Relation of Ellen White to Administrators, Institutions, etc.

In regard to the Sanitarium, Brother Merrit Kellogg drew up the plan for the building. I was instructed by the Lord that the Sanitarium should not be a mammoth building, because there are other places where Sanitariums must be established. All these buildings must be erected in the most economical manner, that the most possible good may be done. In all our designs the expenditure of means must be carefully considered. We must be careful how we spend the money so essential to sustain the work in new fields, to commence and advance the work in places where the truth has never yet been represented. The question came up as to whether we should build the Sanitarium of brick or of wood. I said, “Brethren, build it of wood. If you hear the patients discussing the matter, saying that wooden buildings are not safe on account of fire, tell them that wooden buildings are more healthful than brick buildings.” I related the experience I had while living in brick and stone buildings in Rochester, N.Y., and in Preston, Melbourne.6MR 52.2

They discussed the matter for some time, arguing pro and con, and finally decided unanimously that wooden buildings are more in accordance with our belief in the third angel's message than brick buildings. We found by reducing the size of the building, and using wood instead of brick we could save eight or ten thousand pounds.6MR 52.3

We were sent for again to come to Summer Hill and consider the building plans. We did this, and before we left, there was some talk of lessening the size of the building still more. With these changes we think the plan will succeed. Dr. Kellogg came to Cooranbong and told us that he had made some more changes. He had taken two sections out of the plan, to reduce the expense all that he possibly could.6MR 53.1

Thus we have cut down the expense, using wood instead of brick, and reducing the plan, until we think that it will pass before the Lord as an acceptable building, fit to be used as a Sanitarium.6MR 53.2

All our school buildings were erected upon the most strictly economical plan. Our meeting house in this place is built on wooden piles to save expense. I do not see how we could have put up the buildings with more economy. You will bear testimony with us to this. After the word had gone forth in regard to our extravagance in the expenditure of means, and had been plainly and decidedly corrected, it is strange that Brother _____ should take his way to America and Battle Creek, and make the same false statements that others have made. He knows better; he has judgment and insight; but when the human heart is yielded to the temptations of the enemy, Satan can lead where he will.—Letter 122, 1900, pp. 2-4. (To Brother Irwin, August 12, 1900.)6MR 53.3