Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 13, 1911

Regarding the Purchase of Land Adjoining Loma Linda

August 29, 1911 [typed]

This manuscript is published in entirety in LLM 579-580. +^Note

Loma Linda is an important center. We needed this place and all its advantages. We were successful in obtaining it, and we have had success in operating it, notwithstanding the opposition shown by some who should have been acting as helpers in the effort to equip the sanitarium properly. I have a deep interest in Loma Linda. It is a beautiful place. For sanitarium work, we could not have a more favorable situation. And it is well adapted for the other lines of work that we desire to see done there. 25LtMs, Ms 13, 1911, par. 1

Recently the question arose about securing more of the nearby land that is for sale. One piece, a tract of 86 acres, has already been purchased, and there is another of 47 acres joining the Loma Linda property which is now offered for sale. Because this piece of land is so near to our Loma Linda buildings, we do not want to see it sold to outsiders who will divide it up and sell it to those who may desire to crowd into this neighborhood. In the night season I was talking to our brethren, telling them that this must not be allowed and pointing out what unfavorable results would follow. If this piece of land should be purchased by outsiders, and divided up and sold to those who would be no help to our work, the injury to Loma Linda would be serious and lasting. I cannot bear the thought of this. Cannot a group of individuals who are alive to the vital interests of the Lord’s work unite together and make this land our property? Then if we wish to sell any portion of it, let it be sold to our people. There is an orange orchard on the place, and this could be handled to advantage by the sanitarium. The institution is hardly complete without the control of this orange orchard. 25LtMs, Ms 13, 1911, par. 2

Will not some of our brethren who thus far have invested but little in Loma Linda help the Lord’s cause by assisting in the purchase of this piece of land? I place this matter before you, feeling sure that you will not allow the land to pass into the hands of unbelievers. We ought not to place ourselves where we shall become unfavorably associated with those who could make it hard for us if they chose to do so and restrict us to certain limits. 25LtMs, Ms 13, 1911, par. 3

Families and institutions should learn to do more in the cultivation and improvement of land. If people only knew the value of the products of the ground, which the earth brings forth in their season, more diligent efforts would be made to cultivate the soil. All should be acquainted with the special value of fruit and vegetables fresh from the orchard and garden. As the number of patients and students increase, more land will be needed. Grape vines could be planted, thus making it possible for the institution to produce its grapes. The orange orchard that is on the place would be an advantage. 25LtMs, Ms 13, 1911, par. 4

We must have room to keep ourselves distinct as a Sabbath-keeping people. The Lord has given directions that we are to make provision which will prevent our being harassed and inconvenienced by having to crowd in with unbelievers. I wish I might make on your minds the impression that has been made on mine regarding this matter. 25LtMs, Ms 13, 1911, par. 5

If a portion of this land must be sold, we can sell it to the friends of the institution. 25LtMs, Ms 13, 1911, par. 6