For a wider discussion that includes ministries other than publishing, see Ministry in the City or in the Country?

A historical evaluation of Adventist publishing house locations briefly shows examples of moving out of the city into the country.

In choosing a location for a publishing house, we must consider multiple aspects. Below is a summary of the main points, followed by supporting quotations from SOP.

• Low-cost
• Access to clean water
• Access to electricity (grid, solar)
• Possibilities for expansion
• Access to transportation (near a paved road)
• Climate/regional diseases

Implementing the concept of decentralization means establishing many smaller centers, thus expanding the reach and influence of the publishing houses.

There is much to be done in the way of establishing centers for our work in new fields. Missionary printing offices should be established in many places. PM 196.3

It should not be established in congested urban centers where there is heavy traffic and noise. Establishing it outside the city provides a safer spiritual environment for the workers, as they will not be exposed to the constant temptations in the city.

At this stage of our work, we are not to erect large buildings in any of the cities. And we are not to follow extravagant and unduly large plans in our work in any place. We are to remember the cities that have been neglected and that must now be worked. (4MR 281.3).

Repeatedly the Lord has instructed us that we are to work the cities from outpost centers. In these cities we are to have houses of worship, as memorials for God; but institutions for the publication of our literature, for the healing of the sick, and for the training of workers, are to be established outside the cities. Especially is it important that our youth be shielded from the temptations of city life.
It is in harmony with this instruction, that meeting-houses have been purchased and rededicated in Washington and in Nashville, while the publishing houses and the sanitariums at these centers have been established away from the congested heart of the cities, as outpost centers. This is the plan that has been followed in the removal of other publishing houses and sanitariums into the country, and that is now being followed in Great Britain with regard to the London publishing house and also the training school there. [Moved twenty miles from London to Stanborough Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, England, in 1906.] We are now given opportunity to advance in the opening providences of God by helping our brethren in these and many other important centers to establish the work on a firm basis, in order that it may be carried forward solidly.—Selected Messages 2:358.

God has sent warning after warning that our schools and publishing houses and sanitariums are to be established out of the city, in places where the youth may be taught most effectively what is truth. Let no one attempt to use the Testimonies to vindicate the establishment of large business interests in the cities. Do not make of no effect the light that has been given upon this subject.“ (PM 184.2-185.1).

Special light has been given me in regard to moving our publishing houses and sanitariums and schools out of the cities into places more favorable for their work, where those connected with them will not be exposed to all the temptations of city life. Especially should our schools be away from the cities. It is not for the spiritual good of the workers in our institutions for them to be located in the cities, where the temptations of the enemy abound on every hand. (PM 187.2).

What are some of these temptations? (hurried lifestyle, refined/fast food, music, immorality, etc)

The site should be close enough to access the city, but far enough to have the spiritual and practical advantages of country living. The city should be worked from the outpost center.

Let men of sound judgment be appointed, not to publish abroad their intentions, but to search for such properties in the rural districts, in easy access to the cities, suitable for small training schools for workers, and where facilities may also be provided for treating the sick and weary souls who know not the truth. Look for such places just out from the large cities, where suitable buildings may be secured, either as a gift from the owners, or purchased at a reasonable price by the gifts of our people. Do not erect buildings in the noisy cities. Ev 77.2

About six o'clock in the morning we reached Basle. Here we were met at the train by friends, and taken at once to the office of Les Signes des Temps, where we met old friends whom we had not seen for years. We are much pleased with the location of the new publishing house. While sufficiently near the center of the town for all business purposes, it is far enough out to avoid the noise and confusion of the city. The building faces the south, and directly opposite is a sixty-acre common of government land, bordered by trees. On the other side of the common are large buildings, behind which rise gently sloping hills covered with green fields and pretty groves. On one of the hills directly opposite us stands a quaint little church, and an old convent long since deserted, and occupied now only by a farmer. Back of all this rise higher mountains, covered with dark firs and forming a fine background to the lovely scene. (HS 169.1).

The publishing house should be established with plenty of space where the workers can have live. Each home should have plenty of space around it to provide a healthy environment. The quieter environment is more conducive to a happy family. Lower living costs will be a long-term advantage to both the publishing house and the worker, as the worker will not require high wages to live well.

Our cities are increasing in wickedness, and it is becoming more and more evident that those who remain in them unnecessarily do so at the peril of their soul's salvation. (LDE 119.1).

We are to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves in our efforts to secure country properties at a low figure, and from these outpost centers we are to work the cities. (4MR 281.3).

Instruction has also been given that the Pacific Press should be moved from Oakland. As the years have passed by, the city has grown and it is now necessary to establish the printing plant in some more rural place, where land can be secured for the homes of the employees. Those who are connected with our offices of publication should not be obliged to live in the crowded cities. They should have opportunity to obtain homes where they will be able to live without requiring high wages. (FE 492.3).

It is in harmony with this instruction, that meetinghouses have been purchased and rededicated in Washington and in Nashville, while the publishing houses and the sanitariums at these centers have been established away from the congested heart of the cities, as outpost centers. This is the plan that has been followed in the removal of other publishing houses and sanitariums into the country, and that is now being followed in Great Britain with regard to the London publishing house and also the training-school there. We are now given opportunity to advance in the opening providences of God by helping our brethren in these and many other important centers to establish the work on a firm basis, in order that it may be carried forward solidly.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 8, pp. 7, 8 (1907).

Before the overflowing scourge shall come upon the dwellers of the earth, the Lord calls upon all who are Israelites indeed to prepare for that event. To parents He sends the warning cry, Gather your children into your own houses; gather them away from those who are disregarding the commandments of God, who are teaching and practicing evil. Get out of the large cities as fast as possible. Establish church schools. Give your children the Word of God as the foundation of all their education.—Testimonies for the Church 6:195. (CL 12.3).

“This land by the appointment of God, is for the benefit of the school. You have had evidences of the working of human nature and what it will reveal under temptation. The more families you settled around the school building, the more difficulties you found in the way of the teachers and students. The natural selfishness of the children of men is ready to spring into life if everything is not convenient for them. This land about the school is to be the school farm, and this farm is to occupy much more space than we have thought it would. Work in connection with study is to be given here, according to the counsels given…. Then let everything not essential to the work of the schools be kept at a distance, and thus prevent any disturbance or annoyance through the proximity of families and buildings. Let the school stand alone. There must not be this one and that one claiming personal property near it. It would be better for private families, however devoted they may be in the service of the Lord, to be located at some distance from the school buildings. (PH140 45.1).

Workers should have spaces for gardens where they can grow fruits and vegetables. There should be sufficient space for agriculture projects. The produce will help the workers, and it can be sold to support the publishing house.

The Lord desires His people to move into the country, where they can settle on the land, and raise their own fruit and vegetables, and where their children can be brought in direct contact with the works of God in nature. Take your families away from the cities, is my message. LDE 99

Plan to eventually have a school or training center associated with the publishing house. Young people can come for practical education.

Teach printing (theory and practical) in Adventist schools. PM 196.3