Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

California and the Publishing Interests

Quite naturally both James and Ellen White watched for news of the steps being taken in regard to the Signs and the possibility of establishing a publishing house in the West. When Ellen had left Oakland in June to visit the East and raise much-needed money for the new enterprises, James called for the assistance of Edson, who in Battle Creek had gained some knowledge of the printing business, to come west to help him there. Edson went and applied himself well. When James, after publishing five numbers, left for the General Conference on July 29, he left Edson to get out the paper, on a reduced schedule. Loughborough gave editorial counsel and help. One number was issued in August and one in September. Things were almost at a standstill until the California camp meeting to be held in early October. There was talk of possibly publishing the Signs in Battle Creek, but when Butler got onto the campground at Yountville, he found a strong current running in favor of publishing in California and of establishing a publishing institution there. He reported from Yountville on Thursday, October 8: 2BIO 450.7

We have had under consideration the establishment of the press here, and the acceptance of the offer made by Brother White and the General Conference. The brethren here felt a great interest that the paper should not leave this coast. As soon as I came onto the ground, they began to talk about it. Some questioned as to means, et cetera, and there seemed to be some doubt in the minds of a few. 2BIO 451.1

But this morning in our session of conference, after the matter was fully presented and explained, the feelings of the brethren were expressed. The conference unanimously voted to assume the responsibility of the matter, and the congregation as a whole voted for it with much good feeling. They have since entrusted the matter of publishing the paper to the State conference committee until the legal association is formed. We shall soon raise pledges on the paper, and I shall greatly mistake the feelings of this people if there is not a very liberal subscription raised.—The Review and Herald, October 20, 1874. 2BIO 451.2

Butler's report in the next issue of the Review told the triumphant story. He had hoped for pledges of $10,000, but the California brethren went far beyond that. 2BIO 451.3

Sunday morning was the time chosen to raise means. The conference had decided to assume the responsibility of the paper. Now it was to be shown what they meant and how much real interest they had. The wants of the cause were set before them about as usual at our camp meetings, and though some were impatient for us to get through, they were so anxious to put down their pledges, we took about the usual time to give the facts concerning the progress of the work and the responsibilities resting upon the people here. 2BIO 451.4

We were all greatly and happily surprised to see the readiness of the people to pledge of their means for the establishment of the paper. Over $19,300 were pledged to be paid by a year from next January [January, 1876] for the paper, with the understanding that an association should be formed as soon as the place could be fixed for it to be located, with shares similar to the one at Battle Creek.... There were two who pledged $1,000 each, twelve who pledged $500 each, and fifty-one who signed $100 each, besides those who signed sums between.—Ibid., October 27, 1874 2BIO 452.1

Butler had read to the conference an address by James White that he carried with him, in which White urged the California brethren to do their duty. White offered a donation of $6,000 from the eastern brethren for the purchase of a steam press and all the material complete and sufficient to print the Signs of the Times. Delegates were quick to take steps to hold the publishing interest on the West Coast (The Signs of the Times, October 22, 1874). There was disappointment that James White would not be there to directly carry the responsibilities, but Butler assured them that White had been called to greater responsibilities in Battle Creek: 2BIO 452.2

We are confident of this, however, that “as a mother cannot forget her child,” so Brother White will not forget the Signs over which he has thought, planned, and prayed, both in the mountains of Colorado and California. He has not bid us goodbye forever in taking other and greater responsibilities, but he leaves the assurance that he will help us with his counsel, influence, and pen.—Ibid. 2BIO 452.3

It was thought for a brief time that the paper should be moved to Woodland, California, to the printing office of William Saunders, a firm believer. One number (October 22) carried a Woodland dateline, but was actually printed in Oakland. Saunders did not have a power press and could not work for the standard Adventist top pay of $12 per week. Under the supervision of the California Conference committee—or rather, for the most part, of J. N. Loughborough—issues came from the press in Oakland at irregular intervals until February, 1875. 2BIO 452.4

When the Yountville camp meeting was over, the large tent was taken to San Francisco, where well-advertised meetings were begun in mid-October, with Canright, Loughborough, and Butler leading out. These meetings, yielding a fairly good harvest, continued until near the close of December (The Review and Herald, December 17, 1874). 2BIO 453.1

While the California camp meeting was being held, James and Ellen White attended the camp meeting at Lapeer, Michigan. This served the northeastern part of that State. Between four and five hundred Sabbathkeepers occupied thirty-one church tents. James and Ellen each spoke four times. On Sunday three thousand persons crowded in to hear James in the morning and his wife in the afternoon. This closed the 1874 camp meeting season. 2BIO 453.2