Christian Science was introduced into Milwaukee in the spring of 1884. The fall of that year there was incorporated an Institute and formed an Association. The former, known as the Wisconsin Metaphysical Institute, holds monthly meetings for attendance of its members; while Friday evenings are open to the public.
In the spring of 1885, two public lectures were given which helped to make Christian Science more widely known; while some caught an idea of its beauty and power, others, not yet ready for the Truth, were displeased at the strong statements made.
The following winter another public lecture was given in the parlors of one of the Congregational churches. Outside of the Friday evening meetings already mentioned, these were the only public lectures on Science held in Milwaukee until the spring of '87, when, upon invitation the pastor of the First Church of Christ (Scientist), Chicago, gave a lecture in the parlors of the Unitarian Church. This lecture aroused an interest in many who had not looked into Christian Science before, while proving an occasion for open antagonism to those who came simply to criticize.
Through the efforts of some loyal Scientists, a public service society was formed, partly to show more fully to the public the true teaching, and partly to answer the demand for a more spiritual interpretation of the Bible than that afforded by the churches. A paper was circulated among the Scientists asking for subscriptions to defray expenses, and with no further rules or regulations, the first service was held the first Thursday in December, 1887. This service, though held on a "week day," was conducted after the manner of the church Scientist in Boston and Chicago, and was the first Christian Science church service held in Milwaukee. Through these meetings, and the able sermons of those conducting the service, many were led to see the difference between Orthodoxy and Christian Science and to leave old beliefs and accept the Bible according to the interpretation of Science and Health.
About this time, the Wisconsin students of Christian Scientist Association No. 85 was formed, and meetings have been open every Friday to those who wished to know something of the Science. This is in addition to the regular monthly meetings for the members of the Association. Although the winds of malice strove to blow down these organizations, still by holding the thought as expressed by our Teacher, "Falsehood is on the wings of the wind, but Truth will soar above it," the societies flourished, and the interest increases.
Besides the work done in gaining a higher idea of the teachings of Jesus, many were found eager for the Truth, who had been erroneously taught.
In April, 1888, a number of students, not belonging to any Association, formed an Association known as the Milwaukee Students Christian Scientist Association, No. 33. In order to work in unison with other Associations, an application for a charter was made to the National Association, which was granted. This Association, besides the usual monthly meetings for members, gives readings in Science every Thursday, which are open to all interested in the subject.
Sunday services were organized the first Sunday of December, 1888, and have since been regularly held.
Although there is always a great deal of charity work done by Scientists (and Milwaukee has been no exception to this rule), no organization for such work has been formed until recently.
A dispensary has lately been established under the auspices of the Wisconsin Students Christian Scientist Association, No. 35, and Milwaukee Students Christian Scientist Association, No. 33. The work of this dispensary is increasing, and already good results are being developed.
During the past year, Christian Science has made great strides, not alone in Milwaukee. Branch Associations have been formed in different cities and towns throughout the State by students of the Milwaukee Institutes, and Christian Science is now talked of generally. The daily papers have had much to say on the subject; and though that which was said has not always been strictly true, still it has been found in many instances that the "wrath of man has been made to praise God."—
The "Bible Lessons" are excellent, and all my class write them out. I have an old lady in my class that has not written before in over twenty-five years; yet she comes regularly with her lessons written out, and when called upon, reads them aloud as well as the youngest member of the class. It is glorious work, and when we know and feel that God is with us, what care we who is against us?— Long Branch, N. J.
Dear Journal:—The call of our Teacher (October and December Journals) to come up higher, finds some of us asleep— or so drowsy that at first we are startled by the voice, and are ready to declare: "The time has not yet come for such a summons."
We have become quite satisfied, perhaps, with our victories over sickness in ourselves or others, and have forgotten to meet the more subtle claims of evil. The study of the "anatomy of Christian Science" has been neglected, and we find ourselves unable to "probe the self-inflicted wounds of malice, envy, and hate." We have been declaring to ourselves, and to others, that there are such powers as rivalry, jealousy, and malice, and hence, have been liable to be overcome by them. We have not been "searching the secret chambers of sense" as with "a lighted candle," and stifling every false claim of sin as well as those of sickness; but unconsciously have been nursing in the dark corners of our sense, these little serpents, that go to make up the body of the Great Red Dragon.
Our Teacher once beautifully presented to us the thought of mortal mind as a dark, muddy stream into which every pure thought entered, helping to purify it. Let us be careful to "watch our thoughts"; that every little rill and rivulet entering this muddy current shall be pure and clear; direct from the "river of the water of Life."—
I do not, as some do, fear to place this wonderful book (Science and Health) in the hands of everyone. I have followed this plan for the last five years with the best results. Students need not fear the world is not ready for it. They are ready for it. The light has come, and there are open eyes to receive it. During the last five years, I never have had but one Science and Health returned to me.— Grand Rapids, Mich.
We thought we could do without the Christian Science Journal, but have concluded that we cannot. Enclosed you will find subscription price. You sent us some tracts. We think they are grand. What can they be had for in quantities? Many thanks for your kind, helpful words to my husband. I know they have been very beneficial to him. May God bless you in your work.— Vincennes, Ind.
I want to tell you the good results of sending one of our little tracts, "The Way to Begin in Christian Science," to a sister who lives in Virginia. She had a young lady friend who, in belief, was a confirmed invalid. After reading this tract, she dismissed her physician, being convinced that she had found something better. Another instance, in my own experience, shows the good that comes from distributing Christian Science literature. About a year ago, I gave one of my neighbors some of my little Christian Science books, thinking she would be glad as I was to read them. But a short time since, she informed me that she had put the books I gave her in the bottom of her trunk. She was afraid her family or her friends might know she had them. Not until she was led to Christian Science through suffering, mental and physical, did she find that Christian Science was nothing to be ashamed of. She now eagerly reads the books I gave, and intends soon to own Science and Health. There are other instances I might mention, but I will not. I hope this will encourage others to be diligent in this part of our work; for "God's words cannot return unto Him void." When I send out these leaflets of Good Tidings, I feel that I am scattering seeds of Truth that sometime will spring up and bear fruit to glorify this beautiful work of Christian Science.— Kansas City, Mo.
The March Journal is splendid. Please accept congratulations upon success. It constantly improves. Please consider me always ready to lend assistance in every way possible. I have a letter before me from a friend in Leadville, Col., in which she says: "So-called Christian Science literature is flooding the land and doing much harm; and Science and Health is not used as it should be, because of it."
I think your appeal is a good thing. I wish I had three more just like it to send to three fellow workers.— New York.
The "Bible Lesson" you sent was used by me in teaching a dear little woman who never had read the Bible because she never could understand it. The tracts, I loan to people who read them, and they never fail commending them highly. A dear friend gave me a copy of Science and Health. Freely I have received, freely will I also endeavor to give.— Meadville, Pa.
