The Work of the "Elmshaven" Office Today

The Work of the "Elmshaven" Office Today (VIII)*

In bringing to a close this series of articles dealing with the writings of Ellen G. White, and the responsibilities of the trustees appointed as custodians of these writ­ings, we should speak briefly of the work as it is being carried forward today.

BY ARTHUR L. WHITE

In bringing to a close this series of articles dealing with the writings of Ellen G. White, and the responsibilities of the trustees appointed as custodians of these writ­ings, we should speak briefly of the work as it is being carried forward today.

The original five trustees were W. C. White, C. C. Crisler, A. G. Daniells, F. M. Wilcox, and C. H. Jones. Of these, two have passed to their rest, Brethren Daniells and Crisler, and Brother Jones resigned because of ill health. According to the terms of the will, the trustees fill vacancies. They have appointed J. E. Fulton and J. L. Shaw to take the places of Brethren Jones and Daniells. No one has yet been appointed to fill the vacancy made by the recent death of Elder Crisler. Elder W. C. White is secretary of the trustees, and his son, Arthur L. White, is assistant secretary and treasurer. Elder D. E. Robinson also assists in the work of the "Elmshaven" office.

Although the work of the Ellen G. White Estate, like that of all denominational agencies, is administered by its own board, those chosen to carry these responsibilities recognize the close relationship of this work to our denominational work in general. The trustees sense keenly the grave responsibili­ties resting upon them and welcome the counsel of their brethren in responsible posi­tions in the work of God. Tasks of major im­portance are undertaken in counsel with our denominational leaders, thus bringing to bear a wider range of experience and counsel than would be possible if the trustees worked alone.

Documents prepared for general circulation, such as compilations from the E. G. White writings, and especially those not heretofore published, or statements dealing with Mrs. White and her work, whether issued under the authorization of the General Conference Committee or the Ellen G. White Estate, re­ceive the careful consideration both of the trustees and the responsible leaders of the General Conference Committee. In this co­operative effort in which the trustees and the General Conference officers join in giving careful study to the needs of the field and to the instruction available to meet those needs, there is great benefit to our world-wide work.

As stated in an earlier article of this series, the work of the White Estate naturally falls into three general divisions,—the promotion of the E. G. White books in the English language, together with the preparation of the compilations or reprints, or any new publica­tions concerning the work of Mrs. E. G. White which involve the use of the sources contained in the "Elmshaven" vaults; the selection of matter for, and the promotion of, the publica­tion of the E. G. White writings in foreign languages; and the continuing custody of the manuscript files.

"Tug Impending Conflict." This is the title of a 96-page book recently published, composed of eight selected chapters from the closing portion of "The Great Controversy." It is the conviction of the publishers, who requested the use of this material, and of the trustees, who compiled it, that it will have a large circulation. Thousands of Seventh-day Ad­ventists are uniting in its distribution. It is hoped that as the readers see the fulfillment of the scenes portrayed in this book, many will be led to seek further light, and will ulti­mately accept the message in its fullness.

"Selections from the Testimonies," In 1933, in counsel with the General Conference Committee, plans were formulated for the issuance in the iTnit6d StateS of selections from the nine volumes of "Testimonies for the Church." During the past two years, the trustees and the General Conference Com­mittee have united in the task of selecting about one third of the matter appearing in the "Testimonies," for publication in a three-book edition of "Selections From the Testimonies." It is expected that the "Selections" will be enthusiastically received as a means of giving a much wider circulation than has been here­tofore possible, to instruction and counsel of inestimable value to every Seventh-day Ad­ventist.

"Sketches and Memories or James and Ellen White." Early in 1934, in response to urgent and continued requests, W. C. White, with the assistance of the other members of the "Elmshaven" staff, under authorization from the trustees, undertook the preparation of a series of biographical and historical articles for publication in the Review, presenting the part that James and Ellen White were called to take in the Seventh-day Adventist move­ment, and how they were used by God in a singular manner in building up this work. These articles are based on contemporary sources, supplemented in minor detail by Elder W. C. White's personal knowledge of events. These articles are based on the his­torical data found in diaries, correspondence, back numbers of the Review, and published reports stored in the "Elmshaven" vaults.

In concluding this series of articles presenting the work of the trustees of the Ellen G. White Estate, may we extend an invitation to our workers who have opportunity to do so, to visit the "Elmshaven" office at St. Helena, California? We assure you that the custodians of the vaults will take pleasure in showing the writings and historical treas­ures stored there, and in explaining the work of the Estate.

* This article, drafted nine months ago, was brought up to date just before publication, that the latest information concerning the present work and plans of the Estate, and the personnel of the trustees at this time, might come before our readers.—Editor.


Ministry reserves the right to approve, disapprove, and delete comments at our discretion and will not be able to respond to inquiries about these comments. Please ensure that your words are respectful, courteous, and relevant.

comments powered by Disqus

BY ARTHUR L. WHITE

July 1936

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

Church Fellowship for Mutual Strength

The church receives a fullness of blessing as the Holy Spirit dwells within its members and the overflowing of the life more abundant outflows to the world, each member receiving and imparting more strength than he could hope to receive or impart alone.

Our Relation to Financial Goals

The mad rush for possession of money has caused the world to lose its sense of spiritual values, by making money its god.

Community Bible Schools—No. 1

Evangelism must be the dominant note, not only of every preacher's life, but of every lay member's as well, if the preacher and the lay member are to survive spiritually.

Tact and Kindness with Catholics

Who would think of plucking beautiful, fragrant flowers, and after delicately ar­ranging them in an exquisite bouquet, care­lessly crushing them out of shape before pre­senting them to friends or strangers? Simi­larly, how extremely careful should we be in preaching the gospel to blood-bought souls, lest the beautiful glad tidings be marred in our hands.

Lincoln Tabernacle Campaign

A word about the construction of our tabernacle, and the method of advertising.

Church Expense Apportionment Plan—No. 2

As suggestive to any who may wish to at­tempt this method, the following four letters were used successfully in introducing and con­ducting for the first year this plan for the raising of church expense funds.

Presentation of the Message to Min­isters of Other Denominations

We often think of the ministers of other denominations as our enemies, because many do bitterly oppose our message. But we should strive to get before them in a favorable light the blessed truth which God has given us.

Editorial Keynotes

Baptist foreign mission retrenchment—No. 1

The Foreign Missionary's Behavior (III)

The life and behavior of the missionary has very much to do with his success or failure.

The Requisites of True Ministry—No. 2

Let us keep Paul's statement in our hearts whenever we think of methods: "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." 1 Cor. 2:4.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up
Advertisement - SermonView - Medium Rect (300x250)

Recent issues

See All