Heritage Snapshot Part 254: John A. Burden, Co-founder of Loma Linda

LOMA LINDA>> Many believe Loma Linda to be almost a sacred place. It is like the biblical “city that is set on a hill,” which could not be hid (Matthew 5:14). The providential beginnings of Loma Linda started as one of the greatest ventures of faith in the history of Christian endeavor. Loma Linda developed its own reputation as a place that was divinely predestined to fulfill an important role in service to humanity. John Burden and Ellen G. White were the original co-founders of Loma Linda and played a key role in the development of the several medical institutions that currently exist there. The connections and arrangements John Burden and Ellen G. White made allowed for the city to grow and prosper, as it has done even into the present day. The ability of an institution to raise philanthropic funds is based primarily on reputation and vision for the future. In Loma Linda's situation, the first philanthropic funds came before the Loma Linda property was even purchased, as a result of its co-founder’s reputation. Ellen G. White was believed by members of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination to be “the Lord's Messenger.” It was she who urged the founding of the Loma Linda Sanitarium. Based on Mrs. White's providential insights, she did not hesitate to ask, which is the most important act of a good fundraiser. She asked Pastor John Burden to evaluate Loma Linda's potential to fulfill her vision. She asked church congregations and conference brethren to support the project. She asked people to staff the institution, including physicians. People responded from as far away as Australia. Church members' perception of Loma Linda as “God's institution” motivated the institution's helpers and medical staff — its next donors. John Burden became Loma Linda’s second fundraiser. Led by his example, personnel donated their time and talents until the institution could generate enough income to pay their meager wages. Even before patients arrived, the ambiance of Loma Linda motivated elderly people to donate their life savings to be able to live their remaining years in Loma Linda. John Burden implemented the arrangements, and they became known as “annuity patients.” Mrs. White also motivated the institution’s first public relations activities, which contributed to the institution's reputation. At her insistence, 40 cases of type and a job press arrived in Loma Linda addressed to Burden, despite him admitting he “knew nothing about printing,” he published the first issue of a “little paper” called The Medical Evangelist in June of 1908, in order to communicate the institution's activities to church leaders, potential students, and other Seventh-day Adventist Sanitariums. To start building a reputation, one of the methods Burden used to increase patronage at the Loma Linda Sanitarium was witnessed by Edmond C. Jaeger. In 1907, Jaeger began teaching natural history and hygiene to public school children in Riverside. With Jaeger visiting a different school each month, the Burdens asked Jaeger to bring the grammar school boys to Loma Linda to enjoy a complimentary treatment at the Sanitarium. The boys that visited shared their positive experiences with their parents; some of which became long-term patients of the Sanitarium. To acquaint prospective patients with the work of the institution, nurses invited prominent citizens of nearby cities to enjoy a special Sunday dinner at the Sanitarium. In a short time they developed a sizeable patronage. Most of these patients were ambulatory. Some returned annually and used the institution as a health resort. Schools of Health conducted in local communities also increased patronage. In 1912, Dr. Lauretta Kress reported three “Schools of Health” conducted during the winter of 1911-1912. In 1913, a report from the Committee on Plans stated, “The success of the Schools of Health as a means of increasing the patronage of the Sanitarium has been fully demonstrated.” In October 1905, the organization’s first 35 employees donated their time and ate out of the institution’s garden. Later, during the pioneer days, if the monthly income was sufficient, the employees received their pay. If it was insufficient, payday was omitted. Because of these loyal employees, the organization survived. As the institution grew, it established operating budgets to control expenditures. The willingness of all employees, including professionals, to accept low wages held down expenses. The College of Medical Evangelists (CME) was their missionary enterprise and, as a service of love, they willingly invested their time and talents. Today, Loma Linda University Health’s almost 16,000 employees operate six hospitals, including the only one designated by the State of California as a Level I, regional trauma center for the four Inland Counties (providing the highest level of care to patients in more than a fourth of California). One year, it received 1,627 emergency helicopter landings. Beginning in 1909, its School of Medicine has graduated 11,860 physicians, almost 2,000 more than any other school of medicine in the Western United States. Its new, 16-story Medical Center (now under construction to become the tallest building in San Bernardino County) will open in 2020. In 1910, Mrs. White reportedly stated, “You people have no idea what this place will become.”