Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 54, 1888

Butler, G. I.

Salmar, California

March 23, 1888

Previously unpublished.

Dear Brother Butler:

Brother Rice has come to Fresno in company with Brother and Sister Maxson and so presented matters before Brother Church that he decided to build a health institute at once. 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 1

Now this is not in God’s order. Brother Church could not manage such an institution in his best days and now, when over seventy-years old, he is no more fitted for this work than he has been. 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 2

Now Brother Maxson was sent to Battle Creek to get counsel of those who understood scarcely anything of the situation, and he has not counseled with anyone here, only those who have drawn off—Dr. Burke, Elder Rice, Dr. Maxson and his wife—and this is a corrupt union. 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 3

I send you this because John Church told me last night that he supposed that Brother Butler had sanctioned this enterprise, for Dr. Maxson telegraphed, “All right, go ahead.” 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 4

I will write no more except [that] Brother Church is expecting to draw his means out of the Signs office to put [them] into this building. What kind of moves our people will make next, the Lord only knows. I send you this that I have written to read to Brother Church. He will be here the last of next week. 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 5

Love to all. 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 6

Satan is determined to have a controlling power. I had great liberty in speaking to the people. We had three meetings, raised in pledges thirty thousand dollars for meetinghouse and college and mission house. I thought this would be something to divert the mind of Brother Church, but he has gone to St. Helena to see Burke and answer a telegram in regard to some matters at the Institute. 5LtMs, Lt 54, 1888, par. 7