Battle Creek Believers Respond To The Proposed Move

The members of the Battle Creek Tabernacle church had to be apprised of the decision to move to Washington. Sabbath morning, July 25, Elder Daniells laid the whole matter before the congregation. He read from three or four of Ellen White's communications that gave instruction as to where they should go. The meeting continued in the afternoon. Elder Prescott read from other E. G. White testimonies and Elder Daniells followed, relating to the church “the providences of God that have opened before us as we have endeavored to walk in the light as given through the Spirit of Prophecy” (AGD to EGW, July 27, 1903).WV 431.1

The opposition that the leading men expected from many of the Battle Creek Adventists when it became known that they were leaving the city did not materialize. The plain instructions and the review of God's leadings and providences made a profound impression, and tears flowed freely.WV 431.2

“There was a softening and subduing influence present in our midst,” wrote Daniells to Ellen White. He reported that he had learned that “this experience has given many of our brethren and sisters renewed confidence that the Lord is leading in this work” (Ibid.). Further, he wrote: “I do not think I have seen the Tabernacle congregation so deeply interested and so thoroughly stirred over anything since the last conference here two years ago” (Ibid.).WV 431.3