Just as we were recovering from the effects of the recent earthquake the most terrible calamity in the history of the Pacific Press has overtaken us. Last Friday night, July 20, at about 12 o'clock, fire was discovered in our photo-engraving department, and in less than two hours the factory with its splendid equipment was in ashes.
The loss will amount to between two and three hundred thousand dollars.
At first we were stunned, and even now it seems as though we would awake and find it all a dream.
It came at a time when we were having the greatest prosperity, and special attention was being given to our denominational work. We also had in our employ the most faithful and devoted set of workers we have ever seen brought together, and this affliction is hard to understand, but in talking with Sister White she referred us to the case of Job. God permitted affliction to come to his servant to test his faith, and so it is with us. We are cast down but not discouraged, for we know that God lives and reigns, that He loves His children, and that He is able to turn this great calamity into a blessing.
The buildings are destroyed, but the institution still lives in the hearts of His people, and will come forth again brighter and stronger than ever. We firmly believe that within the next two years the Pacific Press will be able to do more in helping to spread a knowledge of this truth than it would if this calamity had not befallen us.
Many telegrams and letters of sympathy and offers of assistance have been received, all of which are a source of great comfort and encouragement to us.
Our first thoughts were for our faithful and devoted employees. If the work is to go, and it surely is, we must keep our force organized. We have talked with each individual and made temporary arrangements satisfactory to all. Some will get work in nearby offices, and some will take up canvassing and other work; but all with the understanding that they are subject to call and will return when wanted.
Our next thought was for our workers in the field—our faithful canvassers. Fortunately we had just made large shipments of books for immediate delivery, but large deliveries will be called for in the near future. The larger number of our canvassers are working for "Heralds of the Morning" and "Great Controversy." We have already sent a man to Kansas City to arrange for printing and binding "Heralds of the Morning," and we think we will be able to ship books within four weeks. We shall ask the Review and Herald to supply "Great Controversy," and will send them printers and binders if necessary, so our canvassers will be taken care of.
Orders have already been placed for machinery, so within two weeks we will be operating a small plant in temporary buildings.
Arrangements have already been made for printing the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Our Little Friend, etc., until we get our own plant in running order.
With reference to finances would say that if we can collect our insurance we are still solvent. Briefly stated, our buildings are insured for one hundred thousand dollars, all in good companies. Our property in Oakland, still unsold and unincumbered, is worth sixty thousand dollars. Books, etc., on deposit at our branch offices in Kansas City and Portland will amount to about thirty thousand dollars. Then we have real estate here in Mountain View valued at about ten thousand dollars. Bills receivable amount to between twenty and thirty thousand dollars. So if our property not in use can be sold, and money due us collected, we will still have over two hundred thousand dollars, which will more than cover our indebtedness. But where is the money coming from with which to rebuild?
A VIEW OF THE BURNED INTERIOR.
We know that the printed page is one of the most effective agencies in getting the truth before the people, and we believe that the Pacific Press still has a work to do; therefore, we feel sure that our people will respond in this our time of need, and help us to rebuild. We have no doubt that this destruction is the work of Satan, but, of course, for some reason, God permitted it. We want to learn the lesson.
We recall the case of Elijah when the Lord said, "Go forth and stand upon the mount before the Lord; and behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still, small voice." 1 Kings, 19:11, 12.
We are listening for the still small voice, and believe we will be guided by it to right conclusions.
Eight thousand dollars have already been donated, and we have received offers from quite a number to loan us money without interest. Also, many have offered to donate several weeks' labor, so the outlook is encouraging.
We have much to be thankful for in the fact that during the progress of the fire no one was killed or seriously injured, although there were some very narrow escapes.
We are passing through deep waters, but we are all of good courage, trusting in the Lord, believing His promise when He says that "All things work together for good to those that love Him."
