About five years ago Christian Science was first brought to the notice of the public in Bowie, Texas. At first it was received with open arms. It seemed as if every one was willing and anxious to accept it. All workers were busy in breaking bread to the hungry and healing the sick.
This continued about a year, when some of the ministers, with a wrong impression as to its teachings, opposed it, with a view to its extermination. One minister in particular preached every night for a week against Christian Science, denouncing it in unqualified terms; becoming personal in his remarks, warning people against it, and especially against a certain lady who was doing much good healing, and was an earnest and faithful worker. There were other healers and workers, but she seemed to be the favorite target. During these meetings, however, there were several hundred Christian Science tracts distributed thereby sowing the seed in the ground that was being so vigorously ploughed by our opponents,—to bear fruit in good time. After this there were class instructions given to quite a number of persons, by one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students, thus laying the foundation for a branch of the Mother Vine. From that time the faithful ones have been put to the test in many ways. Public sentiment seemed to be against the Cause, and they were subjected to unjust criticism and comment upon the streets and in public places.
But in this the Scriptures are verified. "They shall drink of my cup, and be baptized with my baptism." Through all these seeming persecutions they stood firm. Regular services were held, and the work went forward. About a year ago a number of the students moved away, and the services were discontinued. In October, 1897, the remaining students, with a few others who were interested, resumed the services, and again the work went forward. On January 2, 1898 (Communion Sunday), a First Church of Christ, Scientist, was organized with twenty members, a very noticeable feature of the new branch being the perfect harmony and love that prevailed.
