p. 18 | The Atlanta Sanitarium by G. A. Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 1, 1908

The Atlanta Sanitarium

By G. A. Williams

The Atlanta Sanitarium no doubt has had as hard a struggle for existence as any of our institutions. Its difficulties have been of a nature to try the souls of those who were struggling to hold up the light, and many times their hearts have almost fainted within them. But some have held on by faith when there was nothing to keep alive the spirit of faith but their confidence in God.

The Lord has spoken, through his servant, to the effect that the sanitarium work in Atlanta should not be abandoned. This, together with words of encouragement from the brethren at Washington, has led us to put forth a strong effort to place the institution in working condition. The treatment-rooms have been remodeled and equipped, while the entire building has been newly painted, papered, and furnished. Verandas have been added, and the kitchen enlarged to double its former capacity. A strong, efficient force of workers has been secured; patients are coming in; and we feel that the time has fully come for the Atlanta Sanitarium to take its appointed place among our institutions, and accomplish the work the Lord would have it do.

We are deeply grateful to God for his manifest leadings, and for the courage and strength given us. We wish also to express our appreciation of the many evidences of interest on the part of our brethren and sisters. Our people may now with confidence recommend the sanitarium to those who have need of the benefits and blessings to be gained only at a well-equipped and properly conducted institution of this character.

It has been a long, hard struggle, which can be appreciated only by those who have passed through the experience. But brighter days are in store for the sanitarium work in Atlanta, and with trust and confidence in our Heavenly Father we press forward.

There are some things yet very much needed; for instance, a sewing-machine, all sewing having either to be done by hand or hired. Will not some well-to-do brother esteem it a privilege to provide us with one? In our climate ornamental plants may adorn the verandas almost every day of the year. Very soon our friends farther north must shelter their plants from the cold. We believe you would enjoy the thought of having some of your plants through the winter months beautifying our verandas, which are now bare. If so, please box them up in the pots, and send them prepaid.

Atlanta is noted for its delightful climate. Probably no city in the country has a finer all-the-year-round climate than has the city of Atlanta. People in the North do not realize that Atlanta is a summer resort, much cooler than the average Northern city. This is accounted for by the fact that it occupies a much higher altitude than the surrounding country, and is favored by cool breezes from the east and south, which blow daily, scarcely ever failing. The nights are exceptionally cool. Because we are so far south, the winters are also very pleasant. We have a larger percentage of sunshiny days than in the North in winter.

The sanitarium is situated in the residence part of the city, surrounded by beautiful shade-trees one block from the car-line, and five blocks from Grant Park, a large and beautiful natural park.

We ask the united prayers of our people, that God may bless the work in Atlanta, and that this institution may fill its appointed place, and be used of him to bring healing of body, mind, and soul to many.

G. A. WILLIAMS.