It was early in 1895 that Christian Science services were first held in a private house in Edinburgh; three years later, when others interested in Christian Science joined these meetings, the work assumed a more public character. Its beginning was small indeed, but gradually there gathered a little group of people on whose consciousness had dawned the light of a new inspiration, whose hearts had heard the call to awake from slumber and its dreams of sense, and to press forward toward the light of Life. Some of these had felt the touch of the Christ, healing them from bodily infirmities, and all were eager to make use of their new-found energies in bringing the glad tidings to others. In accord with this purpose, Nov. 26, 1899, eight, who had become members of The Mother Church in Boston, Mass., all resident in Scotland, met together, organizing themselves as First Church of Christ, Scientist, Edinburgh, and two weeks later seven others joined the little church.
From its very inception Mrs. Eddy watched with deep interest the growth which culminated in the building of a Christian Science church in Edinburgh, and from time to time sent messages of loving encouragement to these earnest workers. Her letter of April 7, 1901, was both an inspiration and an incentive to progress:—
I herewith send to you a little gift of one thousand dollars, to be applied toward the building of a Christian Science church edifice in Edinburgh, Scotland. Please accept this token of my love on this hallowed Easter morn, crowned with the radiant glory of our risen Christ.
