The services were conducted by Mrs. Hattie Hayes, First Reader, whose address in part was as follows:—
Friends:— The nucleus on which was started the formation of what eventually terminated in the organization and building of our church, was the healing of the sick in this place. Our church was duly organized on the 8th day of February, 1896, by a loyal student of Mrs. Eddy. First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Elkpoint is a branch of the Mother Church of Boston, Mass. February 14, 1896. a charter was granted from the state. There were twenty-four charter members. Our place of meeting was for a while in private houses of the members. These becoming too crowded, Hoffman's Hall was rented and our services were conducted there for upwards of two years, when it became apparent that a church home of our own was desirable and steps were taken to further our cherished plans. A building committee was appointed, who bought and paid for the ground on which our church now stands. The first money contributed for the building of our church came from the Sunday School children. Though the amount was not large, yet it served as an inspiration to the older ones to take hold in earnest and push the work to completion, which was accomplished in due season, the cost being seven hundred and twenty dollars, one hundred dollars of which was donated in labor. There was a balance unpaid, for which we gave our obligation. August 30, 1901, the account was paid in full. Now to each and every one who in any way aided us in this work, we as a church feel extremely grateful. God will reward you abundantly, and in the language of our Mother, Mary Baker Eddy, we would say that "Divine Love always has met, and always will meet, every human need."
Friends, visitors, and members of this church We welcome you all to this service, which means so much to us who have learned somewhat of the Truth as taught through Christian Science. We meet to dedicate this church and ourselves to the service of God.
