The Story of our Health Message

New Buildings Dedicated

April 10, 1878, was the date for the formal dedication of the new buildings of the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. It had been rechristened about a year earlier under a name “more significant of its real character.” Ibid., June, 1877. SHM 214.4

The dedicatory service began in the forenoon and continued throughout the day. Many eminent persons from abroad were in attendance, several of whom took part in the program. According to the Battle Creek Daily Journal, it was estimated that “no less than one thousand were present at the evening entertainment and during the afternoon.” Ibid., May, 1878. SHM 215.1

At the conclusion of the toasts in the afternoon a large portrait of Elder James White, which had been presented to the institution by the artist Miss Lillie Abbey of New York, was exhibited. In presenting this picture, the physician-in-chief referred to Elder White as the one chiefly instrumental in the great improvements which had been made at the sanitarium within the past year. Ibid., June, 1878. SHM 215.2

We may believe that the words were carefully weighed and were true which spoke of the dinner given that day as “the grandest hygienic festival ever held.” The dining room and gymnasium had been so planned that they could be thrown together, making a room 40 by 50 feet. About two hundred guests had been expected, and for that number the tables had been prepared. But so many persons came that it was necessary to clear and reset the tables for the third time before all were accommodated. Ibid., May, 1878. SHM 215.3