The anniversary of Independence Day just passed brought with it pleasant recollections of the remarkable gathering, one year ago, of the students of our beloved Leader, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, at Pleasant View. Concord, New Hampshire, to meet her in person, and hear from her lips the words of Life and Love which are always hers to give to willing hearts and listening ears.
The invitation was wholly unexpected by the members of the Mother Church assembled to participate in the Communion service. The most they had hoped for was that their Leader might be present at that service. Hence, when the invitation was mid from the desk on the Sabbath preceding the day observed as Independence Day, July 5th, it came as an unexpected joy and a sweet surprise. Nor as was afterward made known, had Mrs. Eddy determined upon the event until a very short time before the invitation was sent: yet as all agreed, the great gathering came and went with all the orderliness and harmony of a carefully planned affair. Long will be remembered the love and thought fulness of "our Mother" in affording her "children" the opportunity to celebrate, in so happy a manner, the day which ushered into existence America's Magna Charta.
A general hope, or half-formed expectation, was entertained by those attending the Communion service this year, that there might be a repetition of last year's celebration, but it was not realized. No invitation came. A few, however who felt they must, at least, see Pleasant View before returning to their distant homes, were rewarded by seeing their "Mother" drive by in her carriage, and receiving a pleasant how and smile of recognition, as she took the in-evitable afternoon drive—"rain or shine."
