The Southern Sanitarium
By Smith Sharp
THIS institution has been kept prominently before our people since its inception, but nothing concerning it has appeared recently in the REVIEW. It did seem to be a great undertaking, considering our resources; and without the assistance of our friends outside of the Southern Union Conference, what has been done could not have been accomplished. The building was enclosed early last fall, and we began to occupy a portion of it soon after. It was late in the winter before we were able to put the heating apparatus in, and it was early this spring before we were in shape to offer any inducements to patients to come, and even now we are not where we can encourage all classes of patients to come. The interior of the building is practically finished, and all but four or five rooms are furnished, at least so as to make patients comfortable. We have been able to fit up but one bath-room, which, with our limited amount of help, makes it very inconvenient to give the required treatment. We have made no special effort to secure patients, and yet we have about all we can accommodate. When we can fit up the remaining rooms that are unfurnished, we shall be able to accommodate about six more. It was my privilege to be in the parlor at worship at the close of last Sabbath, and I found a class of very intelligent, happy, and contented patients. The institution, and the work being done in it, are an honor to our people. We are thankful that the building is as nearly finished as it is, though much yet needs to be done before we are fully launched for business. It will require about five hundred dollars to complete the verandas, and much more fully to equip the institution. We are thankful that we have at last reached the place where we can say that our receipts exceed our expenses. We have not been able to build this institution without incurring a debt. Several of our good brethren have generously loaned us money without interest, and others at a reasonable rate, and to these as well as to the many friends throughout our ranks who have donated according to their ability, we are under lasting obligations. We feel quite confident that within a few years every dollar of our indebtedness will be paid. The institution is in a condition which leads us to expect promptly to meet our interest, as well as every other obligation. But for the present we shall have to ask our brethren to be as lenient with us as possible, and where money has been left with us without interest or with small interest, to allow it to remain, if their circumstances will possibly permit, until we can have time to get our bearings, and the institution can earn some money. If our brethren will all do this, it will enable us to add some facilities that are very much needed. We need a boiler house to protect our boiler from the weather before the winter sets in. We very much need our other bath-room fitted up. If you could see patients going to and from the depot in a lumber wagon, you would say with me that we need a team and carriage. If you could see the veranda supported with pine poles for columns, you would say our verandas need finishing. It is a wonder to us that under such circumstances, such a fine class of patients will, unsolicited, come and remain for weeks. It is because they know that we teach and practise principles that will enable them to regain health; and because here, in this retired grove, they can, among the pines, beside the bubbling brook, find a quiet retreat where nature's remedies are used successfully in the recovery of lost health. Our spring, far above us on the mountainside, is proving to be more than we hoped for. The supply of pure, cool spring water is far in excess of the demands of the institution. These, with the mild climate throughout the entire winter and the delightful, cool summer nights, afford an ideal retreat for invalids. Those desiring to assist us financially, or those desiring to come and17avail themselves of the rare privileges afforded here, should first address Southern Sanitarium, Graysville, Tenn. Treasurer and Business Manager.