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

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Hastening to the West Coast

The unexpected delay in Battle Creek until after the Sabbath, September 18, meant that James and Ellen would miss the opening of the California meeting on Thursday, September 23. But they were happy to be on their way. After leaving Chicago Sunday morning, James reached for a pencil and wrote of their experience during the previous few days: 2BIO 482.4

To say that we are weary only faintly expresses our physical condition in this respect. In addition to eight meetings of great labor from Tuesday evening to Sabbath P.M., closing with the baptism of twenty-three, every spare moment was occupied with important business pressed forward in a rush, packing trunks, valises, and baskets, for nearly a week's journey, giving ourselves but four and five hours’ sleep each night. As we write, wife sleeps. God bless her, and give strength for the labors of the future.—Ibid., September 23, 1875 2BIO 483.1

He hastily added: 2BIO 483.2

But we are not weary of the work. We are filled with hope, courage, and faith, and design to extend our labors, and what influence the Lord gives us, as never before. God has been giving us strength, light, and freedom, and our peace is like an ever-flowing river. Our adorable Redeemer lives; and He reigns graciously in the hearts of His dear, trusting people.—Ibid. 2BIO 483.3

The believers in California were, of course, disappointed that the Whites were delayed, but they went forward with their camp meeting as scheduled. It was held north of San Francisco Bay at Fairfax, in Marin County. They found themselves in comfortable and convenient circumstances, occupying the Fairfax picnic grounds controlled by the North Pacific Coast Railroad Company. A stream of water ran through the grounds, and there was a good well. And of course there was ample room for all the tents. 2BIO 483.4

As James and Ellen pulled into Oakland Friday afternoon, Willie met them at the station and took them to their home. James described the homecoming: 2BIO 483.5

After an absence of five months we reached Oakland in the evening of the twenty-fourth ult., and lodged at our good home that night on Eleventh Street, near Castro. The carpenters had but commenced this house when we left last April. The next object that called our attention was our office building on the same block, commenced some weeks after we left, and brought very nearly to completion more than a month since.—The Signs of the Times, October 7, 1875. 2BIO 483.6

Sabbath morning they crossed the Bay and arrived at the campground at 11:20 A.M. James White went immediately to the stand and addressed an eagerly waiting audience. Ellen, according to the usual procedure, spoke Sabbath afternoon. Both participated in other meetings, laboring especially for the children and youth (The Review and Herald, October 14, 1875). Several mornings during the week were given to the business of the California Conference. Officers elected for the conference were: president, J. N. Loughborough; secretary, William Saunders; and treasurer, W. C. White. Two of the resolutions voted by the conference read: 2BIO 483.7

Resolved, That we fully endorse all the steps that have thus far been taken in locating and establishing the publishing house in Oakland. 2BIO 484.1

Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God, and to our brethren east of the Rocky Mountains, for their noble liberality in furnishing us with two power presses, a steam engine, and the necessary equipment for a first-class publishing house.... And we renew our pledge to be faithful to the trust conferred upon us in this important field, to endeavor to spread the present truth to the people, nations, and tongues of the earth. 2BIO 484.2

Another significant action taken was: 2BIO 484.3

Resolved, That we recognize the voice that for twenty-five years has been calling to Seventh-day Adventists through the testimonies to the church as a voice from heaven; and that it is our duty to heed it in all its teachings, whether it encourage, admonish, or reprove us.—The Signs of the Times, October 7, 1875.