Searching Document Files Online

The Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office is a component of the Andrews University Center for Adventist Research. One of their more significant collections is the Document File developed through nearly 50 years by the staff of the White Estate office. This file, consisting of 22 five-drawer file cabinets, contains a wide variety of materials about Ellen White as well as many topics related to Seventh-day Adventist Church history, doctrines, and culture. It is an often overlooked resource.

From the beginning this resource was accessible only via a card index. In September 2004, the folder titles for the Document File became accessible via the James White Library's online catalog [http://143.207.5.3/search~/]. This should increase the use of the Document File as patrons come across citations to it during their search using the online catalog. One can access the entire list online by doing a title search on "Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office Document File." This will lead you to the 3,289 folder titles.

There is much more to be done in making the contents of the Document Files available via the online catalog. Future plans call for some level of cataloging of individual documents many of which exist no where else in the world.

Third Annual Seminary Heritage Sabbath

On Sabbath, September 11, 2004, about 190 Seminary students and their families gathered in Battle Creek for the third annual Seminary Heritage Sabbath. The worship service was held in the reconstructed 1857 Meetinghouse with George R. Knight, Professor of Church History, presenting the sermon entitled, Beastly Evangelism. Besides the morning worship service there was a fellowship potluck, tours through Historic Adventist Village and Oak Hill Cemetery with James R. Nix and Merlin D. Burt, and a workshop by Jerry Moon. The workshop title was Reliving the Adventist Stories in the Local Congregation. One of the highlights of the day was the evening candlelight communion with Seminary Dean, John K. McVay.

Seminary New England Adventist Heritage Tour 2005

The Church History Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and the Center for Adventist Research are planning an eight day New England Adventist History tour in August 2005. The tour is designed to be both an academic and spiritual experience. Merlin Burt, and Jerry Moon, will serve as tour guides plus provide talks about many aspects of the places visited and the pioneers.

This tour will be an enriching academic exercise and a deeply spiritual experience that will benefit you and your ministry. For more information contact the Church History Department or the Center for Adventist Research.