The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-09-03
The Seventh Day Adveutists,

Perhaps it is not generally known in this
State that the city of Battle Creek, Michigan,
is the headquarters of the section known as
the Seventh Day Adventists and we think the
readers of the PRESS will be interested to
know some facts relative to what this people
are doing.
In 1S49 Elder James White of Balmyra. Me-,
started paper called the Advent Review and
Sabbath Herald at Paris, Me-, and after
several removals set it up in Battle Gre elk in
1856. In 1861 legally Incorporated associa.
ton, under the name of Seventh Day Ad-
ventist Publishing Association, was formed in
that city and a large two story brick bui lding
erected. The. business increased rapidly and
soon second building was called for, and then
q third, and now fourth is soon to be erected
Their publishing houses are the largest in
Michigan, and their publishing business COM
pares favorably with that of the American
Tract Society. The different periodicals they
issue have an aggregate monthly circulation of
10000. Their evangelical works are not con-
fined to the q. S. churches of Seventh Day
Adventists but are found on every continent and
missionaries are sent every year to distant
lands. Their tracts and books are distributed
by thousands of hands all over the world, for
every church takes special interest in the
tract work and urges its members to scatter the
''slent messengers far and wide. Their
publishing work is not confined to one state.
They have large publishing houses in Califor-
MIA and Switzerland and issue tracts, ETC., in
six different languages. As people they are
strictly temperate.
They have one of the finest medical and
surgical sanitariums in the United States
The grounds occupy Is acres and the building
cost 100000. Thousands of invalids from
all parts of the country have been successfully
treated within the last few years. They also
publish health journal which has the largest
circulation of any similar publication in
America. Near the Santarium is their
College which has about 300 students in atten-
dance. instruction is given in Hebrew,
Swedish and Danish languages in addition to
the usual college course. The increase of the
denomination in Battle Creek has led to the
erection of three meeting houses in that city
and now fourth mammoth building is soon to
be erected. The Detroit Tribune speaks of this
people in the following words:
ITO their other enterprises they are about to
add the manufacture or SCHOOL furniture and
are putting up large buildings for this purpose.
They are, indeed, moral, healthy, thrifty
people and of course a great blessing to the
section in which they choose to make their
abiding place.
Their ninth annual camp meeting in this
state will be held in Waterville from Sept.
4th to the 9th. Their yearly gatherings are
quiet and orderly and are largely attended by
outsiders, who are given hearty welcome by
those who have charge of the grounds.
This people are becoming somewhat noted
for the artistic taste they display in adjoining
natures tabernacles and making doubly
beautiful what is already lovely. Their camp
meeting this year will be held in one of the
pleasantest spots afforded by Dame Nature,
and no doubt large excursions will visit the
grounds, as half fare will be granted on the
Maine Central. REPORTER.