The 2004 Annual Council of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church began Friday evening, Oct. 9, with a dramatic flourish as the house lights went down and the standing room only audience was taken back in time to meet Ellen White, one of the church’s founders and regarded by the denomination as Messenger to the Church. The drama, entitled “The Trial of Ellen White” confronted the charges that have been brought against White over the years seeking to discredit her calling and ministry.

An audience of more than 1,400 attended the production at the Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, including world church leaders and more than 300 delegates from around the world. The Takoma Park Church, celebrating its 100th year, was for many years the General Conference headquarters church and site of many Annual Councils. In commemoration of that history, the General Conference has joined with the Takoma Park Church for this anniversary.

The Friday night play, written and directed by Francisco de Araujo, featured a cast of more than 20, with lead roles played by Cheryl Sanders (Ellen White), Daniel Duckham (James White), Dave Weigley (the Evangelist) and John Torres (the Antagonist).

The centennial celebration continued on Sabbath, or Saturday with a special program of Sabbath School, a divine worship service featuring World Church President Jan Paulsen, and an afternoon Global Mission program, televised via satellite on the church’s Hope Channel.