Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

In the Tabernacle

Many friends had come in from the cities and towns near by, to unite with the members of the Battle Creek church and with the citizens there in paying a tribute of respect and love to the memory of the one who had been called to rest. A considerable number, also, had come in from adjoining states, including the presidents and other executive officers of local conferences, of the Lake Union Conference, of the North American Division Conference, and of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. LS 462.2

The setting for the funeral was fitting and impressive. The service was held in the great Tabernacle, to the building of which a whole people contributed nearly two score of years before, and in which Mrs. White had many times spoken the words of life. The floral tributes were such as to form a garden-like bower of beauty. The friends at the Battle Creek Sanitarium had sent a wealth of potted palms, ferns, lilies, and marguerites, almost covering the rostrum, and extending to left and right up the gallery stairs. Many floral pieces had been contributed, symbolical of the occasion and of the hope beyond. The church at Battle Creek presented a broken wheel, the Review and Herald Publishing Association a broken column, the General Conference and the North American Division Conference a cross and a crown, and the Pacific Press Publishing Association an open Bible, on the pages of which stood forth the Saviour's promise, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me.” LS 462.3

For two hours preceding the service the body lay in state in front of the rostrum. Guards of honor [There were six guards of honor, two serving at a time,—elders C. S. Longacre, of Washington, D. C.; M. L. Andreasen, of Hutchinson, Minn.; W. A. Westworth, of Chicago, Ill.; E. A. Bristol, of Indianapolis, Ind.; L. H. Christian, of Chicago, Ill.; C. F. McVagh, of Grand Rapids, Mich.] stood by, while thousands passed to look upon the aged and worn servant of Jesus, sleeping her last sleep. In that long procession of humanity were men and women bowed down with the weight of years, who in their prime had often sat under the ministry of her whose loss from the ranks of workers in the cause of God they now mourned. Tears coursed down the cheeks of many a noble pioneer who for upwards of half a century had kept the faith once for all delivered to the saints, and who is still rejoicing in the hope of the final reward that awaits the faithful. LS 463.1

When the hour appointed for the service came, the Tabernacle, which seats nearly 3,500, was filled, with many standing; and it is estimated that 1,000 or more who could not enter turned away. LS 463.2

Among the members of Mrs. White's family present were both of her surviving sons—Elder James Edson White, of Marshall, Mich., and Elder W. C. White, of St. Helena, Cal.; Miss Sara McEnterfer, of St. Helena, Cal.; Mrs. Addie Walling MacPherson, a niece living in Suffern, N. Y.; Mrs. L. M. Hall, at one time a member of Mrs. White's household; and several others who in former years had been associated more or less closely with the deceased. Many hearts went out in deep sympathy for Mrs. Emma White, wife of Elder J. E. White, absent because of a rheumatic affliction which for the past two years has rendered her unable to leave home. LS 463.3

The service was impressive throughout. Singers, [The singers were Mrs. H. M. Dunlap, Miss Florence Howell, Mrs. George R. Israel, Miss Nenna Dunlap, Prof. Frederick Griggs, Mr. M. H. Minier, Dr. M. A. Farnsworth, and Mr. Frank W. Hubbard.] pallbearers, [The pallbearers were Elders I. H. Evans, president of the North American Division Conference; W. T. Knox, treasurer of the General Conference; G. B. Thompson, secretary of the North American Division Conference; Prof. Frederick Griggs, educational secretary of the General Conference; F. M. Wilcox, editor of the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald; and G. E. Langdon, pastor of the Battle Creek Tabernacle Church.] and ministers [The ministers were Elders A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (in charge of the service); S. N. Haskell, of South Lancaster, Mass.; M. C. Wilcox, of Mountain View, Cal.; C. B. Stephenson, of Atlanta, Ga.; William Covert, of Aurora, Ill.; L. H. Christian, of Chicago, Ill. Elder George I. Butler, of Bowling Green, Fla., Long a close associate of Elder and Mrs. James White in administrative affairs, had been invited by the General Conference to assist in the service, but was unable to be present.] ascended to the rostrum, kneeling for a few moments in silent prayer. Then the choir sang: LS 464.1

“Asleep in Jesus! Blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep!
A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the last of foes! LS 464.2

. . . . . . .

“Asleep in Jesus! Soon to rise,
When the last trump shall rend the skies!
Then burst the fetters of the tomb,
And wake in full, immortal bloom!” LS 464.3