Like many other of the branches of the Church of Christ, Scientist, this dates its inception from a service held in a private dwelling house. On the 21st of August, 1904, a little knot of six truth seekers gathered in Prince's street, Troyeville, a suburb of the South African "Golden City," and for six months after held regular services there. As the "glad tidings" spread and attracted adherents to the cause of Christian Science, larger premises were engaged in Sackes building, corner of Commissioner and Joubert streets. Not long afterward it became necessary to secure still more commodious premises, and two large rooms were accordingly taken in the United building. From that time on it was apparent that Christian Science had become firmly established, and on the 7th of February, 1906, a meeting of those interested in Christian Science was convened, at which it was decided that the time had come to organize either a Christian Science society or Christian Science church. On the following 6th of March it was resolved that a church be organized, and a committee appointed to frame rules; with the result that a board of directors was appointed, and First Church of Christ, Scientist, Johannesburg, came into existence.
On the 21st of December, 1906, in consequence of the increasing attendance at the services, arrangements were made to hold services in the Masonic hall, Jeppe street, the hall where the first Christian Science lecture was subsequently delivered. The following May more suitable premises were engaged on the corner of Eloff and Joubert streets as a readingroom and librarian's office, which for a time served its purpose very well. A well-attended meeting of members was held at these premises on the 3d of May, 1909, at which it was resolved to purchase three lots, bounded by Smit, Wolmarans, and Banket streets, for the sum of one thousand pounds. Later a building committee was appointed, and instructed to have plans and estimates prepared for a church edifice. These were submitted in due course, and the committee was authorized to proceed with the building. On the 24th of September the corner-stone was laid in the presence of a number of those sincerely interested in the progress of the cause. Under the stone was placed a copper box containing a copy of Science and Health, a copy of the King James' edition of the Bible, also copies of the current Christian Science Journal and Sentinel, and a list of the members of the church. The first services were held on the 6th of March, 1910, and were attended by a large number of people interested in Christian Science.
The church building is early Christian Romanesque in style and of simple design, but substantially built of local kopje stone. The interior construction is in keeping with the exterior treatment, the whole structure indicating great stability. On the left side of the platform, raised under a large and finely turned arch, is an organ of good tone and fairly good size. On the wall above the platform is inscribed Mrs. Eddy's favorite text, the first commandment: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," and on the opposite wall is that sublime passage from page 494 of Science and Health: "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." The building seats about six hundred. The fall of the ground from Smit street to Wolmarans permits of a semi-basement under the full width of the church, providing Sunday school, reading, and retiring rooms.
