Valencia City, Bukidnon—A significant milestone occurred recently at Mountain View College (MVC) with the official dedication of the Ellen G. White Study Center. This event represents a crucial advancement in enhancing the understanding of the Spirit of Prophecy within the Adventist community. Distinguished leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), the South Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC), and the General Conference (GC) of the Ellen G. White Estate convened to underscore the center’s essential function in facilitating access to Ellen White’s writings and manuscripts for students, faculty, and researchers. During the dedication program, Pastor Jimmy Adil, Director of the SwPUC Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) and the EG White Study Center, articulated the importance of honoring the legacy of past leaders. He stated, “We are not here if they were not there,” reflecting on the contributions made by early Adventist pioneers. The keynote address was presented by Pastor Merlin Burt, President of the General Conference Ellen G. White Estate. He emphasized the significance of establishing a dedicated study center within the college and encouraged attendees to fully utilize the resources available, declaring, “Let us all be earnest in our personal study of her writings.” Pastor Burt was introduced by Pastor Bryan Tolentino, SSD SOP Director. 

A Call for Support and Collaboration

SSD President Pastor Roger Caderma urged all local missions and conferences to provide their support for the center, acknowledging its role in advancing the church’s mission through collaborative endeavors between the SwPUC and the SSD SOP Department. In an interview, Pastor Adil articulated his vision for the center, expressing, “My dream is to make this center accessible not only to MVC students, faculty, and staff but also to the public and anyone interested in researching Mrs. White’s writings and the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” 

The dedication ceremony was attended by prominent church leaders, including Pastor Jacinth Adap, SSD Treasurer; Dr. Remwil Tornalejo, MVC President; Sarah Burt; Pastor Jerry Patalinghug; Pastor Max Dante Obbus, SwPUC Executive Secretary; Pastor Reuel Almocera, Director Emeritus of EGWRS; Pastor Donny Chrissutianto, EGWRS Director; and Mrs. Juvelene Rosario, retired MVC Chief Librarian. Additionally, select MVC staff, department heads, and the SwPUC delegation were present. The EG White Study Center at MVC is now integrated into a global network of 24 research centers dedicated to the preservation of Ellen G. White’s writings, thereby promoting enhanced theological scholarship and spiritual development. 

Groundbreaking for Adventist Heritage Village

After the dedication, a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted for the Adventist Heritage Village, situated near the entrance gate of MVC. This 10-hectare project, led by SSD leadership in coordination with the SOP and SwPUC, will include replicas of historic houses and other structures from the early Adventist movement, including those associated with Ellen G. White and other pioneers. The village is designed to preserve Adventist history and stimulate future generations to recognize the significant contributions and sacrifices made by the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

The dedication of the Ellen G. White Study Center and the initiation of the Adventist Heritage Village herald a new chapter in research, education, and historical preservation within the Adventist Church in the region, reaffirming the commitment to faith, mission, and legacy.

RPido
SwPUC ComDept.