Headquarters at National Capital

The next morning we took the train for the national capital. We searched the district thoroughly, tramping for miles from one spot to another. Brethren living in the city rendered valuable assistance in looking for suitable places. We priced land in various sections, but without much satisfaction. Finally we fixed a date for closing our investigations; but, as we reached that date, we felt strongly impressed that we should continue our search.AGP 348.2

Soon we met with encouragement. We were most favorably impressed with the suburban town of Takoma Park, seven miles from the heart of the city of Washington. About a mile from the village, we found a fifty-acre block of land, which we felt would meet our requirements, and which could be obtained at a very low price. We also found about five acres in the village that could be secured for the General Conference office, Review and Herald plant, and homes for our people.AGP 348.3

While we were still there, we received another message from Mrs. White, speaking more favorably and definitely of Washington, and encouraging diligent search. Elder Cottrell and I had become satisfied that the capital of the nation truly possessed important advantages for the headquarters of our work.AGP 348.4

In reply to this letter, we wrote Mrs. White about our search and findings, and also of our favorable impressions. Then we returned to our homes. Soon a positive message came from her, saying:AGP 348.5

“From the light given me, I know that, for the present, the headquarters of the Review and Herald should be near Washington.” E. G. White Letter 120, 1903.

A few days later another letter was received, saying:AGP 349.1

“The Lord has opened this matter to me decidedly. The publishing work that has been carried on in Battle Creek should for the present be carried on near Washington. If after a time the Lord says, Move away from Washington, we are to move. We are pilgrims and strangers in this earth, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. When the Lord tells us to move, we are to obey, however inconvenient and inconsistent such a command may seem to us to be.” E. G. White Letter 140, 1903.

No one but those who passed through this very trying experience can appreciate the relief brought to us by that word of certainty. A large committee was called to Washington, and the men examined the location more carefully. Inspection, prayer, and counsel from the spirit of prophecy led to the conviction that we had come to the right place. The decision was made to purchase the fifty-acre block, and the deal was closed.AGP 349.2