The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6) - Ellen G. White

cloth-covered black coffin bearing a modest silver plate with the engraved
words "At rest." If they called Sunday afternoon, as most did, they paid their
respects to her in the living room, where so often she had received her family
and visitors.
Seating for about 300 people was provided on the lawn under the elm
trees just in front of her house. Another hundred sat on the lawn or in nearby
parked automobiles. The Sanitarium, the St. Helena church, and the college
were largely represented. A few of the leading businessmen of St. Helena
were present, and many friends came in from Napa, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol,
and Healdsburg. A canopy was provided for the officiating ministers.
The service was simple, informal, and ideal for the setting. Those
participating were mostly ministers who had been long associated with Ellen
White in the work of the church in America and overseas: J. N.
Loughborough, George B. Starr, and E. W. Farnsworth. The pastor of the
church of which she was a member, S. T. Hare, pronounced the benediction.
Elder Loughborough in his informal life sketch recounted his first
acquaintance with Ellen White in 1852 and of his seeing her in vision within
a few minutes of meeting her. He recounted other experiences down through
the years. G. B. Starr made appropriate remarks. Elder E. W. Farnsworth,
president of the California Conference, preached the funeral sermon on the
Christian's hope. He also set before the audience the plans for other funeral
services:
After the service is over, the undertaker will take the remains to St.
Helena tonight. Tomorrow morning on the early train Brother White and
Sister McEnterfer, and perhaps others, will accompany the remains to
Richmond, where we are holding a large camp meeting. The brethren and
sisters there greatly desire the privilege to express their love and appreciation
for Sister White, so they have requested that a service be held on the
500