Ellen White: Woman of Vision

Plans To Rebuild

Plans were quickly drawn for a new sanitarium, “a temple of truth.” Building concerns were consulted. Bids were called for. A special meeting of the General Conference Committee was called, and approval was given to the general plan for rebuilding the Battle Creek Sanitarium. One special point was the prospect of financial relief in Dr. Kellogg's proposal of writing a book to help raise money. The General Conference Committee considered it a “grand proposition.” The doctor proposed providing 400,000 copies as a gift. WV 399.5

On March 25 A. G. Daniells reported this and other developments in a letter to W. C. White. Between $80,000 and $90,000 had been subscribed in the city of Battle Creek toward a new sanitarium; this, along with the insurance money, amounting to $154,000, would provide a “fair sum with which to erect a new building.” WV 399.6

We have accepted plans submitted by an Ohio architect. They are plain but dignified. We propose to erect an absolutely fireproof building, and to pay the cash for everything. We suppose that when it is finished, furnished, and fully equipped for business, the cost will be between $250,000 and $300,000. But the board is determined that no debt shall be incurred by the erection of this building (DF 45a, AGD to WCW, March 25, 1902). WV 399.7

Even the assurance of a modest building and of a debt-free building program did not put Ellen White's mind at ease. On the last night of April a vision was given to her concerning the rebuilding of the sanitarium, and she wrote in a letter addressed to Dr. Kellogg: WV 400.1

I have been given a message for you. You have had many cautions and warnings, which I sincerely hope and pray you will consider. Last night I was instructed to tell you that the great display you are making in Battle Creek is not after God's order. You are planning to build in Battle Creek a larger sanitarium than should be erected there. There are other parts of the Lord's vineyard in which buildings are greatly needed (Letter 125, 1902). WV 400.2

“It is not wise to erect mammoth institutions,” she wrote in a letter to Dr. Percy Magan, now at Berrien Springs.”I have been shown that it is not by the largeness of an institution that the greatest work for souls is to be accomplished” (Letter 71, 1902). WV 400.3

In the months that followed she wrote much more along these lines to those who were carrying responsibilities in Battle Creek, both in the sanitarium and in the General Conference. WV 400.4