Broader Plans by James Edson White

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jul 4, 1878

Broader Plans.

By James Edson White

MUCH has been said about broader plans in the different departments of the cause of present truth. During the last three months we have been forced to acknowledge that the Pacific Press Office is one year behind the demand in room and facilities in every department.

To meet the demand for more room, a building 30x84 feet, two stories high, is in process of construction, to cost $3,500.

In the press room, the large press running day and night could not keep up with the work. A small Hoe cylinder which cost $1,400 was accordingly ordered, and is now running.

Our stereotyping has been a great drawback. Previously this has been done in San Francisco, which was a great source of expense and delay, thus cutting us off from work which would otherwise be a source of profit. Just in the time when most needed a stereotyper, owning a foundry in San Francisco, embraced the truth from reading and attending tent lectures. His foundry was bought at a low figure, and as Brother McLaren has served his time in Edinburg, Scotland, as a type founder, we have added type making to the foundry, thus giving us a type, stereotype and electrotype foundry at a cost of $1,500.

In the bindery there are portions of the work which it is impossible to do without greater facilities. Heretofore we have had the work done in San Francisco; but it is now impossible to get it done in good style, in time, or at reasonable prices. And it is necessary that we immediately purchase $1,000 worth of binding machinery.

Our paper trade is becoming an important branch of business. To meet this demand, and keep our own stock good, requires not less than $5,000 invested. This stock is imported from the East at a very low price.

Before Elder White started for the East he saw that this Office would require more room, and sold to the Association property adjoining the present grounds worth $8,000 for $6,000 taking the Association's notes at one, two and three years. Upon a portion of this ground the new building is now being erected. The balance of this lot is occupied by a double tenement house, bringing a rental of $70 a month, which pays the interest on the investment, and the taxes.

Every step forward has been taken with caution, with the advice of Elders White and Loughborough, who are both members of the board of directors, and only entered upon when necessity demanded.

Of the $18,400 above mentioned, not half is available at the present time.

But the various T. and M. societies owe nearly $6,000. Most of this is already past due. But owing to the liberal support received from them in the past, and to make available this money so much needed, we offer to deduct 5 per cent from all bills if paid immediately by these societies. This will allow them to hire the money they may lack to square their account to date, without loss to themselves. This offer is made where the whole account is settled at once; but not on small payments made from time to time.

If all T. and M. societies could take the steps already taken by the California society, it would be a great help to the Offices of publication. Although not behind any State in the Union, of the same numerical strength, in amount of work accomplished, yet it has a fund deposited and kept good at this Office varying from $500 to $1000.

About $5,000 in pledges to the capital stock of the Association are already due or will be this fall. It is hoped that all who can pay up, will do so immediately, and that others will pay up as soon as possible.

The cause of God is onward, and is ever calling for broader plans. And as the publishing house on the Pacific coast endeavors to keep pace with the general advance, it is confidently expected that the brethren of ability will second the efforts with their prayers and aid it from their means. J. E. W.