It is believed that Christian Science was first heard of in Dublin when a student arrived there who in 1884 had just studied with Mrs. Eddy and was "full of sharing the joy with those who seemed so miserable and despairing." Although some were healed, much opposition was met with; but a great deal of Christian Science literature was given away and a window was secured in one of the best streets, where for a time all the Christian Science literature was displayed. Besides this, days and weeks were spent in sending out the literature,—with Mrs. Eddy's sanction the island was flooded with it; and then the truth was left to do its work,—"to dissolve with the universal solvent of Love the adamant of error" (Science and Health, p. 242).
About 1897 and 1898 several groups of people in Dublin and the south and west of Ireland became interested in Christian Science quite independently of one another. Most of these had first heard of this wonderful truth either in London or from those who came from London. The service was first read, as a service, in a house in Dublin about 1898. Though for a year the numbers continued very small, the healing began to be in evidence, and soon quite a number were attending the services, which were still held in a private house. The little band was greatly encouraged by finding "Dublin" mentioned by Mrs. Eddy as one of the cities where "Christian Science already has a hearing and a following" (Message, 1900, p.1).
After about two years a room was hired in D'Olier street and used as a reading-room and for the healing work. Nineteen members of the congregation formed themselves into an Association of Christ, Scientist, early in 1902, and though no regular organization or rules were adopted, readers were appointed and services held from this time, in this room, twice every Sunday, and testimony meetings also, but not every week. A Sunday school had been started some time before this.
