Growing Stronger

Each succeeding year saw a marked strengthening of the various departments. The patronage of the sanitarium increased, and the institution was soon able to make a gratifying financial profit, but this was far from sufficient to meet the ever-increasing needs.SHM 390.3

In addressing a constituency meeting of the College of Medical Evangelists, as it was now called, in the spring of 1912, Elder G. A. Irwin, president of the board of trustees, referred to the launching of the college as one of the most important moves made by this denomination since the removal of our General Conference headquarters from Battle Creek, Michigan, to Washington, D.C. He set forth as the three essential factors for success “money with which to erect and properly equip the necessary buildings; the hearty co-operation of the entire denomination through its recognized leaders; and steadfast adherence upon the part of the directors and medical faculty to the principles contained in the instruction upon which the institution was founded.” Minutes of the College of Medical Evangelists, April 2, 1912.SHM 390.4

At this time Dr. W. A. Ruble, the president of the college, reported an attendance of 235 students, including those taking the nurses’ course and those taking preparatory work. With the entrance of the advanced class upon another year of study, the need for a clinical hospital was urged by the state medical authorities, and it was voted to proceed to raise $15,000 for this purpose. In time the way was opened for the students to gain a broader clinical experience in hospitals in the nearby cities of San Bernardino and Los Angeles.SHM 391.1

Early in the development of Loma Linda it was suggested that financial needs be met in part by the sale of a portion of the seventy-six acres of the estate. Regarding this, Mrs. White wrote on July 5, 1905: “Not one foot of that land is to be sold to raise money. We will hire money at the bank rather than that this shall be done.”—Special Testimonies, Series B, 17a:1.SHM 391.2