Ellen White: Woman of Vision

Future Of Loma Linda With Plans Committee

Should the denomination attempt to organize and support a medical college? “The object to be gained was greatly to be desired, but the expense would be so large, and the difficulties so many, that they [the delegates] did not feel free to recommend the undertaking of such an enterprise, before satisfying themselves, first, that they correctly understood the instruction given in the communications received from Sister White” (Pacific Union Recorder, February 3, 1910). WV 520.2

Many of her statements relating to the point were reviewed, and there were differences of interpretation. Some held that the school she called for should be to train ministers in physiology and a knowledge of how to give treatments as a means of enhancing their ministry. Others held that the church was called upon to operate a school in which physicians would be trained. So at this point, on Tuesday, January 25, it was decided to make a specific inquiry of Ellen White. I. H. Evans, E. E. Andross, and H. W. Cottrell were authorized to place this before her in writing, with the hope that she would give a clear-cut answer in writing. Their letter opened: WV 520.3

Dear Sister White,

We have read the testimonies, as far as we have seen them, that you have given concerning Loma Linda, and the establishment of a medical school in connection with the work at that place. As far as we know, our people are anxious to carry out the light that the Lord has given; but there is a difference of opinion between us in regard to what you mean when you use the term, “a medical school” (Ibid.). WV 520.4

Then the differences of interpretation were clearly outlined, probing especially the point as to whether the training along medical lines should “qualify the students who take the course to pass state board examinations and become registered, qualified physicians for public work.” WV 520.5

This letter was submitted to Ellen White on Wednesday at noon. Early Thursday morning, January 27, she penned her reply, and sometime Thursday it was placed in the hands of the committee. It was short and to the point and left no room for doubt as to what she meant or the course the church should follow: WV 520.6

The light given me is, We must provide that which is essential to qualify our youth who desire to be physicians, so that they may intelligently fit themselves to be able to stand the examinations required to prove their efficiency as physicians. They should be taught to treat understandingly the cases of those who are diseased, so that the door will be closed for any sensible physician to imagine that we are not giving in our school the instruction necessary for properly qualifying young men and young women to do the work of a physician. Continually the students who are graduated are to advance in knowledge, for practice makes perfect. WV 521.1

The medical school at Loma Linda is to be of the highest order, because those who are in that school have the privilege of maintaining a living connection with the wisest of all physicians, from whom there is communicated knowledge of a superior order. And for the special preparation of those of our youth who have clear convictions of their duty to obtain a medical education that will enable them to pass the examinations required by law of all who practice as regularly qualified physicians, we are to supply whatever may be required, ^* so that these youth need not be compelled to go to medical schools conducted by men not of our faith. WV 521.2

This response, far-reaching in its implications, made it clear both to the committee on plans and the nominating committee that the work of developing the educational interests at Loma Linda must be in the hands of those in full sympathy with steps that should be taken. WV 521.3