The history of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Montreal, is the record of a small beginning, a slow but sturdy growth, perseverance in the face of discouraging obstacles, and faith and courage in establishing a knowledge of the truth upon a firm foundation in this great city, where the old forms of religion are so strongly entrenched. As far back as 1886 a few cases of healing directed the thought of some earnest Christians to the subject of Christian Science, and led to further study and investigation.
The pioneer work was led by one of Mrs. Eddy's students, in whose home week-day meetings were held for some months, until the increasing attendance necessitated seeking larger quarters. On the first of October, 1889, a hall was rented at 2268 St. Catherine street, where public services were conducted on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. Two addresses were given in November, 1890, and as a result of the interest aroused, it was decided that the time had come for the organization of a branch church in conformity with the requirements of the Manual, and a committee was appointed to draw up a constitution and by-laws. On Dec. 7, 1890, a meeting took place at which officers and a board of directors were elected, and the church was organized with a membership of about a dozen persons.
In July, 1891, larger premises were secured, which permitted a division of the space rented into a room for the reception of patients, a reading-room, and a hall with a seating capacity of about a hundred and fifty. The hall was newly decorated, a reed organ purchased, and the rooms furnished by loving workers. The average attendance at that time was about thirty to forty on Thursdays, and forty or more at the Sunday services. The next forward step was the purchase of a lot of land fifty by a hundred and forty feet on Closse street for the sum of sixty-three hundred dollars. This was a wonderful demonstration of divine supply for a mere handful of people, with no worldly wealth possessed by any one of them. The whole amount, representing much toil, sacrifice, and self-denial, but with much love as its accompaniment, was paid before the end of 1898. A provincial charter was sought for in 1897, but was refused by the government.
