Ellen G. White in Australia

At the General Conference session in Battle Creek, Ellen White was asked to visit Australia to strengthen the mission and assist in establishing a school. Sailing aboard the S. S. Alameda, she celebrated her 64th birthday, the day prior to arriving in Samoa. She observed the spiritual needs of the Pacific Islands, reflecting on her purpose in the region. Arriving in Australia via New Zealand in December 1891, she encouraged believers, supported evangelism, and established a base in Melbourne, assisting the North Fitzroy church and the publishing work.

In 1892, Ellen White focused on evangelism and supporting new churches. Despite severe illness, she continued her writing. Sometimes she had to be carried to the platform in order to speak, and sometimes did so while seated. From September to November, she joined S.N. Haskell and other workers in major public evangelism in Adelaide, preaching in halls and tents. She encouraged new converts through personal writings and guidance. She then travelled to Ballarat where she supported a small, struggling group of believers and offered spiritual counsel during local opposition.

1893 began with Ellen White ministering in Melbourne before heading for New Zealand, via Sydney. She was involved in the dedication of the Parramatta Church, Sydney, before heading for New Zealand. She travelled widely across the North Island, preaching, speaking at camp meetings, and nurturing small groups of believers. She wrote material for The Desire of Ages while in Wellington, where she had her last eight teeth removed. She returned to Australia in December, arriving in time to provide spiritual guidance at the first Australian camp meeting, which began later that month.

The year 1894 began with Ellen White attending the first Australian camp meeting at Brighton. There she offered counsel and support to the newly formed Australasian Union Conference. Her focus was on strengthening the Australian church and advancing Adventist education. She later moved to Sydney, assisting in the selection of the Brettville Estate as the site for the Avondale School. From her base in Granville, she continued her evangelistic work through camp meetings.

In 1895, Ellen White continued to devote herself to church work while supporting her family. She attended the Hobart Convention and shortly afterward, her son, W.C. White, married Ethel May Lacey on May 9. She also took part in important church camps in Melbourne, strengthening the community and sharing her guidance with fellow believers. Ellen White purchased the Sunnyside property, originally part of the Brettville Estate, in Cooranbong. There she built her new home and settled into it on Christmas Day.

In 1896, Ellen White remained active in both her writing and ministry. Two of her important works, Thoughts from the Mount Blessing and Christ Our Saviour, were published, making a significant impact on readers. In October, she attended the Adelaide Camp, where she shared her insights and inspired those gathered with her counsel and example.

In 1897, Ellen White remained active in education, health, and church work. The Avondale School opened on 28 April, and later, on 17 October, she participated in the dedication of the new church in Cooranbong. She advocated for a health food industry to provide wholesome alternatives to meat, supported mission work, and taught practical health reform.

1898 was a significant year in the life of Ellen White, marked by major publications, church milestones, and a continued emphasis on health reform. Her landmark work on the life of Christ, The Desire of Ages, was published that year, becoming one of her most influential books. She participated in the dedication of the Stanmore Church and remained actively involved in the growth of the church in Australia. She attended large camp meetings in Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Newcastle, where many accepted the Adventist message, leading to the establishment of new churches.

In 1899, Ellen White continued to guide and inspire the Adventist community in Australia. She attended the dedication of the College Chapel and the Avondale Health Retreat. She also travelled to church camps in Toowoomba and Maitland, where she offered counsel and encouragement.

In 1900, her final year in Australia, she attended the Geelong camp in March, strengthening church members through her leadership. A farewell service was held at the Cooranbong Church in August before she returned to the United States a few months before her 73rd birthday. That year also saw the publication of Christ’s Object Lessons, Testimonies on Sabbath School Work, and Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6.