Lt 238, 1906

Gilbert, Lily Belden

St. Helena, California

July 4, 1906

Previously unpublished.

My dear Niece Lily Belden-Gilbert:

I am anxious to hear from you. Please write to me, if it is only a few lines. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 1

You have no doubt learned of the earthquake in San Francisco. I will send you some papers, giving descriptions of the terrible calamity. It is a fearful destruction. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 2

We had a nice church in San Francisco near Van Ness Avenue. It was somewhat damaged, but it is in a part of the city that they intend to build up at once, and there will be a good opportunity to dispose of the building. Our people in Oakland have sold the large church there for $27,500; they will now put up a plain, simple meetinghouse. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 3

I have not heard that any of our people lost their lives in the earthquake. In Santa Rosa the business portion of the city was destroyed, and also many of the residences. I am sure the loss in Healdsburg was great, for many of the buildings around the public square were destroyed. Many chimneys were thrown down and the plaster cracked. One of the large chimneys on my house was shaken down. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 4

There was loss of property at Mountain View. Both ends of the Pacific Press building were shaken down, and a building just completed for a store and post office was demolished. San Jose also suffered from the earthquake. We were surprised that more places were not harmed. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 5

These things mean very much to us, for they have been foretold. Read the twenty-first chapter of Luke. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 6

My dear niece, do you write to your father? Are you preparing your heart that you may be ready to meet the Lord in peace? Do not neglect the preparation needful. Please write me how you are spiritually. Do you receive the Review and Herald and the Signs of the Times? Have you my books? Let me know which ones of them you have. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 7

Do you hear from Frank Belden? Where is Sarah Belden? 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 8

In haste. 21LtMs, Lt 238, 1906, par. 9