Removal To The West

The removal of the headquarters to the Central West was in God’s providence to hasten the development of strength, in numbers and resources, that would later enable the believers to undertake a work for all the world.SPIAM 100.1

It was evidently in the early fifties that the Spirit of prophecy began to call for stronger efforts to the westward. For it was in 1856 that a little volume, “Testimony for the Church, No. 3,” was published, bearing this counsel:SPIAM 100.2

“I saw that special efforts should be made in the West with tents; for the angels of God are preparing minds there to receive the truth. This is why God has moved on some in the East to move to the West. Their gifts can accomplish more in the West than in the East. The burden of the work is in the West, and it is of the greatest importance that the servants of God should move in His opening providence.SPIAM 100.3

“I saw that when the message shall increase greatly in power, then the providence of God will open and prepare the way in the East for much more to be accomplished than can be at the present time.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:148, 149SPIAM 100.4

The Middle West was a new land of prosperity, many from the Atlantic States were moving in; and here, in new communities, a strong work could more rapidly be built up. In 1855 the office of publication was established in Battle Creek, Michigan, the General Conference was later organized, and its headquarters was there also. In 1866 our first health institution, or sanitarium, was established in the same center, and later our first college.SPIAM 100.5

The work was attended by the blessing of God, and from this old headquarters the work was extended into all the continents and among the island fields of the Atlantic and Pacific. The present publishing house helped in establishing the Pacific Press publishing plant in California. The first college sent workers into home and foreign lands. The first sanitarium inspired health centers in other parts.SPIAM 100.6