Loma Linda Messages

A Retrospective View

Elder J. A. Burden: I thought possibly at the beginning, a brief word of history relative to the development of the work at Loma Linda might be of interest to all. LLM 503.3

Lands of Opportunity

In the Old World, there is one country that became renowned for time and (865) eternity, because God undertook to carry forward a special work in that country—Palestine. The closing work of God in the earth is likewise carried forward from a country that is becoming world-renowned. All eyes are turned toward America. It was here that God chose to plant present truth, and from this land the rays of the truth, for this time, are to shine forth into all the world. LLM 503.4

Since the days of '49, all America, and multitudes in the world at large, have turned their eyes toward one portion of this fair country—California. Gold was the thing that attracted them; but as the gold mines partially faded from view, still California shines with a grander, more golden luster, because of the fame of her sunshine, oranges, and flowers; hence the world is still looking toward one portion of America, and that is California. And of California, one portion especially attracts the eyes and the interests of the world, and that is Southern California. LLM 503.5

Special Opportunities in Southern California

Evidently God chose that part of the world for a special purpose. Southern California is a great sanitarium without buildings or anything except what God has placed there. LLM 504.1

During the past ten years, the attention of Seventh-day Adventists has been called to that portion of the country. I hold in my hand over one hundred pages of testimonies, calling the attention of this denomination to Southern California as a place where God intends to do a special work. These communications have been coming to us from time to time, for the past ten years, pointing out the great opportunity for medical missionary work in that field. All classes of people, from all over the face of the earth, come to Southern California because of its health-giving climate. Would it be strange if God should plant there a school for the training of medical evangelists, who are to teach and emphasize the great truths concerning healing that are to counterwork the error that is coming into the world and thus enlighten the thousands who are seeking health? LLM 504.2

Development of Medical Missionary Work in Southern California

Ten years ago the Lord pointed out to us that four sanitariums of considerable size were to be located in Southern California, and then many smaller ones. First, we were counseled to secure the Paradise Valley property. No one saw light in it; all turned it down until the servant of God could wait no longer, and, with the assistance of one or two others, secured the place and made it possible for our brethren to begin sanitarium work in that field. LLM 504.3

We were told that other properties were waiting for us, that could be secured at a small fraction of their cost. Still our eyes were not turned that way. One medical institution having been established, testimonies continued to come counseling us to establish another without delay, near Los Angeles. The Redlands-Riverside district was also pointed out, as well as the great seacoast towns, and other important tourist-centers. LLM 504.4

When the Glendale Sanitarium, near Los Angeles, was secured it was thought certainly we should have a little rest. It had seemed to be more than the minds of our people there, or even this entire denomination, could comprehend,—that our brethren in that little corner of the earth should undertake to establish two sanitariums, yet, we had scarcely opened the doors of the Glendale Sanitarium, when testimonies came instructing us to look for another, near Riverside and Redlands. LLM 504.5

The Purchase of Loma Linda

In looking for properties suitable for sanitarium purposes prior to the purchase of the Glendale property, we had canvassed the entire country, and knew of many different places offered for sale, some at very low prices. Among others, we had learned of Loma Linda, a property held at $90,000, a sum that we thought beyond our means. When, about six months later, we received a communication advising us to investigate further to see whether we could find any suitable property in the Redlands-Riverside district, and it was suggested that we might find something that was nearer Redlands than Riverside, our minds turned toward Loma Linda. Upon inquiry, we learned that this property could now be secured for $40,000. LLM 504.6

When this information was conveyed to Sister White, she gave us counsel at once, by telegraph, to secure the property without delay. The telegram with some communications from her pen, indicating that this was a property which it would be advisable for us to purchase, were presented to the brethren, but they saw little light in them at the time, and Loma Linda was turned down. Controversies sprang up that were hard to settle; but, after much questioning, Loma Linda was secured. LLM 505.1

The Proposed Medical School

No sooner had the property been purchased, than this whole question of establishing a medical school was opened up. Think of it: A small conference, which already had two sanitariums, a vegetarian cafe, and treatment-rooms, launching a third large sanitarium, and, besides, some were proposing that in connection with this new sanitarium we should conduct a medical school! I do not wonder that the impression has gone out that Southern California has gone crazy on sanitariums. LLM 505.2

Such has been the history, briefly, of the development of this institution, as it has been forced upon us. LLM 505.3

Two years ago, a council was called to consider what should be done with the proposal to establish a medical school. There was a division of opinion. Some thought that simply an advanced nurses course was called for. Sister White was in the council-meeting, and the question was put straight to her, as to whether we were to plan for a school giving graduate nurses an advanced training along medical lines, or whether we should plan for something even beyond that. The answer implied that in this educational center we should have to do with the training of physicians as well as medical missionary evangelists. LLM 505.4

Incorporation of the School

Then communications kept coming, as we moved forward; the light became plainer and still plainer; but some could not seem to understand what was called for. More recently, we were counseled to wait until the time of the General Conference to be held in the spring of 1909, in order that this problem of training medical students, might receive the fullest possible consideration. But the time of the delegates was limited, and the question was not definitely settled. Later, at the College View Council of the General Conference Committee, held in October, 1909, these matters were discussed (866) further, and it was finally recommended that the Loma Linda school should be chartered as a medical college. On December 9, 1909, the charter was secured, and the medical school launched. In the freshman class there were eight students who have passed the State examination for entrance, and these are doing excellent work. LLM 505.5