Battle Creek, Mich., Sanitarium.
THIS is not only an immense, but also a growing institution. After an absence of a few years we realized it as we looked upon the new structure, and the improvements in various respects. Its well-known facilities have attracted to it a large patronage from all parts of the land. Throughout the last year the patronage was larger, we are informed, than that of any other institution of this kind in the country. In some particulars it excels all others; such as its perfect system of ventilation, and its special attention to surgical cases. Dr. Kellogg is known to be one of the best surgeons in our land, and many hundreds of operations are performed each year. It is well appointed and thoroughly fitted up in every respect to meet the wants of all classes of patients. The main building will accommodate 250 persons; while 150 can be accommodated in other buildings belonging to it. The entire length of the main building, including extensions, is 480 feet; height, to top of main part, 84 feet. The dining hall is well lighted and ventilated, and will seat more than three hundred guests. The arrangements for cooking and serving the tables are complete, while the fare is the best we have found in all our travels. The153food is wholesome and abundant, and prepared in first-class style. There is a religious element in the institution which is as health-giving as its sanitary appliances. Nothing like ultraism or fanaticism appears, but a firm faith in God is manifested, both in their devotions and in their labors. The Sanitarium Sabbath-school numbers 120 adults. This has been held regularly for the last five years, except when the general meetings occasionally interfere. They have also a prayer-meeting every Friday evening, and hold quarterly meetings at the same time that they are held in the churches at large. The amount of good done to “body and soul and spirit” in this institution is beyond computation. We greatly rejoice in its prosperity, and pray that its usefulness and efficiency may increase continually. As we viewed this Sanitarium in its various departments and surroundings, and considered from what a small beginning it has grown to its present proportions; and called to mind the years of laborious effort which it has taken to bring it up to its present condition; and remembered how many discouragements its founders had to encounter, we could but pray that our “Health Retreat” in California may yet see days of usefulness and prosperity. We hope it may be so. But we cannot refrain from some feelings of sadness when we consider how fast the time is passing away, and how great is the need of putting it in operation. This we expect will be done the present season. If some of the brethren of wealth do not soon take hold of this institution and place it on a sure financial footing, we hope to see a fund created in some way by means of which it may be assisted, and that very soon. At our important meetings this spring this matter must be considered. And we hope that all the friends of missionary work will pray for its success.