The Truth About Ellen White's Grave and Obelisk Myths

Ellen White and her husband, James White, are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan, where simple monuments serve as memorials for their familyCCh 19.2+1. There is no pagan obelisk at her grave; rather, after her husband passed away, she specifically rejected the idea of placing a broken shaft monument over him, insisting instead on a full, perfect monument because he had completed his work for the Lord17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 36+1.

Memorials and the Resurrection

The resting places of the White family are maintained with the hope of the soon-coming Life-giverT06 56.3+1. While some in the world lavish vast sums of money on the decoration of resting places, which can become a form of idolatry, Christian memorials should be simple reminders of God’s comfort and mercyDA 618.1+1.

• A Symbol of Completion: When a monument with a broken shaft was suggested for James White, Ellen White firmly declined, stating that the "old warrior" had fought his battles and finished his labor17LtMs, Ms 230, 1902, par. 36.

• The Hope of the Saints: She viewed the cemetery not as a place for pagan symbols, but as a "city of the dead" where those who sleep in Jesus await the sounding of the last trump21MR 342.4+1.

• Scripture as a Voice: Often, eminent Christians have chosen to place scriptures on their monuments to turn the attention of passers-by away from the man and toward God6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, par. 20+1.

Avoidance of Idolatry

Followers of God are consistently warned to shun the appearance of evil and the superstitious customs of the heathen4MR 220.2+1. True conversion changes a person's moral taste so that in all expenditures, they keep the glory of God in view rather than lifting a worldly standard18MR 158.3.

• Distinct Worship: The Lord has always taught His people to be distinguished from idolaters, particularly through the observance of the Sabbath6T 349.2.

• Renouncing Heathen Ways: Believers are counseled not to learn the way of the heathen or bow down to their symbols and images Jeremiah 10:2+1.

• A Living Testimony: The names of those who have been faithful are immortalized among the angels, and they will receive a bright reward when they are called from their graves8Red 80.2.

The focus of the White family in life and in death was the "blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel" and the commandments of GodCET 228.1+1. They looked forward to the day when the graves would be opened and the saints would come forth clothed with immortalityCCh 340.4+1.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16.