The beginning of the Christian Science movement in Atlanta and this section of the South was in the year 1886, and was marked by the healing of a case of invalidism of fifteen years' standing. The patient, imbued with a desire to comprehend the spiritual meaning of the truth which had wrought such wonderful healing, at once began the study of Christian Science, and soon was joined by others. This little group, assembling at the residences of the different students, very soon increased in numbers to an extent which seemed to make desirable the renting of a room where regular public Sunday services might be held. Accordingly, a small room was rented on Peachtree street, and when for a second time increasing numbers compelled removal, larger quarters were secured in a building on Broad street.
In January, 1893, a charter was secured and the organization of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Atlanta, Georgia, was perfected. Continued growth made necessary another advance, and in January, 1896, a beautiful and spacious hall in the newly completed Grand Opera House building was occupied. To such a devoted band of seekers after Truth, the thought of a suitable church edifice early presented itself, and in April of 1896 a building fund was started. One year later a desirable lot located on West Baker street was purchased, and ground was broken for the foundation of the church edifice in October, 1898. Not without much toil and self-sacrifice, and the determined overcoming of many obstacles, was the structure pushed forward to completion, so rapidly that in March of 1899 the first service was held in the basement of the new edifice, and on Easter Sunday in that month the church, acknowledged by all to be a model of architectural beauty, was dedicated with an impressive service, the crowning feature of which was a letter from Mrs. Eddy, an extract from which follows:—
You have met to consecrate your beautiful temple to the worship of the only true God. Since the day wherein you were brought into the light and liberty of His children, it has been in the hearts of this people to build a house unto Him whose name they would glorify in a new commandment—"that ye love one another." In this new recognition of the riches of His love and the majesty of His might, you have built this house—laid its foundations on the Rock of Christ: and the stone which the builders rejected you have made the head of the corner.
