AT the dedication of the church edifice of the Christian Science Society of Braunschweig, Germany, May 17, 1914, mention was made that two years and a half had elapsed since Christian Science was officially introduced in Braunschweig and a field of activity established,—a period replete with blessings. As a matter of fact the first indication of the revival of this new-old truth may be traced many years back, when a few found the truth they had long sought for, and which brought them healing of mind and body.
About the year 1907 a Christian Science practitioner visited a patient in this city whose condition precluded transportation, and this practitioner induced another Scientist to come to Braunschweig. Some time after, two others were added who had found Christian Science at an earlier date, and meetings were held once in six months, consisting of readings from Der Her old der Christian Science and from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. It took years for the little circle to grow, but when the seed finally bore fruit and the room became too small, the Good Templars kindly put their quarters at its disposal. The desire for more truth and more frequent meetings soon became manifest, and services were instituted monthly.
In October, 1911, two Christian Science practitioners came to Braunschweig, and from then on regular services and meetings were held to which the public was admitted. The majority of adherents were country people, and the attendance at the first meeting did not exceed twenty persons; but soon a board was elected, by-laws adopted, and everything done required by state law. A reading-room, as primitive in appearance as the hall, was established. Although attacks increased on all sides, the more violent they were and the harder the struggle to be faced, the more did courage increase, for there was a feeling of safety under the protecting power of the Almighty. Before long it was necessary to look for another hall, but all efforts seemed unavailing, as there was very little offering that seemed adapted to their use and in most instances Christian Scientists were not deemed desirable tenants. As a result, property was quietly looked up, where the society might establish itself or build, even though in the most modest fashion.
