Among the features of the World's Fair was a series of Congresses, known as The World's Congress Auxiliary of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Of these Congresses the Hon. C. C. Bonney of Chicago was the president. Under the auspices of this Auxiliary Congress was held "The World's First Parliament of Religions."
Of the General Committee of these Religious Congresses, the Rev. John Henry Barrows, D. D. was chairman. Under the general direction and supervision, therefore, of these gentlemen the Parliament of Religions was held. To their courtesy and generous recognition of our doctrines as Christian Scientists, we owe a debt of gratitude which only our future conduct as consistent Christians, living in practice as well as precept, the true conception of the brotherhood of man, will testify.
Washington Hall, in the Palace of Arts building, was assigned us in which to hold our meeting, or what in the parlance of the general committee, was our "denominational congress," and the time of our meeting was fixed for the 20th day of September. This hall has an actual seating capacity of three thousand, and with the standing room, was capable of holding at least four thousand people.
