A History of Loma Linda University Church

Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists, situated on the campus of Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, holds a significant place in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the university itself. This article explores the origins and development of the church, its connection to the broader Adventist movement, and its ongoing role in serving the university community and beyond.

The Roots of Loma Linda: From Mound City to Sanitarium

The story of Loma Linda University Church is inextricably linked to the history of the Loma Linda area and the vision of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for medical education and outreach.

Before becoming a center for health sciences education, the land that now houses Loma Linda University had a varied past. The San Bernardino Valley was originally inhabited by Serrano Indians. Spanish exploration began around 1772, with a tangible mission influence appearing in 1810 when Father Dumetz established the Rancho San Bernardino. Legendary trapper Jedediah Smith visited the mission outpost in 1826 and 1827.

In 1886, a Riverside syndicate purchased 260 acres from H.E. Hills for $31,500, establishing the Mound City Land and Water Company, which plotted a city of 200 acres and constructed houses, stores, and shops. A hotel was completed on the remaining 60 acres in late 1887. However, the Land Boom Period ended in the 1920s.

In the late 1890s, the Mound City property (about 76 acres) was acquired by a group of Los Angeles physicians and businessmen who remodeled the hotel and added five cottages and a large recreation hall. Incorporated in 1900, the development was renamed Loma Linda.

Read also: LLU: Notable Alumni Legacies

Divine Providence and the Adventist Vision

It was during this time that the property came to the attention of the Seventh-Day Adventists (SDA), through the efforts of prominent author, Ellen G. White. White envisioned a school where medical missionaries including physicians, could be trained. Her plan was that the Loma Linda facility would be the principal training school on the West Coast.

Ellen G. White, a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, played a pivotal role in the acquisition of the Loma Linda property. The property came to the attention of John Burden, one of the founders of Loma Linda University Health. The asking price of $110,000 was prohibitive for the fledgling Seventh-day Adventist Church. The price continued to drop, however, until the owners ordered the property to be sold for $40,000. With private funds, John Burden and others obtained an option on the property and paid off the note. On August 26, 1905, Loma Linda Sanitarium was incorporated; six weeks later, on October 13, the first two patients were admitted. Loma Linda was officially open!

Through divine providence, the property came to the attention of John Burden, one of the founders of Loma Linda University Health. On August 26, 1905, Loma Linda Sanitarium was incorporated.

The Establishment of Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University traces its beginnings back to 1905, when-through a series of divine providences-the University, starting as a nurses’ training school, was founded at Loma Linda, California, by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Nursing instruction commenced in 1906 and the first class of nurses graduated in 1907. The Loma Linda Medical College opened on September 23, 1910 and the first class of physicians graduated in 1914. In 1909, the College of Medical Evangelists received its charter as a medical school with the express purpose of preparing physicians who could meet the needs of the whole person. The University has steadily expanded its programs to meet the demands of a global environment. The original schools-Nursing and Medicine-have been joined by the Schools of Allied Health Professions, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Religion; and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Read also: Applying to PLNU

Loma Linda University Church: A Center for Worship and Service

Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists is a Seventh-day Adventist church on the Loma Linda University campus in Loma Linda, California, United States. The church hosts two weekly worship services, Sabbath School, and vespers programs on Saturday, which are broadcast live on the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network, as well as weekly programs for the university. Anthem is the contemporary service of the church.

The original sanitarium on the hill served as a medical center until a newer, 11-story medical center opened in 1967. In 1982, the Loma Linda Community Hospital was purchased, and it is now Loma Linda University Health’s East Campus Hospital. The Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center opened in Redlands in 1991. Loma Linda University Children's Hospital opened in 1993. Loma Linda University Surgical Hospital opened in 2009 in Redlands.

LLUH operates some of the largest clinical programs in the United States in areas such as neonatal care and outpatient surgery and is recognized as the international leader in infant heart transplantation and proton treatment for cancer. Each year, the organization admits more than 58,000 inpatients and serves nearly 1.1 million outpatients. In 2021, LLUH opened the Troesh Medical Campus, which included the new, 16-story Medical Center and a Children’s Hospital extension.

The Church's Role in Adventist Education and Healthcare

From the very beginning, Adventists have focused on the importance of education and healthcare in improving people's lives. In fact, Adventists run the next-largest denominational education system in the world, second only to the Catholic system. Adventist hospitals and clinics are also numerous, including Loma Linda University Medical Center. You'll find at least one Adventist healthcare center in many major metropolitan areas in North America.

The first organized medical work by Adventists began in 1866 with the founding of Battle Creek Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan. Today the Adventist health system is one of the largest health-care delivery systems in the nonprofit sector. Worldwide, the church operates more than 560 health-care institutions, including hospitals, sanitariums, and clinics. Adventist Health International (AHI), a management organization committed to partnering with health-care services in developing countries, is based at Loma Linda University.

The Good Samaritan Sculpture

The Good Samaritan sculpture, created by Alan Collins, is located on the Loma Linda University campus mall. "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half-dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Loma Linda Academy

The following year, enrollment grew to twelve. This class with teacher Mrs. Otis Fisher, posed for the picture. By 1917, high school students were also attending and LLA graduated its first class in 1921. In order to meet the needs of the thriving school, a building, later known as Franz Hall, was built in the 1930s. Through the years, LLA has gratefully counted many blessings and dealt with many challenges, including fires and floods. More than 8,000 alumni have filled the hallways since that humble beginning. Now, over 100 years later, the school has undergone major renovations including new classrooms, gymnasiums, administration facilities, and student "quad" areas. Although the Children's Center, Elementary, Junior High and High School now have their own areas of the campus, they are one in purpose. As part of one of the largest and oldest K-12 parochial school networks in the world, Loma Linda Academy draws from years of experience in Bible curriculum.

Adventist Beliefs and Practices

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of many Christian communities of faith. Our name comes from the biblical observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and a belief in the second coming or "advent" of Jesus to this world. We treasure the knowledge that we are loved and accepted by the Creator God.

The colorful history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church began as a result of close study of Bible prophecies around the mid-nineteenth century. When Christ did not come at that time, a group of Adventists in New England, continuing their study of prophecy, concluded that the time period was right but the event anticipated was the beginning of the final judgment in heaven rather than the second coming of Christ, which was still in the future. This same group accepted the teaching of the seventh-day Sabbath, and became known as Seventh-day Adventists. Basing its faith on the Bible, the church today is a closely-knit, worldwide organization with a membership of more than 18 million believers. The church sent its first missionary, J. N.

One of the founding principles of the Adventist church is a healthy lifestyle based on a balanced combination of exercise, diet, and trust in God. Adventists are generally vegetarian, and do not smoke or drink alcohol. They operate successful stop-smoking clinics worldwide. Today the worldwide Adventist church has over 20 million members in more than 215 countries. Adventists operate 7500+ schools worldwide with nearly 1.5 million students. They also run 198 hospitals worldwide, 133 nursing homes and retirement centers, 329 clinics and dispensaries, and 21 orphanages and children's homes.

The Inaugural LLUC Tour

This inaugural LLUC tour will take you on a unique adventure that blends historical exploration with breathtaking landscapes.

Meet the Leadership TeamOur experienced team will guide you through every stage of this journey-starting with the essential preparations, including registration and payments, and continuing with support and guidance throughout the trip itself. Dr. Senior Pastor, Loma Linda University ChurchDr. Randy Roberts will offer deep spiritual teachings, helping you to reflect on the Bible’s significance in the places we visit. Dr. Church Historian & Director of Archives and Research, North American DivisionDr. Campbell, with his extensive knowledge of church history, will provide historical and academic teachings throughout the trip. Land Operator & Director, Holyland Pilgrimage ToursEzer Kalmovitcz brings unparalleled expertise in navigating travel in different countries for tour groups. Dr. Sydney: Begin your adventure in Australia’s iconic harbor city, where modern culture blends seamlessly with stunning natural beauty. Uluru (Ayers Rock): Travel to the heart of Australia’s outback to witness the majesty of Uluru at sunrise. Hike the Kuniya Trail and reflect on the sacred significance of this iconic landmark.North Queensland & Cairns: Explore the tropical beauty of Cairns and the surrounding region, home to stunning rainforests and vibrant local culture.Great Barrier Reef: Experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef. Ready to join us on this incredible journey? Important InformationBe sure to read full trip details in the itineraryDates: Two Options: (A). Australia Tour, September 9-17, 2026 (B). Australia & New Zealand Tour September 9-22, 2026Pricing: Options (A). $5,995 per person (B).$7,995 per person (Does not include single supplement, flights to/from tour, flights during the tour, & tips).Accommodation: Comfortable lodging throughout the journey.What’s Included: Meals, transportation, accommodations.Physical Requirements: This trip involves a high level of physical activity, including walking, hiking, climbing stairs, and frequent movement. Participants should be able to navigate uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, and manage moderate physical exertion. Why This Tour is Special?This tour is more than just a trip; it’s a chance to see Adventist Heritage ‘Down Under’ in the southern hemisphere.

Key Figures in Loma Linda's History

Several individuals have played crucial roles in the development of Loma Linda University and its church. These include:

Ellen G. White: Her vision for medical education and missionary work was instrumental in the establishment of Loma Linda as a training center.
John Burden: One of the founders of Loma Linda University Health, he was instrumental in acquiring the Loma Linda property for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
LaVerne E. Tucker
Robert Y. Tungiyan
Dorothy M. Turner: Associate Director of Ellen G.
Matthew B. Underwood
Richard H. Utt: author/educator/book & thesis on W.W. Van Dolson
Leo R. Van
Isaac Doren Van Horn (1834-1910) & Adelia P.
Izak J. Van Zyl
George E. Vandeman
Herbert A. Vandeman: minister/radio broadcast-baptized first 100 people to accept SDA message through radio media/chaplain/father of George E.
Daniel E. Venden
Louis D. Venden
Morris L. Venden
Morris L. Venden
Louise A. Vernon
Edward W.H. Vick
Rodney & Janet & Roland L. Vieau: Director of the Ellen G. Director of Medical Records Bella Vista Hosp.;developed Assoc.

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