On Oct. 20–22, 2006, a special celebration at the Hiram Edson Farm will commemorate two unique events—the 25th anniversary of Adventist Heritage Ministry (AHM), and the 160th anniversary of Joseph Bates' visit to the Edson Farm, when he brought the newly discovered truth about the seventh-day Sabbath.

"On the Edson Farm, the sanctuary truth and the Sabbath truth were joined," explains Jo Ellen Barnard Walton, who chairs the Edson Farm Committee. "Thus, the Seventh-day Adventist denomination really had its start right [there]."

The weekend will feature a re-enactment of the Bates visit, presented by students from Union Springs Academy, and special speakers who will explain how the sanctuary and Sabbath truths logically joined and developed into an end-time message. The Union Springs Academy choir will also present musical numbers. Those who visited the Edson Farm in 1994 will remember their beautiful performances then.

Fri. night and Sabbath services will be held in the Rochester (N.Y.) Bay Knoll Church. Sabbath afternoon will feature a visit to the Edson Farm where the sanctuary truth was discovered. Sun. activities will include a bus tour of historic Adventist sites around Rochester led by Jim Nix, director of the White Estate, and a canal boat ride on the Erie Canal which will include a vegetarian buffet meal. Plans for a much-needed visitor center at the Edson Farm will be presented.

Space is limited, so anyone interested should contact Walton as soon as possible to reserve space. She can be reached at 661-872-3741. There will be a charge to cover costs for Sun. events.

Plans are in progress to develop the Edson Farm. "This will serve both as a reinforcement for our faith and as a witnessing tool to others," Walton adds. Working drawings for a visitor center are completed, and the AHM Board has voted to commence construction in Fall 2007 if sufficient donations are received. The Sage Mission Builders have agreed to come in Sept. 2007 to do construction at no cost. However, funds are needed for materials.

The center will provide public rest rooms, currently not available at the Edson Farm, a visitor center to properly house artifacts and exhibits, and space for a resident caretaker. "This is much needed," Walton says, "because trespassers are beginning to pose a problem and a resident caretaker could lessen the risk of trespassing or vandalism to this important historic site and be there to welcome guests and to explain our beliefs."

An 1840s barn once belonging to Edson's father has been restored on the property, and many non-Adventists visited the site when we had a model sanctuary on display. More programs like this will be planned for the Edson Farm, and ultimately a permanent sanctuary will be displayed on the property.

Jo Ellen Barnard Walton, Edson Farm Committee chairperson