Chapter 6—Headquarters in Basel

Organizing the gospel army

Basel is situated in northern Switzerland, near the German and French borders. Like Zurich and Berne, the city is German-speaking. The country is not so mountainous as central Switzerland. This historic city, so strategically located, had been selected as the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist work in Central Europe. Here the first institution of the church on the Continent was established. And now the announcement was out for the Third European Council to be held here, preceded by a four-day meeting of the Swiss Conference. Ellen White had hastened across the Atlantic to attend these meetings.EGWE 47.1

At the Basel railway station to meet her was B. L. Whitney, who had come to Europe in 1883 to take over the leadership from J. N. Andrews.^{*The hard-working Andrews passed away in the midst of his labors in the year 1883 at the age of 54. He is buried in Basel. He literally gave his life for the newly developing cause in Europe. His influence was broad. J. N. Loughborough, who helped to pioneer the work in England, was converted under Andrew's preaching in Rochester, New York in 1852.} Young Charles M. Andrews, J. N.’s son, and one of the Vuilleumier brothers were also at the station.EGWE 47.2

After a hack ride to the newly completed headquarters building and publishing house, there were more greetings from old friends. A. C. Bourdeau was there, having arrived the year before. The aging mother of J. N. Andrews, Sarah L. Andrews, was also on hand to welcome the newcomers. Martha Bourdeau,^{*Martha Bourdeau was an interesting figure, tying together three prominent families. She was born Martha A. Butler, younger sister of George I. Butler. She was first married to William Andrews, brother of J. N. Andrews. They had three children, among whom was Edith Andrews who would soon die of tuberculosis. Finally, after Bourdeau came to Europe in 1884, Martha, now a widow, married him, and they labored together in Italy.} A. C.’s wife, was there too, along with Bertha Stein and Anna Rasmussen. The last two had crossed the Atlantic with Ellen White, but had gone directly to Basel instead of remaining with her in Britain.EGWE 47.3