Adventist History | The Early Years

Trace the formation years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church following the Great Disappointment of 1844. Understand how Revelation 10’s prophecy of the “sweet” but “bitter” little book foretold this experience. Follow the believers as the light on the heavenly sanctuary dawned through Hiram Edson’s vision, leading them to understand Christ’s ministration in the Most Holy Place. Discover how key doctrines, symbolized by the Ark of the Testament seen in heaven (Revelation 11:19)—including the Sabbath (brought by Rachel Preston, T.M. Preble, and Joseph Bates), the state of the dead (clarified by George Storrs), and the Spirit of Prophecy (through Ellen White)—formed the pillars of the Third Angel’s Message. Learn about the early organizational steps, the establishment of publishing, health, and education ministries, and the foundational truths that defined the emerging remnant church.