IN the Sentinel of Feb. 25, 1905, was "A Letter from New Zealand," which told of a few people meeting in a private house for the study of Christian Science. Some good healing had been done in the city of Christchurch when in 1906 a room was taken and a weekly meeting was convened by five people.
The membership grew slowly, and a small society was organized, but soon erroneous elements appeared which made disbandment advisable. In order to break a mistrust which was prevalent regarding the teaching, the earlier students had five hundred circular letters printed, telling the truth about Christian Science, its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy, and the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." These were distributed, and on Jan. 10, 1907, afternoon meetings were commenced in a small room in the Caledonian Hall. The attendance increased, and on April 30 a removal was made to 150 Worcester Street, where the meetings were held in the evening. In October of the same year a society was again formed, with a membership of nineteen.
The first Sunday service was held Oct. 13, 1907, in the Orange Hall, thirty people being present. The apartment used for week-night meetings was not then available for the Sunday service, but in April, 1908, the Scientists were allowed full possession. Much unselfish devotion was manifested by the members in overcoming difficulties and inconveniences that soon arose. The society had to vacate these premises, and much difficulty was experienced in finding suitable quarters, as there was prejudice against Christian Science, owing to the fact that many years before, the city had been flooded by a false teaching which was interwoven with Christian Science statements.
