The Story of our Health Message

Dr. J. H. Kellogg Appointed Editor

Even before he had completed the advanced medical course, Dr. Kellogg was called to succeed Elder White as editor of The Health Reformer, and for several months edited the journal from New York City. In taking over this responsibility he paid the following tribute to his predecessor and commented on his success in re-establishing the popularity of The Health Reformer: SHM 205.3

“With myself, the sincere regret deepens into sorrow that he should be so pressed with other urgent editorial duties as to feel it necessary to remove his name from the head of the journal which he has been the chief means of raising to its present state of prosperity and usefulness; especially is this the case, when we recollect the general discouragement which brooded over the prospects of The Reformer a few years since when Elder White consented to add its editorship to his other burdens, and undertook the task of reassuring its faltering patrons, extending its sphere of influence, and establishing upon a broader and better foundation the whole tone and character of the journal. Then its friends were losing their interest, being discouraged by the advocacy of extreme and radical positions. Its circulation was lessening, and the prospect for the future was exceedingly gloomy. SHM 206.1

“Since that time, a revolution has occurred, being brought about by the judicious management of the editor, whose many years’ experience in journalism eminently qualified him for the task. And now we see the same journal presenting a wholly different picture. Its friends are constantly increasing in numbers; and its influence has been rapidly extending, until it now numbers its readers by tens of thousands.”—The Health Reformer, July, 1874. SHM 206.2

Under Dr. Kellogg’s able editorial guidance The Health Reformer continued its steady growth in influence. Six months after he entered upon his work, the journal had reached a circulation of more than 20,000 copies, and he believed that the subscription list would soon “number 50,000 names.” The Health Reformer, January, 1875. SHM 206.3