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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Another Test of Faith
As the school term advanced, and families gathered in so that their
children might have its advantages, the Sabbath congregations became
much too large for the temporary chapel above the dining-hall, in
which seats had been provided for one hundred. In former years the
Sabbath meetings had been held, first, in the dining-room of the Healey
Hotel; and later on, in the dark, uncomfortable loft of the sawmill. The
little chapel was a much better meeting-hall than the mill loft; but now
it was too small. There was much discussion as to what could be done;
and finally the brethren determined to erect a neat and commodious
church, sufficiently large for the needs of all.
Referring to this experience while speaking in the church during
the week of prayer held in June, 1898, Mrs. White said:
“When the time came for this meetinghouse to be built, there
was another test of faith and loyalty. We had a council to consider
what should be done. The way seemed hedged about with difficulties.
Some said, ‘Inclose a small building, and when money shall come in,
enlarge; for we cannot possibly complete at this time such a house as
we desire.’ Others said, ‘Wait till we have money with which to build a
commodious house.’ This we thought to do. But the word of the Lord
came to me in the night season, ‘Arise, and build without delay.’
[367]
“We then decided that we would take hold of the work, and walk
out by faith to make a beginning. The very next night there came
from South Africa a draft for two hundred pounds, ... to help us in
building the meetinghouse. Our faith had been tested, we had decided
to begin the work, and now the Lord put into our hands this large
gift with which to begin. With this encouragement the work began
in earnest. The school board gave the land and one hundred pounds,
two hundred pounds was received from the Union Conference, and the
members of the church gave what they could. Friends outside of the
church helped; and the builders gave a part of their time, which was
as good as money. Thus the work was completed, and we have this
beautiful house, capable of seating four hundred people.”
The Review
and Herald, November 1, 1898
.
Meanwhile the school prospered, and a goodly number of young
men and young women were prepared to enter the service of the
Master. At the Queensland camp meeting, held in Brisbane October