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

The New Publishing House

During the autumn months of 1861, the new publishing house in Battle Creek had been constructed. It was a two-story brick building in the form of a Greek cross, providing ample space for the publishing operation. Along with an engraving of the new structure made by Uriah Smith, the Review of December 3 published a little write-up. In this it was noted: 1BIO 472.6

The building is a good one. The material was good, and the builders have shown themselves masters of their business.... The cost of the building, including hoisting apparatus, cistern and eave troughs, new machinery and fixtures to run the engine and press, and a comfortable fitting out of tables, shelves, drawers, chairs, stoves, et cetera, will cost not far from $5,000.—Ibid., December 3, 1861 (see also Ibid., July 16, 1861). 1BIO 472.7

This new structure, it was felt, would provide abundant room for present business and could well take care of foreseeable increases. 1BIO 473.1

For a time the War Between the States had seemed far away. To those in Battle Creek little was taking place, and James and Ellen White were involved in various interests. The third angel's message had not reached into the South, and the church was thus relieved of some concerns. Organization was taking hold rather slowly, but some churches were moving into line. Linked closely with the opposition to organization was a declining regard for the Spirit of Prophecy as manifested in the work of Ellen White. Beginning with the February 4, 1862, issue of the Review and Herald, James White set forth his views in four editorials entitled “Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts.” The next issue carried on the back page James White's appeal for the members to arise and assist B. F. Snook in securing a home for his family in Marion, Iowa. A property valued at $1,300 was available for $500. Snook described it: 1BIO 473.2

“The house is large and roomy, very convenient, with a good well, cellar, et cetera. It has two beautiful lots. Is fronted with large locust trees, and surrounded by about thirteen nice bearing apple trees. It has a good fence.”—Ibid., February 11, 1862 1BIO 473.3

White commended the Snook family and took the lead in assisting them: 1BIO 473.4

We will give $25 toward getting Brother Snook a home, provided the brethren in Iowa and elsewhere, those who wish to join them, will promptly raise the $475 to make up the required $500.—Ibid.

He described Brother and Sister Snook as loved by those who knew them. He stated: “We can recommend them both in the highest terms to any church that can appreciate faithfulness, intelligence, devotion, and that which is lovely.” James White was able to make this offer of $25 from modest profits coming to him from the sale of Bibles, concordances, commentaries, et cetera, and some income from his own literary productions. 1BIO 473.5

The Review of April 8 carried the word that the $500 needed for the Snook home had been raised. 1BIO 473.6