FIVE years ago, under the direction of the International Medical Missionary Association, the work was begun here by holding a health food exhibit in connection with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. This gave an excellent opportunity to form the acquaintance of the people of the city and State.
At the close of the exposition the leading physicians of the city were visited in the interest of the health foods and to solicit work in the giving of massage at residences. A small house was rented in a nice part of the city, where, with one room devoted to a food depot, we were able to meet the demand in that line.
A school of health was organized, with about one hundred and sixty-five members, who were of the very best class of people; such as, the wives of judges, lawyers, physicians, college professors, and others. The lecture room of the finest church in the city was given to us free of charge for a two weeks’ school. During the school a hygienic dinner, as was supposed, was served to a large company of interested persons. While enthusiasm was high, and the newspapers gave reports that were20favorable, there was a great mistake made in the attempt to provide so many new dishes, instead of demonstrating the proper cooking of ordinary things. The result was that many suffered an attack of indigestion from trying to sample everything. As indigestion was a new thing to some of these, the experience was not very encouraging to them. We have felt the influence of this mistake very much since.
The house-to-house work of giving treatments, the introduction of our health literature, and the increasing demand for health foods were making apparent the need of a more public center when we secured a store building twenty-five by eighty-five feet, in the business part of the city, at thirty-five dollars a month for the first year or two, and at forty dollars after that. With the aid of the Medical Missionary Association, the room was fitted up for giving sanitarium treatments, such as electric and electric-light baths, sprays, massage, etc. The front part was divided into office, waiting room, and food store. A portion of the rear was used for living rooms.
The financial success of this movement was not at all extraordinary. We did not find the people running after reform, but found it still necessary to educate them. The food store gave good opportunity for this, as the exhibit in our show window called in quite a number of persons who desired to know more, and gave us an opportunity to call their attention to the treatment department.
The blessing of the Lord attended so wonderfully the results of the treatments that we soon secured the co-operation of many friends. About thirty physicians have either sent patients or taken treatment themselves.
The work has felt the need of means. By very close economy the rent and other running expenses have been met when due. The blessing of trying experiences has come. The work was dedicated to God with the assurance that he would provide for it if we would do our part. Needless to say, the Lord has done his part every time. We have had the blessing of waiting for him sometimes to the last minute. At one time, when the last day of grace on our rent was expiring, and we were within an hour of the time for the bank to close, we found ourselves without the necessary means. We watched the people passing, with the hope that some one who owed us would pay his account. A little did come in this way, and at last we gathered up every cent we could find, and thought that it added up exactly to the required amount. On reaching the bank, it was found that there was ten cents lacking. Rushing back home, we got the dime, as a package of food had been sold in the meantime. There was just time to get inside of the bank door again when the bell rang for it to close. This is but one of many experiences. We are sorry to say that we have a few times been tempted to believe that it was better to give up than to struggle so to continue the work.
Much money has never come to us, but the prospering hand of God has attended in making a little go far. We have been enabled to secure favorable terms in the purchase of furnishings and other supplies. We believe that it is as great a blessing for God to make fifty cents go as far as a dollar, as it is for him to give us the whole dollar.
The growth of the work made it apparent that our store building was not adequate for the demands. There were those who wished to take meals with us. Others wished to room with us while taking treatment. A more private entrance for ladies was wanted. A better location in general was desired. But it would be rather expensive for us to move our plumbing and general equipment, and fit up another place, and we were not prepared to stand the expense.
A few months ago we had an offer for our lease that would enable us to move without much, if any, loss, and at a time of the year that would be most convenient for us. We obligated ourselves to move by a certain time, and began looking for a new location. It was out of the regular rental season, and after some time of anxious search, it seemed that we should have to decide upon one of the only two available houses, neither of which was suitable.
Just the evening before the day we should have decided upon a house, we learned of the sale of a residence that had often filled us with longings which we could not hope to have gratified. It is the very best house to be obtained in the city for our work, considering location, history, and general fitness. It is the last residence in the business district to yield to commercial advancement, and the change was commented upon considerably by the newspapers. It has been occupied by the family owning it for the last forty-five years, and has been prominent because of the social position of the family, and the famous guests who have been entertained there.
It seemed too much for us to think of securing this place and fitting it up. But nothing is too good for God’s work, and he can bring about that which seems to us impossible. After considerable trial of our faith, the house was secured for nearly five years, although a number of others made better offers for it than we did.
The house has eighteen rooms, besides halls and porches. It is on a prominent corner, on one of the principal business streets and thoroughfares. It is now newly painted on the outside and most of the interior, as well as being newly papered. God has blessed in making the needed improvements and in securing furnishings. We now have a place that is well prepared to carry on the treatment work, besides affording us good rooms for such patients as may stay with us. We also have good facilities for our vegetarian restaurant work and for the food store.
We are encouraged to believe that the Lord will bless toward sustaining the work in its larger phase. So far the work has been self-supporting, not a dollar of conference means having been put into it. The workers connected with it have all labored for a very small salary, if for any at all. This has of course contributed much to the support of the work.
Many interesting experiences could be given. We could tell of the interest of influential persons, of remarkable instances of healing, etc., but these are common in this work.
The Portland (Ore.) Sanitarium
By W. R. Simmons
W. R. SIMMONS, M. D.
The past year is the second since our connection with the institution, and it gives us pleasure to say that it has been the most prosperous one in the history of the medical missionary work in Portland.
About four hundred patients have been cared for during the year. While all have not made a complete recovery, many have; others have been greatly benefited; and all are rejoicing in that they have learned a new and better way of living. Some have found a new life in their Saviour, and returned home thankful for blessings received and for the hope they have of entering into the joy of a better life than this.
That the Lord has most wonderfully blessed in the efforts put forth to free the institution of its indebtedness, is evidenced by the satisfactory condition of the work at the present time. Having passed through a most severe struggle for existence, the work is at last founded on a firm financial basis. A marked increase has been made in all departments of the work, which will necessitate the securing of more room in the near future. Already plans are being formed for the enlargement of the work by the erection of suitable buildings.
A food factory, conducted in connection with the sanitarium, manufactures all lines of health foods. Its work has rapidly increased until, at the present time, eight persons are engaged in this branch of the work. A good trade has been established for the foods, and many people are learning of the truth through this medium.
Believing the educational work to be one of the principal factors for which the sanitarium work is conducted, the managers of the institution have endeavored to make this one of the most prominent features. Knowing that the Lord has given us a knowledge of most wonderful truths and principles in regard to healthful living, we have tried to impress the minds of those with whom we come in contact with the importance of living out those principles. The educational work with patients has been carried on21largely through individual effort. Physicians have given instruction in the offices, nurses in the treatment rooms, cooks in the dining room and kitchen, and all who have been connected with the institution have felt a burden for its success, and have labored most earnestly not only to teach but to live the principles of the gospel of Christ.
At the time of the reorganization of the sanitarium work in July, 1900, a training school for nurses was also organized. Since that time we have had in the institution a class of earnest Christian young men and women who have consecrated their lives to this branch of the work. All have been most devoted to their calling, and harmony and good will have prevailed. Thirteen have been graduated. Some of these have gone out into the work in different parts of the field, and we believe all have gained a knowledge and an experience that will fit them for a wide field of usefulness in the cause of God. The school is conducted on the same general plan as the one at Battle Creek, Mich. Since the organization of the medical missionary interest on the Pacific Coast, the training schools have adopted a uniform curriculum, and will endeavor to maintain the same standard in regard to entrance, graduation, wages, etc.
An effort is also being made to secure a home where those who are in need of rest can go for a few weeks or months to regain their strength. It is the thought to make this a self-supporting enterprise, and a place where the nurses will be surrounded with everything that will tend to restore both the physical and the spiritual well-being.
The New England Sanitarium, South Lancaster, Mass.
By C. C. Nicola
C. C. NICOLA, M. D.
The managers and the employees of the New England Sanitarium can but feel grateful to God for the degree of his blessing which has attended the institution since it was opened three years ago. The work began with very little equipment and few facilities, but it has steadily grown, both in extent and in efficiency, until at the present time we have a thorough equipment in every department, and are enjoying a good patronage. During the past year the total number of guests was over six hundred, coming from twenty-six different States, besides several of the Canadian provinces and the West Indies. The average number of patients at the present is about fifty. The work has nearly doubled each succeeding year. It is evident that there is a good field for medical missionary work in the East, and that the Lord is ready to bless man's effort in this direction.
The aim of the institution has been to make the work educational as far as possible, not only with reference to health subjects, but in religious topics as well. In the institution the educational work for the patients is carried on by means of weekly lectures and the distribution of literature, as well as by personal instruction. Morning worship is conducted publicly for the guests, together with Sunday afternoon services, mid-week prayer meeting, vespers at the beginning and close of the Sabbath. In addition to these, the chaplain devotes considerable time to personal work.
In connection with the institution we are also conducting a well-organized medical missionary training school for nurses, which is modeled as nearly as possible after the plan of the International Medical Missionary Association, both as regards the requirements of admission and the course of study given. This school has called together an intelligent and promising class of young people, who have indicated their desire to devote their lives for the good of humanity. Three classes have already been organized, the first of which completed the prescribed work in the fall of 1901, while the second class will soon complete their course of studies. Although, on account of the constant growth of the work of the institution, most of the students who have completed their course of study have been retained in connection with the work here, some have already gone out into more aggressive work, and all are prepared to do so.
The educational work outside of the institution has been conducted through the agency of schools of health, the circulation of literature, and the influence of missionary nurses who have gone into private families to teach not only the principles of health, but the principles of the whole gospel. During the past year three very successful schools of health have been conducted. This work was under the direct charge of Dr. Mary B. Nicola, assisted by Miss Olive Jones and others. The first was held at Northampton, Mass., in connection with the Connecticut Valley Chautauqua Association, where it was attended by a large class of educated people. The interest and enthusiasm manifested in this branch of study were so great that the managers of the association have offered us greater inducements to carry on a similar course in connection with the Chautauqua to be held during July of this year, and arrangements have been made for sending a corps of laborers to take up this work.
The second school of health was held in Boston in connection with a vegetarian restaurant which has been conducted in that place, and was also the means of reaching a goodly number of influential people in Boston. The third school of health was held in the early part of December, 1901, in Dover, N. H., in connection with a course of religious meetings conducted by Brethren Gilbert and Hartwell. The school of health was held in the same hall, and took the place of the religious meetings in both the afternoon and evening during a period of ten days. Between sixty and seventy of the best people of the city were in regular attendance, while the lectures were reported in the daily papers. Through this effort, not only were the principles of health brought to the attention of many people, but a great deal of prejudice was removed, thus enabling the ministers to become acquainted with many influential people of the city. Here, also, there is an urgent invitation to continue similar instruction another year.
The second school of health was held in Boston in connection with a vegetarian restaurant which has been conducted in that place, and was also the means of reaching a goodly number of influential people in Boston. The third school of health was held in the early part of December, 1901, in Dover, N. H., in connection with a course of religious meetings conducted by Brethren Gilbert and Hartwell. The school of health was held in the same hall, and took the place of the religious meetings in both the afternoon and evening during a period of ten days. Between sixty and seventy of the best people of the city were in regular attendance, while the lectures were reported in the daily papers. Through this effort, not only were the principles of health brought to the attention of many people, but a great deal of prejudice was removed, thus enabling the ministers to become acquainted with many influential people of the city. Here, also, there is an urgent invitation to continue similar instruction another year.
We also feel grateful to the Lord for the general success that has attended the medical work. Out of the large number of patients who have visited the institution during the past year, representing nearly all classes of diseases, not a single death has occurred. This is the more gratifying as we have had quite a large number of surgical patients during the year, some of the operations being of a very critical nature. On the whole, there is the best of feeling among the patients with reference to the results of their treatment at the sanitarium, and we are continually receiving expressions of appreciation and gratitude from former patients. Our standing among the members of the medical profession seems to be good, and we are constantly making new acquaintances, and already a considerable number of our patients are sent to us by physicians. We have the friendly interest of some of the leading physicians in the East.
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In connection with this report, it might be proper to mention some of the recent developments which contemplate the removal of our institution from South Lancaster to a more desirable location. A few months ago our attention was called to what seemed to be an ideal place for a sanitarium, inasmuch as it was located within a few miles of Boston, and with direct railroad connections with important centers in the East. Although so near to Boston as to be reached by trolley for a single fare, and surrounded with cities on every hand, the place enjoys all the charms and beauties of nature in its primeval state, and being located in the midst of what is known as The Middlesex Fells, a park of thirty-five hundred acres, which has been reserved by the State in order to preserve the charming effects of its natural scenery, it is as completely isolated from the business and rush of civilization as though it were a thousand miles from the city. The property consists of22several large, commodious buildings, thoroughly furnished with all modern conveniences, together with forty-one acres of land laid out in lawns, recreation grounds, gardens, etc. The place is peculiarly adapted for sanitarium purposes, and we can but feel that the hand of Providence directed in securing the place for our work. Although our entire plant here has been sold, we shall continue our work in South Lancaster during the present summer at least, in addition to opening the new sanitarium. Later on, the entire work will be removed to the new location at Melrose, Mass.
We feel that any past success has been due to the Lord, who has helped us in our experience, and we feel the need of constantly looking to him for help in the added responsibilities that come with the increase of our work.
The Medical Work in Iowa
By J. D. Shively
J. D. SHIVELY, M. D.
SANITARIUM "DES MOINES"
THE Iowa Sanitarium was established Oct. 1, 1899, as an institution where the sick among our people might receive both medical and surgical attention. It was also erected as a school where our young men and women might receive training for medical missionary work.
Acting upon this plan, the institution has accomplished a great deal of good; however, it was but a short time until people not of our faith began to patronize the sanitarium. Upon better acquaintance with the management and methods used in connection with our institution, the outside physicians have learned to recognize us; and at the present time we are well patronized by persons who have been directed to us by physicians who have become acquainted with us, and have received some knowledge of the truth.
We are not only endeavoring to make this an educational institution for our young people, but also a place where those who are seeking physical life may receive spiritual refreshment. We have further endeavored to place before them the principles of healthful living, thereby giving them a knowledge of preventive medicine from a moral basis, while administering to their sick bodies. This instruction is given by means of parlor lectures on health topics, as hygiene, proper combinations of food, studies of the digestive organs, etc.
Owing to the progress of the institution, we have been in a position to do considerable charity work. There are many good, consecrated Seventh-day Adventists in Iowa who are unable to pay the ordinary price charged for treatment at the sanitarium, and to accommodate such, we have established an Endowed Bed Fund, which is kept up by donations from those of our people who are able to help support others who are in embarrassing circumstances. We are daily coming in contact with individuals, almost under our roof, who are suffering, and, as every missionary institution ought to do, we are administering to their needs also. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
In accordance with the plans laid down before the erection of the sanitarium, we are giving due attention to the educational work, particularly in the training of Christian young men and women for medical missionary work. We feel that this is an important work, and therefore should receive due attention. Sister White, in mentioning the importance of the medical work, makes the following statement:—
“In our schools missionary nurses should receive lessons from well-qualified physicians, and as a part of their education should learn how to battle with disease, and to show the value of nature’s remedies. This work is greatly needed. Cities and towns are steeped in sin and moral corruption, yet there are lots in every Sodom. The poison of sin is at work at the heart of society, and God calls for reformers to stand in defense of the law which he has established in the training of the mind and the culture of the heart, that the great Physician may co-operate with the human helping hand in doing a work of mercy and necessity in the relief of the suffering.”
In the training of our nurses, we have tried to keep constantly before them the principles of our faith. Each nurse should be thoroughly acquainted with both the principles and the practical part of nursing, and should also have a clear understanding of the Scriptures. We have, therefore, felt it necessary to organize classes in Bible doctrine; and I am pleased to say that we have received much valuable instruction from the lessons outlined from time to time. Last year we had a number of graduates. Some have gone to other fields; some have been called to connect with the work in different parts of the State, while others are still employed at the sanitarium. We now have a class of nearly twenty intelligent young men and women, and we hope before long to send them forth to introduce the principles of health reform, and, through their faithful efforts, to bring souls to the truth. There is a great call in many of our institutions for good, consecrated nurses. We feel that great care must be exercised in the selection of persons to labor in this important branch of the work.
Since the opening of our sanitarium, its patronage has grown to such an extent that we have been compelled to secure a nurses’ dormitory. As we see the importance of hygienic cookery, and as our increasing bakery trade demands that we enlarge our facilities in this direction, we are erecting a two-story bakery building. We also believe that we can do as great a work, if not a greater one, by teaching nurses and patients the gospel of preventive medicine, especially in the form of scientific cookery.
We are also investing the money that has been obtained from the patronage of the sanitarium, in different branches of the work. We feel that this work must move, and it is our duty to do all that God gives us grace and strength to do to advance the message to perishing souls. The time is short, and what is done must be done quickly. May we ever have the interest in the message that will prompt us to give liberally and work earnestly for the support of the cause of God.
The Mount View Sanitarium of Spokane, Wash.
By S. A. Anderson
S. A. ANDERSON
MOUNT ST. MICHAEL'S, SPOKANE
This institution was opened in the beginning of the year 1900. Its location on the crest of the hill gives it a commanding and inspiring view of this important railroad and commercial center of the Inland Empire. The idea of opening the sanitarium here was first suggested by Elder G. W. Reaser, then president of the Upper Columbia Conference.
The pioneer workers in the sanitarium were Dr. and Mrs. J. R. Leadsworth, formerly of Healdsburg, Cal. Mrs. Leadsworth preceded her husband three months in the work, and had, with the assistance of such help as was tendered by the church here, opened up the sanitarium, and received patients even before the doctor's arrival, and has since, until a short time ago, been connected with the work here in the capacity of matron, stewardess, etc.
From the beginning, and up to the first of last June, Dr. Leadsworth has occupied the position of medical superintendent. During this time some material growth has been experienced. In the beginning, the work was carried on by the doctor and his wife and one nurse, who were provided with appliances of a very primitive order, and with very limited accommodations for guests; now, the institution supports two doctors, a business manager, a matron, a gentleman and a lady head nurse, fifteen helpers engaged in nursing, and eight in domestic work. Our treatment rooms and laboratory are equipped with modern appliances, and we have accommodations for about fifty guests, with room for further development. Since June 1, Dr. I. A. Dunlap, who is at the head of the medical department of Walla Walla College, College Place, has been in charge of the work, pending the arrival of Dr. Silas Yarnell, who is expected soon, to take charge of the work here.23
The work was first begun in a building intended for a residence, which is, we believe, the largest building of that character in Spokane. In the financial crisis of the early nineties the building, then just completed, passed into the hands of a loan company, and remained practically vacant until rented to us as a sanitarium. The manager of the company here rented the building to us at a nominal monthly rental, and has in many ways shown his good will and interest in our work.
Besides occupying this building, last year we erected a three and one-half story frame building, at a cost of about seventy-five hundred dollars, close by the former building, wherein is situated the general treatment rooms, the business offices, the offices of the medical superintendent, and a suite of operating rooms; hence this building is used largely for the surgical and general hospital work.
The Lord has prospered the work in a financial way, so that the earnings have been sufficient not only to meet the current expenses of the institution, but also to provide the necessary furniture and household goods, together with needed electrical and other appliances, surgical instruments, etc., and each month something has been applied on our indebtedness. Our commercial standing is fair, and our credit has not been abused; and while our work is small in comparison with that of some of our older institutions, the Lord has blessed his work here. Our courage is good, and every one connected with the work esteems it a special privilege to have a part in it.
The educational side of our work is not neglected. There is the training school, which has now graduated seven worthy young people, and has fourteen more earnest workers in training for a life of usefulness and devoted sacrifice; then there are the guests sent here to learn how to avoid the pitfalls that have brought them face to face with death; and beyond this there is the world at large to be educated. The guests have the privilege of parlor lectures once a week, a strict vegetarian diet, and personal contact with consecrated and conscientious helpers. The people in general have not been neglected, though we have not been able to do as much as we earnestly desire. In the early part of the work here, a school of health was conducted in the Unitarian church of this city, in which Dr. Winegar, Mrs. Judge Arthur, and Mrs. J. R. Leadsworth took prominent parts. About one hundred and fifty representative and interested people were present at the first meeting, and a fair-sized audience greeted our workers at every meeting, a number taking the entire course of instruction.
Besides this, thousands of copies of the Good Health and the Pacific Health Journal have been distributed, not only in Spokane, but also in adjacent cities and towns. The seed sown has borne good fruit, and many grateful patients from Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia are now laboring in the interest of the institution and the work in general.
