Marriage of S. N. Haskell and Hettie Hurd

S. N. Haskell, a widower, while visiting Africa for some months en route to Australia, renewed acquaintance with Miss Hettie Hurd, a mission worker teaching there. Arrangements were made for them to marry in Australia. While Haskell waited rather impatiently in Sydney, his bride-to-be was held in quarantine for three weeks on shipboard in Melbourne because one passenger came down with smallpox just on the ship's arrival. The wedding finally took place at the Health Home on February 24, 1897. The Haskells proceeded to Cooranbong, for arrangements had been made for them to join the teaching force at the new school. Ellen White had her camp meeting tent pitched near her home and fitted up with floor covering and appropriate furniture. This provided a temporary place for the Haskells to reside.4BIO 294.1

Mrs. White had felt so alone and in need of help at Cooranbong, but even before the Haskell wedding she was given the encouraging word, “I have provided help in My servant.” The Lord also revealed to her that in Haskell's wife He had “provided a matron and teacher” (Letter 99, 1897). “I rejoiced that I had the help of Brother and Sister Haskell. These God appointed to be my companions in establishing the school in this place.”—Letter 77, 1897.4BIO 294.2

The coming of the Haskells to Cooranbong gave a real lift to the sagging spirits of the forces there. Ellen White wrote of it:4BIO 294.3

We have appreciated Elder Haskell here at this time very much. He is a great help and strength to us all, especially to Brother Hare. The men working on the second building, some of whom are working out their pledges, are doing very indifferent work.—Letter 152, 1897.4BIO 294.4