Research Center to Open at Southwestern

Debbie Battin, director of marketing and public relations

 and AJ Church, senior journalism major (posted 3/22/04)



After six months of fund raising, remodeling, and organizing materials, the Ellen G. White-SDA Research Center at Southwestern Adventist University is ready to be used for in-depth study and research. A dedication service, with James R. Nix, director of the Ellen G. White Estates, will officially open the Center on March 26.

Within the Center, visitors will find thousands of letters and manuscripts, plus microfiche and microfilm containing all of Ellen White’s published and unpublished writings dating from the 1840s to 1915 and many documents dating from William Miller’s ministry in the 1830s. The Center also includes Adventist pioneer historical documents, a day-by-day index card journal of Ellen White’s life, all copies of the Review and Herald, all General Conference bulletins from 1863, and much more.
            These resources will enhance the current Adventist Heritage Center Southwestern has developed over the past decade. “The idea of opening an Ellen G. White-SDA Research Center at Southwestern originated when we asked the White Estate how we might obtain copies of the letters James and Ellen White wrote while they were in the Southwest in 1878-79,” said Mary Ann Hadley, University archivist.  In a historic vote by the White Estate Board of Trustees in August, 2003, and approval of the SWAU Board of Trustees in September, 2003, plans moved forward. Funding and organization were immediate challenges. “This did not happen without the Lord’s direct leading,” said Jim Hopps, whose ancestors were instrumental in funding Southwestern and the city of Keene. “I believe that Southwestern is breaking new ground that will benefit other Adventist Universities as they consider setting up similar Centers on their campus.”

The Research Center is housed on the second floor of the Chan Shun Centennial Library at Southwestern. “Adventists have a rich heritage, and we are blessed when we take the time to investigate the Truth,” said Bill Kilgore, associate professor of religion who serves as Southwestern’s liaison to the White Estate. “Students in my Ellen White Writings class are currently completing assignments that require research in the Center.”

 Students at Southwestern are eager to use the Center. “Most people have an interest in studying their family tree to know where they came from,” said Hyomara Thompson, a biology student from Texas, “well, now we have the opportunity to study Adventist Heritage to see where we come from as a church.” Brent Buttler, a theology student from Minnesota added, “Usually, we find ourselves limited to the same few volumes found on the library shelves. The center will broaden our scope of research.”

Researchers who peruse the original writings encounter the personal details that make our history interesting. “The center maintains a professional setting for the serious scholar, while exuding a friendly atmosphere where any visitor can feel free to ask questions such as, ‘Did Mrs. White like greens?’” said Darlene Ortiz, religion major from West Virginia. Prior to her arrival at Southwestern, Ortiz was an administrative assistant at the White Estates in Silver Springs, Maryland.

Not only are details fascinating, they also provide context and relevance. “Reading from the original manuscripts is a faith building endeavor for anyone who wants to verify quotes or who is skeptical about something Ellen White wrote,” said Nix, whose responsibilities as director of the White Estate include establishment of new Centers world wide.

The research potential in the Southwest is now greatly expanded. “Opening this Center brings opportunities for many people to be blessed with a greater understanding of God’s word and our denominational roots,” said Elder Don C. Schneider, President of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.  The University is a fitting location for the Center, surrounded by a concentration of schools and churches in the area that can benefit from this rich resource of information and inspiration. “It’s an opportunity to reconnect and recommit to who we are and the greater vision that started this movement,” said Dr. Donald R. Sahly, University President. “We have as an Adventist denomination today in hospitals, schools, churches, and a structure that reaches around the world, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

 

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