Loma Linda Messages

Loma Linda Meeting

Loma Linda, near Redlands, Calif.

M. 247, ’05. Aug. 24, 1905.

Dr. John F. Morse

Dear Brother,

I write to invite you to connect with our sanitarium work in Southern California. We now have three sanitariums in the southern part of the state. Loma Linda, the one most recently purchased, is the most desirable place I have ever seen for a sanitarium. We realize that the Lord has been very gracious to us in opening the way for us to secure this plant, which was originally constructed as a sanitarium. LLM 118.1

Upon this property there has been made an investment of about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Several months ago our brethren spoke to me of the place as a beautiful location with grand buildings; but they supposed that it would be valued so high that we could not possibly secure it. LLM 118.2

Until I saw Loma Linda, I could not feel that I had seen a place that seemed in every respect to correspond with the representations I had seen of what a sanitarium should be. I had been instructed to say to our brethren that we should have a sanitarium situated near Redlands and Riverside. This institution is about five miles from Redlands, and twelve from Riverside. But I had no idea that we would be able to purchase Loma Linda, though we had heard that the owners were very anxious to sell the property. LLM 118.3

While I was at Takoma Park attending the General Conference, I received a letter from Brother Burden describing the property at Loma Linda, and informing me that the place was offered for sale for forty thousand dollars. There were others who desired to secure the property, but we were given an option till the brethren could communicate with us. The description given by Brother Burden answered in every respect to that of places that I had been instructed would be offered far below their original cost. LLM 119.1

This letter from Brother Burden I received one Friday afternoon. I asked W. C. White to telegraph immediately to Brother Burden that he should by all means secure the property. Some of our brethren connected with the Conference advise other-wise, fearing that the conference would be more deeply involved in debt. But I followed my telegram with a letter saying distinctly that the place should be purchased without delay. I considered that the advantages of this location authorized me to speak positively regarding this matter. I said, There is sufficient money in the hands of God's people, and if we seek the Lord, He will make their hearts willing to help in this time of need. LLM 119.2

After writing to Brother Burden, the uncertainty so affected me that for several nights I was unable to sleep. I lifted my heart to God in prayer. With great anxiety I waited till at last word came that a deposit of one thousand dollars had been made, and the way was opened for us to secure the place. LLM 119.3

We now have possession of this valuable property. All the negotiations have been pleasant and agreeable. Brother Burden has been a man in the right place. The former owners have every confidence in him, and seem pleased that we have purchased the place. We thank the Lord for this. LLM 119.4

We have just been attending the Los Angeles camp-meeting and before going home I am spending a few days here, and expect to stop for a few days at the Paradise Valley Sanitarium. LLM 119.5

Owing to a weakness in my hip, I was unable to go over the building when I was here last spring, but I could see something of the advantages of the place, and the beauty of the seventy-six acres. There are many lovely pepper trees, and other varieties of trees, the names of which I have not learned. Hundreds of happy birds sing in the branches. There is a large orchard set out to orange trees, grapefruit, plums, peaches, nectarines, lemons, pears, etc. LLM 119.6

In the cellar I see a large quantity of jellies that have been put up. Shelf after shelf is laden with jars of rich fruit. The work of fruit canning is now going on, superintended by those who thoroughly understand the business. Some of the fruit will be sent to the Sanitarium at San Diego. LLM 120.1

The buildings here are completely furnished with nearly every essential necessary to conduct a sanitarium. Every room is furnished with a bed, and elegant and substantial furniture. The mattresses and pillows are excellent. The chairs are well selected. Many of them are very expensive. The buildings are lighted with electricity. The main building has four stories. Everything is in first-class condition. There are many articles of furniture that we could not have furnished if we had been fitting up the building. We thank the Lord for His providence that has brought us to this beautiful place. LLM 120.2

We have also a beautiful property near San Diego. We thank the Lord for such a beautiful location and such excellent buildings at so low a cost. We must put forth every effort to fulfill the purpose of God in this institution. Suitable bath-rooms are needed there and we are asking the people to help us in making the necessary additions. LLM 120.3

We are to take advantage of every blessing within our reach. Above all things let us seek for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. The apostle Paul, who had received abundant revelation from God, whose judgment had been formed under the special intuition of the Holy Spirit, says, “Yea, doubtless, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.” That knowledge we must impart to others. LLM 120.4

The knowledge of Jesus Christ is obtained through correct views of our Lord. Through the work of our sanitariums, the light of truth may shine forth to the world. To these institutions we may invite all classes of people, men and women of every denomination. We must have physicians who will reveal Christ in knowledge and in speech. We want well qualified physicians, who have a well-grounded hope in Jesus Christ. LLM 120.5

It is through the love of Christ that we receive spiritual food, that we may break the bread of life to others. His blessings, which have gladdened our hearts, are to be communicated to those who know not Christ. We must make every provision possible to lead others to become acquainted with the Saviour. LLM 120.6

The highest and most noble work we can do in this world is to reflect the glory of God as seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Let Christ appear through those who love the truth. Let him be seen as the desire of all ages. LLM 120.7

How can we prepare the way of the Lord? We will present our reasonable request that He may open the way before us; then we will walk and work and act our faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Christ is all and in all, and we need an increase of faith. LLM 120.8

Brother Morse I feel impressed to ask you to come to California, and connect with the Sanitarium at Loma Linda. Your talent is needed here. If you but have faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, your health will improve physically and spiritually. LLM 121.1

Ellen G. White

*****

Loma Linda, Calif.,

B 251-1905 Aug. 27, 1905.

Dr. Patience Bourdeau.

Dear Sister,

We have come to this beautiful place from the Los Angeles camp-meeting, where I spoke six times in the large tent to a congregation of about two thousand. The last Sabbath of the meeting the tent was especially crowded. In order to speak so that all could hear I was obliged to take very deep inspirations, and that night I suffered with severe pain in my chest and around my heart, caused by inhaling the impure air of the crowded tent. LLM 121.2

The Lord greatly sustained me in my work at the camp-meeting. In some of the business meetings, I sat on the platform, that I might know what questions would come up for consideration by the Conference. I was fearful lest some ill-advised moves might be made. When a resolution was brought in to change the constitution in such a way as might lead to confusion, I arose and told them that such moves should not be made so hastily. The resolution was finally laid on the table. LLM 121.3

Brother and Sister Burden have just come in with beaming faces to tell me that they have just attended an excellent meeting on the lawn below. Brethren from Redlands, Riverside, and other smaller churches were present. One man bore a testimony saying that he had been convicted of the truth at the recent camp-meeting. He had been a Methodist, but he is in full sympathy now with our people and wishes to join with us. He handed Brother Burden one hundred dollars to be used in purchasing this place. LLM 121.4

I was not told beforehand that this meeting was to be held; for the brethren thought I would be unable to attend. I was not very strong, but I think that had I understood what the nature of the meeting was to be, I should have been present. LLM 121.5

Some of the brethren have promised to give of their time in helping to do the things that need to be done to put everything in order so that the institution may soon be opened for patients. We are glad to see the means coming in to lessen the debt on this grand place. I have never before seen a sanitarium in a situation of such natural beauty. LLM 121.6

I am sure that you and your mother would be happy here and I hope that you may come just as soon as you can, to connect with this institution. We want you present to counsel with us in getting everything in working order. I believe the questions concerning your work and wages can be adjusted satisfactorily. LLM 121.7

I can not write much now, but I invite you to come, and we will all give you a hearty welcome. We do not wish you to be separated from your mother. You will be happier in each other's society. There are concrete walks leading to all the buildings, and your mother will enjoy walking around the beautiful premises. Dr. Bourdeau, your mother could not be in a better place than right here, where she can walk around, viewing the flowers and trees and the grand mountain scenery. I hope to spend considerable time here, but just how long before I will leave this time I do not know. LLM 122.1

W. C. White was with us for two days, but he left Sunday morning in great haste for Los Angeles, Mountain View, and St. Helena. LLM 122.2

Ellen G. White

*****

Loma Linda, Calif.,

K-253, ’05 Aug. 29, ’05.

Dear Brother and Sister Kress,

I have just enjoyed the pleasure of reading your good letters... LLM 122.3

Brother H. W. Kellogg from Battle Creek spent Sabbath and Sunday with us here at Loma Linda. He was astonished that such beautiful premises and such a complete equipment could be purchased at so low a price as that for which we have secured this property. LLM 122.4

We regard this place as one especially provided for us by the Lord. Some of the brethren had spoken to me of Loma Linda as a popular health resort, conducted as a hotel, but it was not considered possible that we would be able to pay so much as it was supposed they would ask. I had supposed we would be obliged to erect buildings for sanitarium work in the vicinity of the beautiful cities of Redlands and Riverside. LLM 122.5

Last spring I asked Brother Burden to look carefully for an opening to secure property suitable for a sanitarium in this vicinity. While I was in Washington, he wrote to me describing the beauty of Loma Linda, and stated that everything connected with the place was offered to us for forty thousand dollars. LLM 122.6

When I read the description of the property as written by Brother Burden I recognized it as answering fully to an ideal sanitarium property such as had been presented to me. I received the letter on Friday afternoon, and I told W. C. White to telegraph Brother Burden immediately that he should secure the place. One of our brethren sent another telegram contrary to this. Some of the men connected with the conference thought that such a large place would be like an elephant on their hands. I was so burdened that for several nights I could not sleep. I feared lest the enemy might, through unbelief, keep this property out of our hands. LLM 122.7

In the meanwhile Brother Burden had been obliged to tell the men that we would be unable to purchase the property. But when he received from me a letter of good cheer and hope, and an assurance that this was the place for which I had long been looking to correspond with places such as the Lord had shown me would be offered to us at a small part of their original cost, Brother Burden, in fear and trembling, returned to the agent, and told him we would purchase the place. Had he been an hour later, the opportunity might have been lost; for they were sending men to offer the property to other parties. LLM 123.1

The main building contains four stories. In its entrance is a most beautiful sun-parlor. There is also a large parlor, carpeted with the very best body Brussels. The furniture in the house is of first class quality,—not fancy but durable and very handsome. We could not have furnished the building as expensively as it has been furnished by others. In this main building the furniture cost twelve thousand dollars, and has been in use less than two years. LLM 123.2

The long halls are carpeted with fine Brussels carpet, and there are carpets and rugs for the various rooms throughout the building. There is a large roll of rubber carpet that can be used wherever it is thought best. The mattresses on the beds look like new ones. There are two feather pillows, sheets, blankets, quilts, and spreads for every bed. Every room contains chairs, substantial but very comfortable. LLM 123.3

Besides the main building, in which there are about sixty rooms that can be used by patients, there are four-roomed cottages sitting back on higher ground. Some of these are so arranged that each room is connected with a private veranda, where in warm weather, a bed can be rolled from the room through the large windows. Besides the four cottages with four rooms each, there is a two-story cottage with nine beautiful rooms, splendidly furnished. This of itself is quite a large building. LLM 123.4

Between the cottages and the main building is what they called the amusements building. This has been used for a bowling alley and a billiard hall. The billiard table will be sold; and with a few alterations the building may be made into a good meeting-house. LLM 123.5

There are seventy-six acres of land in this property, quite a portion of it is set out in orchard. They raise oranges, lemons, grapefruit, peaches, apples, plums, pears, etc. I am having strawberries from the second crop, and they are very nice. LLM 123.6

Five horses, three cows, about a hundred hens and a few turkeys were purchased with the place. There were also a number of hogs, which have since been sold. LLM 123.7

About a hundred and fifty thousand dollars has been expended in making the property what it is at present, and forty thousand dollars seems very reasonable for such a complete equipment as we find here. It would be a heavy tax if we had to pay interest on such an amount, but we believe that our brethren will raise the money, and that we shall soon be free from debt. Every dollar is to be expended with great care. Something must be done to furnish treatment-rooms, but this need not incur great expense. LLM 124.1

The city of Redlands is five miles from the institution. This city is one of the most beautiful cities in America. When President Roosevelt visited Redlands about two years ago, he expressed the thought that it was as near like heaven as any place he had ever seen. The purchase of Loma Linda will help to give us an influence with the people of this city. LLM 124.2

The more we realize of the advantages of this location, the more certain we feel that we are in the line of duty. We shall now endeavor to secure the very best help possible to conduct the work of this institution. Some of the outside stairways need to be painted, and other work must be done before we are ready to open the institution. LLM 124.3

For a time we had to work against fearfulness and unbelief in the minds of some of our brethren. There are some who will always be found holding back when any advance move is to be made. LLM 124.4

Last June a meeting was called at Los Angeles to consider the question of purchasing Loma Linda. I was very glad that Elder Irwin was present. When some expressed themselves as thinking it was unwise for the Conference to incur further indebtedness, by such a heavy investment, Elder Irwin spoke right to the point, urging them to follow the manifest leadings of God. LLM 124.5

I also bore my testimony that the Lord would bless us if we would act in faith. There are some who seem to consider it a virtue to talk unbelief and to hold back when there should be an advance. We are hoping that there may be connected with the work in Southern California men who will act in faith. LLM 124.6

Only a few were present at this meeting, but they expressed themselves as favoring the purchase of the property, and they pledged eleven hundred dollars as a gift to start the enterprise. LLM 124.7

Last Sunday afternoon quite a number of our brethren from neighboring churches met on the lawn under the trees just back of the main building, and Brother Burden says they had an excellent meeting. One man said he had gone to the camp-meeting in Los Angeles, as an unbeliever, but had been convicted of the Sabbath truth. He seemed very happy, and made a donation of one hundred dollars to Loma Linda. We shall now endeavor to secure the necessary means, so that we shall not have to carry a heavy burden of interest on borrowed money. LLM 124.8

Let us praise the Lord that He is making it possible for us to obtain such advantages, where we can help the sick to take their minds away from themselves, and delight in the beauty of God's handiwork. LLM 124.9

Ellen G. White

*****

Glendale, Los Angeles, Calif.

W.-239-'05. Sept. 4, 1905.

We have recently purchased another sanitarium property, known as Loma Linda. I am most grateful to the Lord for making it possible for us to secure this property. It lies sixty miles east of Los Angeles, on the main line of the Southern Pacific Railway. Its name, Loma Linda,—“Beautiful Hill”—describes the place. Of the 76 acres comprised in the property, about thirty-five form a beautiful hill, which rises one hundred and twenty-five feet above the valley. Upon this hill the sanitarium building is situated. LLM 125.1

The main building is an imposing structure of sixty-four rooms, having three stories and a basement. It is completely furnished, heated by steam, and lighted with electricity. It is surrounded with large pepper trees and other shade trees. LLM 125.2

The entrance steps broaden as one ascends, and from them is entered the glass parlor, a large, beautiful room, three sides of which are of glass. In this room there are ten rocking chairs, and more can be supplied if necessary. At appropriate distances, there are two decorative pillars, which look something like bowls turned upside down, and round these pillars are seats. This room opens into another large parlor, carpeted with excellent body Brussels. In this room there are three lounges, ten rockers, and some upholstered chairs. LLM 125.3

The second parlor opens into a spacious hall, which is furnished with easy chairs. At the right of the hall, double doors open into a large dining-room. Ascending a few steps, one enters an office room, and this room opens on to a beautiful grove of pepperwood trees. LLM 125.4

About ten rods away, on what is known as Summit Hill, there is a group of fine cottages. The central cottage has nine beautiful rooms and two bathrooms. In the basement is the heating plant for the five cottages. Prettily grouped around this large cottage are four small ones, having four rooms each, with bath and toilet. An interesting feature of these cottages is that each room has its veranda, with broad windows running to the floor, so that the beds can be wheeled right out on to the veranda, and the patients can sleep in the open air. LLM 125.5

There is another building, which was known as the Recreation Building. In this is a billiard table, which must have cost several hundred dollars. This, of course will be disposed of. A partition runs through this building, and we have thought that one side could be used for meetings, and other side for classrooms. LLM 125.6

The land is well cultivated, and will furnish much fruit and many vegetables for the institution. Fifteen acres of the valley land is in alfalfa hay. Eight acres of the hill in apricots, plums, and lemons. Ten acres are in good bearing orchard. Many acres of land around the cottages and the main building are laid out in lawns, drives, and walks. LLM 126.1

There are horses and carriages, cows and poultry, farming implements and wagons. The building and grounds are abundantly supplied with water. LLM 126.2

This property is now in our possession. It cost the company from whom we purchased it about one hundred and forty thousand dollars. They erected the buildings, and ran the place for a time as a sanitarium. Then they tried to operate it as a tourist hotel, but this plan did not succeed, and they decided to sell. It was closed last April, and as the stockholders became more anxious to sell, it was offered to us for forty thousand dollars, and for this amount our brethren have purchased it. LLM 126.3

O, how I long to see the sick and suffering coming to this institution. It is one of the most perfect places for a sanitarium that I have ever seen. I thank our Heavenly Father for giving us such a place. It is provided with almost everything necessary for sanitarium work, and it is the very place in which sanitarium work can be carried forward by faithful workers. LLM 126.4

The buildings are all ready, and work must be begun in them as soon as we can secure the necessary physicians and nurses. For some time I have been looking for just such a place as this, with good buildings, all ready for occupancy, surrounded by shade trees and orchards. When I saw Loma Linda, I said, Thank the Lord. This is the very place that I have been hoping to find. LLM 126.5

Ellen G. White

*****

(From a sermon by Mrs. E. G. White, MS 27, 1906. Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 9, 1905.)

We are so thankful that God has opened the way for us to secure such favorable locations for our institutions in Southern California. He brought first to our notice the buildings now occupied by the Fernando School. When some one wrote and told me of the buildings that were offered for sale at such reasonable prices, I replied, “Lose no time in securing the property.” The instruction given was obeyed and for two or three years a school has been conducted there. God calls upon you to take a greater interest in this school than you have in the past. LLM 126.6

The Lord has wonderfully opened up the way for us to establish sanitariums. These institutions should be centers of education. They should be conducted by men and women who have the fear of God in their hearts, and who can speak words in season, bringing to troubled souls the comfort of the grace of God. This is the work that should be done in every sanitarium. LLM 126.7

For a long time we have desired to see a work begun in Redlands. Now, in the providence of God, we have come into possession of Loma Linda. This will give us an influence in Redlands and Riverside, enabling us to find openings for the proclamation of present truth. This beautiful property was offered to us at a very low price. It is completely furnished. We have only to take possession. We trust that our people will rally to the support of this institution, that it may not be burdened with a large interest bearing debt. LLM 127.1