A facility dedicated to strengthening Adventist identity and faith, the Ellen G. White (EGW) Study Center at Mountain View College (MVC) was recently recognized in a special ceremony attended by church leaders and representatives from the EGW Estate. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing the study and promotion of the Spirit of Prophecy to students and members in the South Philippines.
Pastor Jimmy Adil, director of the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) and EGW Study Center in the Adventist Church in the Southwestern Philippines (SwPUC), led the recognition ceremony, highlighting the center’s role in deepening the understanding of Ellen G. White’s writings among church members and researchers. The event was graced by key figures, including Dr. Merlin Burt, director of the EGW Estate at the General Conference, along with his wife, Sarah Burt. Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) President Pastor Roger Caderma, Treasurer Jacinth Adap, Field Secretary Felixian Felicitas, Associate Treasurer Sweetie Ritchil, Assistant Treasurer Atty. Evin Villaruben, SOP Director Edgar Bryan Tolentino, and Pathfinder Director Anakul Ritchie were also present to witness this historic occasion.
The initiative to have the Ellen G. White Study Center recognized by the EGW Estate was spearheaded by SwPUC in coordination with the Spirit of Prophecy office in the Southern Asia-Pacific region. The EGW Study Center in SwPUC joins a network of 24 research centers around the world, dedicated to preserving and studying the inspired writings of Ellen G. White. The center was officially voted into establishment by the Ellen G. White Estate Board at the General Conference, further strengthening its legitimacy and mission.
Dr. Burt emphasized the importance of not only promoting and reading materials from the research center but also engaging in earnest personal study of Ellen G. White’s writings. “I encourage you not only to read and promote the EGW Research Centers but that you and I will also be earnest in personal study,” he said.
Pastor Caderma underscored the role of integrity, commitment, and collaboration in advancing the mission of the church. “This integrity, commitment, and collaboration are important for us to move forward in the mission of the church,” he stated, adding that leaders with a vision are crucial in guiding others toward the fulfillment of the church’s objectives.
The History of the Ellen G. White Study Center in MVC
The EGW Study Center at Mountain View College (MVC) is a testament to God’s guidance in preserving the Spirit of Prophecy. For years, the Ellen G. White collection—comprising books and digitized materials—was housed within the college library but lacked a dedicated space for study and research.
Recognizing this need, Dr. Agripino and Elvie Segovia, longtime supporters of Adventist education, generously provided funds to establish a larger facility. Dr. Segovia, the first Filipino president of MVC, understood the importance of accessible Spirit of Prophecy resources and remained committed to this vision even after being called to serve at the General Conference.
On November 27, 2005—same day as Ellen G. White’s birthday—the EGW Study Center was inaugurated, creating a dedicated space for students, faculty, and researchers. The recent recognition of the study center further strengthens efforts to promote Ellen G. White’s writings, ensuring continued access to these invaluable resources for generations to come.
With its formal recognition, the EGW Study Center in the South Philippines now stands as a beacon for those seeking a deeper understanding of God’s message as conveyed through the Spirit of Prophecy. The center is expected to enhance accessibility to research materials, strengthen faith-based scholarship, and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
As the church moves forward, the establishment of this study center serves as a reminder of the enduring value of Ellen G. White’s writings in guiding believers toward a Christ-centered life and a mission-oriented ministry.