Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 137, 1906

White, J. E.; White, Emma

Loma Linda, California

April 26, 1906

Previously unpublished.

Elder J. E. White
Nashville, Tennessee

Dear children Edson and Emma:

During the night I was passing through the scenes of a fearful earthquake. We thought the day of judgment had come, for most awful scenes were transpiring. I awoke and found that I was still at Loma Linda. In the morning I told the workers at Loma Linda that I had something to tell them, but I could not do so then. I seemed to be dazed and could not remember anything clearly. 21LtMs, Lt 137, 1906, par. 1

We had our goods packed up the night before, preparatory to going to Los Angeles. When we reached Los Angeles we found a great stir there. The newspapers gave the news of the destruction of San Francisco by earthquake and fire. I was to speak at the Carr Street church, but I cannot remember the events of that day, and I shall have to pass over the days that we spent at Glendale. 21LtMs, Lt 137, 1906, par. 2

On the following Friday we went to San Diego. There had been terrible storms in this part of California. The rain had washed out the railroad track, and our journey down was not an easy one. We reached San Diego more than an hour behind time. There were teams to meet us at National City, and we drove from there to Paradise Valley. 21LtMs, Lt 137, 1906, par. 3

On Sabbath I spoke to the church members in San Diego. I felt so weak that I questioned whether I could stand upon my feet, but the Lord gave me strength to speak for one hour. The church was well filled. I had great freedom, and the blessing of the Lord rested upon the people. 21LtMs, Lt 137, 1906, par. 4