The move from Battle Creek, Mich., to Washington, D. C., does not mean simply a change of location. It indicates rather a change of condition.

One thing that it signifies is a freedom from the bondage of debt; and a debt, however small, clinging for a long time to this church would surely be a harbinger of debt and disaster for other institutions located here.

I regret to say that the contributions are decreasing, and at the present rate the debt will not be paid till Jan. 14, 1904. It is important that it should be paid by November 1—just one year from the date of purchase. But if this is done, a great change must be made at once. This is the last appeal that can be made before that date. When I remember the wonderful response through our field on February 2, I believe this will be done. Much was sent by telegraph at the last moment then. This can be done now.

About nine hundred dollars yet remains to be paid, though the Review Office has over one hundred dollars for this fund.

I quote a few words from a Testimony written February 22: “Those who share in this missionary enterprise by making gifts, large or small, according to their ability, will ever after feel a deeper interest in the progress of the Lord’s cause in Washington. Those who respond to this call, making gifts to the Lord for the purchase of this church property, will receive rich blessing for so doing.” All gifts should be sent to J. S. Washburn, 1728 14th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.