Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Lots Given to Church

After the wood had been cut from this hundred and twenty acres, and it was no longer of value to Mrs. White, an Adventist in St. Helena, who owned several lots in the town, wished to trade some of these lots for Mrs. White’s hill land. Accordingly, an agreement was reached whereby she gave over the hill land, a wagon, horse, and certain other items in exchange for the town lots. After this exchange had been completed Mrs. White gave several of the lots to the St. Helena church to provide a place for the erection of their church school. Later the St. Helena church was built on this land. This, in fact, was another reason why she was encouraged and led to make this exchange. EGWC 522.1

Thus, when the facts are all presented—facts which are no secret—Mrs. White stands forth not as the possessor of rich landed estates, not as one who was adding farm to farm in a feverish desire to gain great possessions, but as someone who was seeking only to provide modest quarters and a fuel supply for herself and those who assisted her. EGWC 522.2

There is nothing in her land transactions that goes counter to the counsel she gave through the years concerning the holding of property. It is true that she urged the sale of land on certain occasions. It is also true that she spoke out against those who, filled with a desire for material possessions, added farm to farm. But nowhere in her writings did she declare that there was anything amiss in owning land for a home. That fact is evident when we remember that she did not counsel believers to rent rather than own, and she counseled believers, as far as consistent, to move into the country. EGWC 522.3