p. 15 | The Florida Sanitarium by R. S. Ingersoll, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1914

The Florida Sanitarium

By R. S. Ingersoll, M. D.

The Florida Sanitarium is passing through a very busy season, having had a patronage of between forty and fifty patients and guests since the first of January. The heaviest patronage begins here about the first of December, and continues until April or May.

This institution has been open since 1908, and has made a very good financial record, as it has been paying running expenses from the beginning. At present the financial condition is very good. Not only has there been a good record in this particular, but the spiritual influence of the institution has resulted in the conversion of a goodly number of persons.

The patronage is largely from the North during the busy season, and consists of people of influence in their home towns. This work is really very important from the standpoint of influence, as it puts us in touch with an influential class of persons. I understand that the patronage has increased year by year from the very beginning, and that this present season has been one of the best seasons that it has enjoyed. Judging from the past history and from my experience here during the past four months, I am fully convinced that there is a grand future for this place. The prayer of those who are engaged in the work here is that we may represent principles, not only in the physical but in the moral and spiritual realms as well, that will gather not only for time, but for eternity. The workers have shown themselves very willing to do their utmost for the good of the institution, and a spirit of willingness has also characterized those carrying responsibilities.

During the season we have been endeavoring to improve the service of the institution. Prompt attention to the needs of the patients has been our motto. Organizing the work in a way so as to meet without delay the requirements of those who come, is increasing confidence. Our purpose is to improve this still further. This is important for the success of the sanitarium. If the patients find their wants are attended to promptly, they are contented oftentimes with more meager equipment than they otherwise would be.

We are improving our grounds and endeavoring to make things really attractive to those who are in search of health. The general aspect of the grounds is changed by a new road which places the frontage of the grounds toward the lake. Trees and shrubs and grass and rose bushes are being placed with the idea of giving our patrons a glimpse of the beauties our Creator has placed at our disposal. This we consider to be health building, and at the same time points the mind to the Creator.

This institution has been conducting a training school for nurses, and has graduated one class. There will be a small class this coming October. At the graduation of the class of 1913 there was a large number of friends of the institution and workers gathered on the spacious veranda to hear the graduating address, which was delivered by Elder W. H. Heckman, president of the Florida Conference. The hearers were impressed with the importance of the work being conducted, and new enthusiasm was instilled into the hearts of the workers.

As there are individuals coming to

Florida from all sections of the United States every winter, we trust that the readers of the REVIEW will remember to remind their friends of the existence of the Florida Sanitarium.

With the prayers of the readers of the REVIEW and the diligent efforts of those who are conducting the work of this institution, I believe that much good can be done. May the Lord bless to this end. R. S. INGERSOLL, M. D.