General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

CAPRI SANITARIUM

L. T. NICOLA

Brother Holser also spoke of his visit to Count Papengouth at Capri, Bay of Naples, giving a detailed account of the count’s proposal in regard to turning over his castle to the Association. Photographs were exhibited of the building and the island, which were examined with great interest by the members of the Board. The building cost one hundred thousand dollars. It is built in the Eastern style, with a flat roof, and enclosed with a wall, inside of which is a courtyard. There is a private chapel in the building, capable of seating one hundred. It appears that the purpose of the count, in erecting this building, was to provide a home of rest for missionaries. He has now discovered that he is not fitted to carry out successfully the work he has undertaken. Being a Sabbath-keeper, he is very favorable to our people, and this is especially so since he was visited, last fall, by Brethren Jones and Holser. He is now anxious to turn over the building to the denomination, to be used as deemed best, provided his original plan of entertaining and caring for missionaries, is carried out. The last proposal that the count made to Brother Holser was, that if the General Conference Association would pay him thirty thousand dollars for the building with all it contains, he would vacate and deed the property over to them. Brother Holser said he was free to admit that for the Association to take such a large enterprise on their hands, looked like a very serious matter, yet, on the other hand, he believed that it could be done, and if the Board decided to do so, they would have gone a long way towards solving the difficult problem of how to reach the people of North Africa, the shores of the Mediterranean and the Levant. He thought perhaps that some suitable individual or family could be found, who would be competent to open up the medical missionary and sanitarium work at Capri in a small way at first, and allow it to gradually develop. GCB January 1, 1896, page 652.2

In his opinion, the opening was a remarkable one, and should be taken advantage of now when Count Papengouth was so favorably inclined to our people and willing to co-operate with us. Brother Holser laid special stress on the fact that the paramount idea was not the establishment of a sanitarium on the island, but rather a training-school for missionaries, and base of operations from which the Latin races of the Levant and the Mohammedans of Egypt and Northern Africa, could be reached. GCB January 1, 1896, page 652.3

The Island of Capri is about seven miles long by three miles broad. It is four miles distant from the mainland, and eighteen miles from Naples. It is famous as being the place where Tiberius Caesar lived during the latter years of his life. The ruins of the twelve villas he built are still to be seen. Capri was also the home of General Garibaldi, and on his account, special exemptions, as regards duty, were granted by the Italian government, so that many commodities can be bought on the island cheaper than on the mainland. A regular line of steamers ply between Naples and the island twice daily. GCB January 1, 1896, page 652.4

The sub-committee appointed to investigate and report on the matters that had been referred to the Association by the Foreign Mission Board, rendered the following report, which was adopted:— GCB January 1, 1896, page 652.5

In reference to the request of Dr. Braucht, of Samoa, for an appropriation for building a hospital there and buying a lot for the same, we would recommend, that, for the present, Dr. Braucht be requested to rent a building for the work, and further, that he consult with Captain Graham on the arrival of the “Pitcairn,” with reference to buying a lot and improving upon it. We also recommend that Captain Graham carefully consider the needs of the Samoan field, on his next visit. GCB January 1, 1896, page 652.6

In regard to a request from Brother Haysmer, of Kingston, Jamaica, for an appropriation to assist in erecting a building at that place, to be used as a church and also for a school, the latter being very much needed just now, we would recommend, that as soon as the condition of our finances will justify our doing so, an appropriation of four hundred and fifty dollars be made for the foregoing purpose. Brother Haysmer being of the opinion that the balance of the money needed to erect the building, can be raised by subscription, among the brethren in Jamaica. GCB January 1, 1896, page 652.7

In the case of S. J. Hersum, who requested an appropriation for the work at St. John’s, Newfoundland, it was recommended that, as soon as possible, the two hundred dollars that has already been voted to this field, should be sent on, and further, that an additional appropriation of three hundred and sixty dollars be granted him, with which to buy a lot for a church building. GCB January 1, 1896, page 653.1

Elder E. W. Webster, of Couva, Trinidad, W. I., having made a request for a grant of three hundred dollars, with which to build a church at Couva, the Board acceded to his request. GCB January 1, 1896, page 653.2