In May, 1913, a few adherents of Christian Science from Hamburg, Wandsbeck, and Altona assembled themselves "with one accord" to hold their first service. The attendance at the German service was sixteen and at the English service four persons. Love to God, newly revealed as Truth, as well as gratitude for healings and other blessings received, had awakened in them a keen desire for activity, in full obedience to the rules set forth by our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and in closest connection with The Mother Church. Through a practitioner taking up residence at Hamburg they were given the desired assistance and support.
In the autumn of that year the number of adherents had considerably increased, so that it was found necessary to take a second and later a third room in addition to the one already used for the Sunday services and the Wednesday evening meetings. When after a while these extended premises became insufficient, apparently with divine assistance a suitable hall was found at the Curiohaus, Rothenbaumchaussee 15, and on Sept. 7, 1913, the first service was held there. The hall accommodated two hundred people, has very good acoustics, and affords to the adherents of Christian Science a dignified meeting place.
On Monday, Sept. 15, 1913, at Wandsbecker Chaussee 46, a meeting took place of those Scientists who entertained the earnest desire to become members of an organization, fill offices, and support and represent the movement and church in every way and under all circumstances and conditions. Ten persons were present at this meeting. It was at this time, too, that the reading-room was first opened. In October, 1914, a librarian was engaged, and from that moment dates the systematic conduct of the reading-room affairs. On an average the reading-room is visited by eighty persons monthly. The adherents of Christian Science recognized more and more clearly the blessing and usefulness of this institution, and in an increasing measure availed themselves of the quiet of this oasis of peace for mental work and inward rest.
