The Story of our Health Message

A Series of Significant Events

The first of these related events was the burning of the great sanitarium and hospital in Battle Creek in the early morning of February 18, 1902. The question of rebuilding, with decisions as to location, size, cost, and the financing of the work, naturally arose at once. SHM 317.1

On March 17, 1902, a council was held in Battle Creek, attended by the General Conference president, the union conference presidents, and other leading workers among Seventh-day Adventists, at which time these questions were considered. From a brief report of the judgment of those present, we quote: SHM 317.2

“In view of the attitude of the people of Battle Creek toward the sanitarium and its work, ... the council advised that the new building should be erected in this city. ... That only one building be built in place of the two which were burned; and that this building should be five stories in height, not to exceed 450 feet in length.”—The Review and Herald, March 25, 1902. SHM 317.3

It was not long before it became evident that the new structure was to exceed in size that which had been recommended by the council. A cut of the front elevation of the new building appeared, stating that it would be 550 feet in length, with rear extensions aggregating 500 feet more, and that it would furnish accommodation for more than 1,000 patients. The promise was made also that when finished it would be “the most complete, thoroughly equipped, and perfect establishment of the sort in the world.”—The Battle Creek Sanitarium Food Idea, Vol. 1, No. 1, November 15, 1902. SHM 317.4

Through the years many messages had been received from Mrs. White in protest against the centralization of so many lines of denominational work in Battle Creek, and the frequent enlargement of the institutions there. During the summer and autumn of 1902, while construction on the new building was rapidly progressing, there came, in harmony with these former counsels, messages from Mrs. White that might well have given pause to the enterprise, had they been heartily accepted. On May 1, 1902, she wrote: “Last night I was instructed to tell you that the great display you are making in Battle Creek is not after God’s order. You are planning to build in Battle Creek a larger sanitarium than should be erected there.”—E. G. White Letter 125, 1902. SHM 318.1

A few weeks later another admonition followed, saying: “It is time for us to think soberly. ... We should read the providence of God in His movements. Was the Battle Creek Sanitarium consumed by fire in order that the plans might be enlarged, greater buildings erected, and more display made? ... My brethren, let your building plans be reconsidered. Bring your building within your means.”—E. G. White Letter 128, 1902. (Written July 6, 1902.) SHM 318.2