Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 119, 1903

Santee, Br.; Whitelock, Br.

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

June 12, 1903

Previously unpublished.

Dear brethren Santee and Whitelock,—

I have been speaking to Dr. Evans in regard to the Sierra Madre Villa property that is offered to you at about thirty thousand dollars. He thinks it will be purchased by the brethren and is himself in favor [of] the proposition. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 1

I am deeply interested in this movement and am heartily in favor of your obtaining this property. It is not too far from Los Angeles. There would be no objection to it if it were ten miles farther away. Seeing that this property is so favorably situated, and that, in the providence of God, there is on it a furnished building, I believe it would be well for you to purchase it. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 2

I am anxious that you shall act in this matter without unnecessary delay. Whatever is done should be done quickly, that Southern California may have the benefits of a sanitarium. In time, as the way opens, changes may be made in the buildings, so that it will better accommodate patients. But do not think of erecting a new building, or making extensive improvements, if you can utilize the building already there. The first thing to do is to secure the property. Then you can decide what needs to be done next. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 3

It has taken so long for the brethren in Southern California to decide where to establish the sanitarium that I am nearly ready to lay off the burden. I will not say, My brethren, if you will pray more, and if you will carefully consider the light that God has given us, you will move by faith rather than by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 4

I hope you will do your best to secure this place. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 5

Make a thorough canvass of our own people, and also solicit gifts from outsiders. Let the interest-bearing debt be as small as possible. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 6

If the place is bought, do not immediately sell part of the land. Consider prayerfully the matter of selling sites to families, on which to erect homes. Do not be in a hurry to settle families on the place. After a time, small cottages may be erected for families who will be a help and strength to the sanitarium and who will constantly exert a good influence. But good judgment must be exercised in selecting men to connect with the institution. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 7

If this property is secured, it may be that I can come down there and spend a little time with you. Sister Hall, who for twenty years was connected with the Battle Creek Sanitarium as matron, will soon be with us and will be a member of my family. She might be of some help to us in starting the sanitarium work. 18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 8