Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

A Power Press for the Review Office

For five years the Review and Herald had been printed on a press owned and operated by Sabbathkeeping Adventists. The printing of each sheet was virtually a “custom job”—the type was inked, a sheet of paper laid on it, and then the lever pulled, making the impression. The same was true of all other publications put out between 1852 and 1857. Wrote James White in March: 1BIO 354.7

With our hand press, it takes three days of each week to print the Review and Herald. Should the circulation of the Review and Herald be doubled (which we may hope it soon will be), there would be no room for the Instructor; and a large amount of work ... would be shut out.—Ibid., March 19, 1857 1BIO 354.8

There was another pressing need clearly seen by anyone who attended a church service in Battle Creek. The congregation was still meeting in the diminutive “house of prayer”—a building eighteen by twenty-four feet, constructed in 1855. Coming to grips with the two urgent needs, the Battle Creek church chose a committee to call “a general conference” to open on Friday, April 10, and to continue three or four days. Because of the limited meeting space, a very cautious invitation was extended, and that principally to the preachers in the State, corresponding editors of the Review, and to the churches who could send a delegate or two. 1BIO 355.1

The conference opened at three o'clock Friday afternoon, and appropriate services were held Sabbath. But it would be hopeless to care for the crowds if there was preaching on Sunday, so the brethren turned to business. Joseph Bates was chosen to preside. First attention was given to the matter of a power press. 1BIO 355.2

Two resolutions were passed. First, “that such a press be obtained for the Review office,” and second, “that all business pertaining to the purchasing [of] the press, et cetera, be confided to the hands of the publishing committee” (Ibid., April 16, 1857). 1BIO 355.3

It was thought that such a press could be secured for something less than $2,500. As to the meeting house, the record gives a little background: 1BIO 355.4

The subject of a meetinghouse in Battle Creek, sufficiently large to accommodate such conferences as it will probably be necessary to convene from time to time at this place, was next considered. The necessity for this was very sensibly felt by most of those present. It was therefore 1BIO 355.5

Resolved, That a house that will conveniently seat about three or four hundred people is much needed in this place and should be erected as soon as possible.—Ibid. 1BIO 355.6