IT was about the year 1887 that several citizens of Burlington who had been away from home in search of health were healed through Christian Science treatment. Returning home they told of their experiences, and soon others were interested and procured copies of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. It is worthy of mention that even thus early some were healed by reading this book with an earnest desire to know the truth.
A year later, through a student who had received class teaching in Christian Science, a teacher was invited to come to Burlington and give a talk on the subject. The talk resulted in a class in Christian Science being formed, and twelve people received instruction. Meetings were held from house to house until 1892, when a second class was taught, after which meetings were held in a private house on each Sunday morning for the study of the Bible and Science and Health. By 1893 the number had so increased that a room was rented in the Masonic Temple, and soon the growth was such as to necessitate the addition of an adjoining room. The following year the little band organized as a church with thirty-five members, and two months later leased larger quarters in the same building.
On Oct. 5, 1895, in accordance with Article XXIII, Section 2, of the Manual of The Mother Church in Boston, Mass., the formal title of First Church of Christ, Scientist, was adopted. The organization manifested continuous progress and it became necessary in 1899 to engage new quarters in the Klein Building. A reading-room was furnished and a building fund was started, and at a meeting held on Jan. 1, 1901, it was voted to purchase a lot on Columbia street, adjoining the Public Library, which was done the following day.
