In 1976, the Ellen G White/Seventh-day Adventist Research Centre at Avondale College (now University) was officially opened. Several years prior, the General Conference partnered with the Ellen G White Estate to begin establishing research centres around the world—places where copies of Ellen White’s manuscripts and other documents could be held and studied.
In 1975, Hedy Jemison came to Australia from Andrews University, Michigan (USA) on a mission. For 15 years she managed the Ellen White Research Centre at Andrews and had come temporarily to initiate the operation of Avondale’s Research Centre. Part of the establishment of such research centres required hard copies of documents to be shipped overseas. Before her departure, Mrs Jemison personally photocopied the 2500 document files of Ellen White letters and related materials, including preparing microfiche copies of the Review and Herald (1850-1915), Youth’s Instructor (1852-1915) and Signs of the Times (1874-1915). In all, this material weighed two tonnes. It was shipped to Australia, where Mrs Jemison spent three weeks filing and organising the documents.
The benefits of such a research centre were obvious. Church members would have ready access to reference material related to Adventist history. It was anticipated that questions from the field regarding Adventist theology and ethics would be researched from a scriptural and Spirit of Prophecy base, and that the answers from the past would be offered as a guide to orient the direction for the future. The ever-changing student population of Avondale College would also have the opportunity for personal research.
The research centre has continued to serve the Church in the South Pacific to this day, and in May marked its 50th anniversary. It continues to preserve key historical resources while strengthening understanding of Ellen White’s life, ministry and prophetic role.
For more information, visit egwresearchcentre.avondale.edu.au.
This article was adapted from one originally published in the Australasian Record on February 16, 1976.
