Transfer of White Estate—No. 2

Now as we face the task of closing up the work of the White Estate at St. Helena, moving all the files and book properties to our denominational headquarters, and establishing the work there, it is proper that we should pause to consider what is in­volved in this move. Anticipating certain questions that some might ask regarding the discontinuance of the work at its original location in California and its removal to Takoma Park, we would make a brief state­ment.

Ellen G. White was chosen by the Lord to bear His messages of counsel, encouragement, instruction, and reproof to a people who are preparing to meet Him. The work of this people has grown, and we have now become a denomination carrying forward a world­wide enterprise. Considering the future loca­tion for the White Estate files and work, it seems an inevitable conclusion that the cause can best be served if they are so located as to be readily accessible to those appointed to carry the responsibility of our denominational leadership. And especially since the death of W. C. White, with his long years of experi­ence, it is obvious that the work of the Estate can be carried forward most efficiently if it is possible to counsel frequently with denomi­national leaders of long experience who are familiar with world problems.

Estate Organization Unchanged 

The removal of the files of the White Estate and its work from California to the east coast in no way changes the plan of organiza­tion which has been followed through the years. The Ellen G. White Estate will con­tinue to function as a responsible organiza­tion, and it will be maintained financially on its own distinct budget as provided by the General Conference.

Its vaults and offices will still be under the —control of the trustees, and its work will be carried on, as far as relationships are con­cerned, in the same manner in which it has been conducted while on the Pacific Coast. That is, it will be directed by its board of trustees, working in counsel and close coopera­tion with the leaders of our denominational work in matters of policy.

Safeguarding the Properties

A question naturally arises in the minds of those familiar with the nature and value of the manuscript and book properties—now safely stored in the "Elmshaven" vaults, con­cerning the hazard to these materials in mov­ing them three thousand miles. Our workers may be assured that every reasonable precau­tion is being taken in the transfer of these valuable properties.

The manuscript files are, of course, the most irreplaceable of all the "Elmshaven" ma­terials. We are pleased to state that in most cases there are duplicates of these manuscripts in the "Elmshaven" vaults, and in shipping them, one set is being sent on and safely housed in the vault in Washington before the second set is removed from the "Elmshaven" vaults. Comparable precautions are being taken in the protection of other valuable properties.

Effect of Transfer on Work

The trustees, in counsel with the officers of the General Conference, have reached deci­sions calling for the execution of the principal tasks in progress and the work which was outlined and planned for early execution. At this writing it would seem that Elder White's death and the removal of the work and proper­ties to Washington, D.C., will not seriously hamper these authorized lines of work in hand, which can be carried through without his as­sistance, aside from a few months' delay in their execution.

The work of the Ellen G. White Estate is a part of God's work. . As the trustees review the past few years' experience and the plans and steps which were taken in preparation for this contingency,—all being carried through without the necessity for major change,—they gratefully acknowledge the evi­dence of God's continued blessing and guid­ance in their work. They feel deeply their responsibility, and it is their sincere desire and prayer that the Lord shall continue to guide and bless in the work which has been en­trusted to them.