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Church Founder
The Whites set up housekeeping temporarily in Oswego, New York, with furniture
borrowed from fellow believers. From this base James wrote, published, and preached,
while Ellen shared with him in combating error and promoting truth.
When the Whites decided to visit Vermont and Maine in the spring of 1850, they
left nine-month-old Edson in the care of Sister Bonfoey and followed God’s leading,
frequently enduring physical privations. As Ellen White in Vermont saw families
comfortably settled in their homes, she thought of her two-year-old son in Maine and
her nine-month-old baby in New York. An observer expressed the opinion that Ellen
White’s carefree traveling must be quite pleasant, but actually the young preacher’s
heart was longing for her children. She dreamed that an angel spoke of her children as a
fragrant offering to her Lord, and encouraged her even in this sacrifice to follow the
opening providences of God. (Ibid., 131-32. See appendix A, 7.3.)
From Vermont the Whites crossed into eastern Canada. Ellen prayed that her throat,
which was troubling her again, would allow her to carry God’s message clearly, for many
there who professed to believe in the return of Jesus were speaking disparagingly about
the law of God. Her request was granted, and she spoke comfortably with a clear voice.
The believers were strengthened.
Returning after five weeks to New York and little Edson, the Whites were distraught
to find the infant “very feeble.” At that point, Mrs. White wrote, “It was difficult to
suppress murmuring thoughts.” (Ibid., 135.) James and Ellen prayed for their child; he
improved and was able to go with them to a conference in Oswego.
In the midst of continuing moves and travels, Ellen White gave birth to Willie on
August 29, 1854. She was glad that the baby to some extent took her mind off the crises
with which she seemed surrounded, including a heretical publication Messenger of Truth
which slandered her and her husband. (Ibid., 155.) From time to time James and Ellen
both suffered bouts with severe illnesses.
The Whites moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1855 because the publishing work
that James had started, with Ellen’s strong encouragement, could be established there to
advantage. Ellen could have all three children with her. Sometimes she feared that the
boys might be left fatherless because of James’ tendency, in spite of his poor health, to
overwork. The demands of establishing a new denomination were very great.
Things turned for the better after the Whites moved to Michigan. At the conference
in Battle Creek in November 1856, support was given to the publications that the
Whites had ventured to start by faith. Soon afterward the competing Messenger of Truth
folded, and the discordant voices that had spoken through it were scattered. James
White was able to pay the debts he had incurred in order to publish, and his health
recovered to the point that he could preach three times on a Sabbath with ease.
Battle Creek became headquarters for the denomination that was forming; in 1860
the name Seventh-day Adventist was chosen.
Ellen White incorporated parenting and ministry into a full and productive life. She
divided her time among her developing family and the growing church. The heavy
responsibility of her prophetic gift she carried with energy and reliance on God.
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