Relocating and Rebuilding
157
and medical—is to be established here in a representative way, and
that a continuous evangelical effort is to be carried forward, so that at
the capital of the nation and at the headquarters of our denominational
work there may be a proper representation of this message as a mis-
sionary movement.”—
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 396
.] for the
Lord. Many years ago I was shown that in this city the third angel’s
message was to be proclaimed. With clearness and power the word
was to sound forth, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Prepare to meet
thy God.”—
Letter 126, 1903
.
Obey When the Lord Says, “Move”—The Lord has opened this
matter to me decidedly. The publishing work that has been carried on
in Battle Creek should for the present be carried on near Washington.
If after a time the Lord says, Move away from Washington, we are
to move. We are pilgrims and strangers in this earth, seeking a better
country, even a heavenly. When the Lord tells us to move, we are to
obey, however inconvenient and inconsistent such a command may
seem to us to be.—
Letter 140, 1903
.
Counsels After Pacific Press Fire [
Because it often interfered
with the production of denominational publications, the large amount
of commercial work being done at the Pacific Press created a growing
problem. Eventually, in response to Ellen G. White’s counsel, the
board voted in 1902 to reduce the volume of commercial work. Since
by this time the city of Oakland had grown up around the plant, the
board also took action to seek a rural site for a new plant. This decision
resulted in the removal to Mountain View, 38 miles south of San
Francisco, in 1904. Here, on a five-acre lot donated by the city, a two-
story brick building was erected, only to be severely damaged by the
San Francisco earthquake on April 18, 1906. A new building of wood
construction was hastily built with the help of a $20,000 loan from the
General Conference, but this building was reduced to ashes on July
20 of the same year by a fire of unknown origin. Part of this loss was
covered by insurance. The board decided to rebuild once more, and to
do only denominational printing. Said C. H. Jones, “We have been
admonished by the earthquake and the fire. Let us not need the wind,
but listen to the still small voice pleading, ‘do My work only.’” This
policy has been followed ever since.—SDAEN 1059.
]—There is a
work to be done now in Oakland and in San Francisco. Now is our
[183]
golden opportunity to labor for these cities. Humble yourselves, pray