The Service at the Grave

Following the Tabernacle service, the throng made its way across the city to Oak Hill Cemetery. It was no doubt Battle Creek's largest funeral procession, with more than a hundred vehicles used to move the crowd. The July 25 Enquirer described it:6BIO 438.2

Thousands followed the hearse to the cemetery. For this purpose every carriage in the city was used, and there were a number of automobiles. And then besides this, there were nine streetcars. No fares were collected on these cars, as they were provided by the church.—DF 758.6BIO 438.3

The service at the cemetery was brief and impressive. A double quartet sang, Elder I. H. Evans read appropriate scriptures, Elder G. B. Thompson offered prayer, and then “the remains of our dear sister were tenderly and silently lowered into the grave to rest beside the body of her husband, Elder James White, who was buried in the same plot in 1881.”—DF 756, In Memoriam, p. 24.6BIO 438.4

Ellen White was at rest, not only close to her husband but not far from many close associates and friends. Nearby were J. P. and Ann Kellogg, early believers in Battle Creek and strong supporters of the church. They were the parents of Dr. John Harvey, and W. K., of cornflake fame. Beyond was the grave of David Hewitt, to whom Joseph Bates was directed as “the most honest man in town” when he sought to make a beginning in teaching the Sabbath and Advent message in Battle Creek in 1852. Across the cemetery were the graves of Elder Uriah Smith and his family, and just a little to one side, the resting places of John Byington, first president of the General Conference, and a host of others.6BIO 438.5

Word was received at Battle Creek that in some of the Adventist churches across the land, memorial services were held on Sabbath morning. The president of the North Pacific Conference sent a telegraphic message that such a service was held at Walla Walla.6BIO 439.1

Details of Ellen White's last illness, her death, and the funeral services were reported to the great Adventist family through the Review and Herald and a special issue of Signs of the Times.6BIO 439.2