IN April, 1894, just fifteen years after the organization of The Mother Church, six loyal students of Christian Science affixed their names to articles of incorporation under the laws of the state, and First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Tacoma was duly organized. It was about five years previous to this when Christian Science was first brought to the attention of a few in this then young city; a class had been taught, and three or four had entered upon the practise of Christian Science. Meetings had been held, first in the homes, then in a room in a down-town office building, and later, as the interest and attendance increased, larger quarters were secured, and it was here that the church organization was finally effected.
Aiming from the first to maintain to the extent of their ability every branch of Christian Science activity, some literature was soon supplied and the meeting-place opened daily as a public reading-room, the members alternating in attendance for a few hours every afternoon, until the means were realized to employ a regular librarian. The children in the Sunday school also became an important factor in the work of the little church, taking active part in every advance move. Interest and attendance slowly but steadily increased until 1900, when the congregation at the public services averaged in the neighborhood of one hundred. In the early autumn of that year, during one of the testimonial meetings, a gentleman, not a member, but grateful for benefits received, presented the little band with a building site which is today regarded as one of the choicest locations in the city. With a membership at that time of only thirty-seven, but with hearts full of love and devotion, work was immediately begun toward erecting a suitable church home. Soon after, in the early hours of a November day, the corner-stone was laid, and on the second day of the following June the first Christian Science church edifice on Puget sound was opened. The church proper, seating three hundred, which had been erected at a cost of nearly three thousand dollars, was entirely paid for. Later a Sunday school chapel, which cost about fourteen hundred dollars, was added.
From the date of the opening service in the little church the attendance steadily increased until, in the latter part of 1908, in order to accommodate better the growing congregation, the Masonic temple was leased. Here interest seemed to gain a fresh impetus, and in 1910 active steps were taken to begin the building of a substantial structure suitable to the present and future needs of the church. The completion and opening of this handsome building on the last day of 1911 marked the next advance step in the progress of this church, which has become respected in the community as one of the "systematized centers of Christian Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 11). Built on the original site at a cost of forty-five thousand dollars, the edifice faces the beautiful Wright park. Of Ionic-Greek architecture, surmounted by a large copper dome, and commanding a most beautiful outlook, it is pointed to with pride by citizens of all classes. The auditorium, seating about nine hundred, is equipped with a beautifully toned pipe-organ, the gift of one of the members. The Sunday school room, which is in the basement, will accommodate four hundred.
