Rural Health Retreat by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 3, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 21.

Rural Health Retreat.

By John Norton Loughborough

THE annual meeting of the Rural Health Retreat Association was held at the Retreat parlors May 30, 1886. A large majority of the subscribed capital stock was represented. Many friends of the institution were present, among whom were Elder Geo. I. Butler and other of our ministering brethren. Close, practical, and timely instruction and counsel were given by these brethren in the religious exercises held in connection with these meetings. We only regret that these services could not have been continued.

The following officers were elected:—

Directors, J. N. Loughborough, W. C. White, J. D. Rice, W. A. Pratt, A. B. Atwood; President, Elder J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, J. S. Gibbs, M. D.; Treasurer, W. A. Pratt; Auditor, Mrs. A. M. Loughborough; Superintendent, Elder J. D. Rice; Physicians, J. S. Gibbs, M. D., and W. P. Burke, M. D.; Matron, Mrs. Jennie L. Ings.

The report given below shows a marked improvement in the finances of the institution, exceeding, by far, the most sanguine expectations of its best friends. We feel that the prospering hand of God has been over this part of his work, because of which we feel to increase our faithfulness and take courage.

The following shows the financial standing of the institution:— Net value, May 5, 1885 ..................... $5,322.76 Net gain for eleven months ................. 3,458.37 Stock issued during the year ............... 3,500.00 Donations rec'd " " " ....................... 2,445.00 Net value, April 1, 1886 ................... $14,726.13

During this time the Retreat has donated in board and treatment $1,766.99 not included in the above statement.

The following resolutions were adopted:—

WHEREAS, We have seen the hand of God during the past year in giving special favor and prosperity to the Rural Health Retreat; therefore, Resolved, That we feel under renewed obligation to our heavenly Father for his prospering hand that has attended this branch of his work, and that in return for these blessings we will not cease our endeavors to work in harmony with his will in building up the institution.

WHEREAS, The Health Journal and Temperance Advocate, under its present management, has proved to be a great help as an advertising medium, and an educator in the cause of health and temperance; therefore, Resolved, That we deem it expedient to continue its publication, and that we will do all we can to extend its influence and usefulness by giving it a wide circulation.

WHEREAS, The accommodations of the Rural Health Retreat were inadequate for the proper care and treatment of patients making application; therefore, Resolved, That we approve the action of those having charge, in providing additional room and facilities.

WHEREAS, Our past is an indication of future success; and, WHEREAS, We believe that our future prosperity depends largely upon our properly fitting up the grounds, perfecting our appliances, and having ample accommodations; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend that improvements to this end be made as fast as practicable.

Resolved, That the report of the working of the Rural Health Retreat for the year ending April 1, 1886, and the resolutions adopted at this meeting, be sent to the Review and Herald and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for publication. J. S. GIBBS, Secretary.