Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 993—A Visit to the Veterans’ Home at Yountville, California

Yesterday we drove to the Veterans’ Home at Yountville—a distance of thirteen miles—where I spoke in the chapel, according to previous announcement. The State has erected several large buildings at Yountville, as a home and a hospital for aged and disabled soldiers. Nearly a thousand soldiers are cared for in this institution. 12MR 315.1

For several months services have been held regularly at the Veterans’ Home. A company of workers from this vicinity has visited the soldiers every other Sabbath, conducting a song service, speaking to them, and distributing reading matter among them. 12MR 315.2

Yesterday I visited the Home for the first time. To the soldiers gathered in the chapel, I spoke from the fourteenth chapter of John. As I stood before them I saw many men of fine appearance. All seemed to be deeply interested, and paid good attention. I spoke for thirty-five minutes. After the service was closed, several expressed themselves as being much pleased with my remarks. One old man said to me, “You spoke to us the words of life. It was good to hear them.” 12MR 315.3

One man was there in whom I feel a deep interest. In the early days of the message, in 1843 and 1844, Brother and Sister Foy of Brunswick, Maine, accepted the message of Christ's soon coming. A few years later our people held meetings in Brunswick and in Topsham, a city near Brunswick. As a result, a few accepted the Sabbath truth, among whom were Brother and Sister Stockbridge Howland and their two daughters of Topsham, and Brother Foy and his family of Brunswick. I was well acquainted with both families. 12MR 315.4

Brother and Sister Howland and Brother and Sister Foy are sleeping in Jesus. They died true to the faith. Brother Howland's daughters are still living. John, a son of Brother and Sister Foy, has for years been connected with the Battle Creek Sanitarium as gardener. A few weeks ago I learned, to my surprise, that the other son, Stephen, is at the Veterans’ Home in Yountville. I last saw him—then a lad of seven years—in Brunswick, Maine. Yesterday we renewed our acquaintance. He is now 50 years old. It was a most interesting meeting to us both. 12MR 316.1

In the Soldiers’ Home at Yountville is an open door for service whereby we may reach needy souls. To labor for the salvation of the men in this home is as important missionary work as any to be found in India or China. I have sent down several copies of Desire of Ages and other of my books to be lent to the soldiers. Mr. Foy takes charge of them and circulates them among those who desire to read them. 12MR 316.2

Good results are being seen from the efforts that are being put forth at Yountville. One man tells us that as a result of the services held by our people, his life has been changed. He used to spend most of his time in drinking and carousing with his companions, but he is now trying to live a Christian life. Some time ago a copy of Desire of Ages was lent to him, and he has read it over and over again. At last, thinking that he must soon return the book, he began to copy portions of it. Hearing of this, we presented him with a copy, and he seemed much pleased. During the week, a little company of soldiers meets together in the grove for prayer and Bible study. One man at the home is observing the Sabbath.—Manuscript 86, 1903. (“The Work at Yountville,” August 9, 1903.) 12MR 316.3

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

June 6, 1983.