A Case recently arose in Philadelphia which is of greater interest, perhaps, to Christian Scientists because of its peculiar character, the importance of the principle involved, and the fact that it has had a widespread notice at the hands of the press of the country, than because of any practical bearing it has upon Christian Scientists or their work.
The case is this: Some months ago an application for a charter was made by First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Philadelphia, to the Court of Common Pleas No. 2, for the County of Philadelphia. Under the statute and peculiar practice of Pennsylvania relative to the incorporation of religious societies, judicial inquiry is made to ascertain if any reason exists why a charter should not be granted on the ground of public policy. In other words, whether the purposes of the corporation are illegal or injurious to the community.
It seems the application was referred to a Master in Chancery to investigate and report upon these two points. After a painstaking inquiry, in which he examined witnesses, the Tenets of the church, and the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Master made an elaborate and interesting report recommending that the charter be granted. Judge Pennypacker, however, overruled the Master's report and denied the charter.
