It is not the purpose of this history to recite all the details of our beginning, progress, and attainments, but rather to refer briefly to the most prominent factors which have made it possible for us to dedicate our church to-day [May 4, 1919], with our burden of debt lifted, owing nothing but love and gratitude to God the great giver of all good, to Christ Jesus the Way-shower, to the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, and to our fellow men.
When this church was organized, its sixty-five charter members had just helped to complete payment for the edifice of First Church of Christ. Scientist, on Kingshighway and Westminster Place, and had hoped to consider that building as their church home for at least a short time; but First Church soon outgrew its seating capacity, and it was deemed wise to establish a church in South St. Louis, where it was much needed. Those members residing south of Chouteau Avenue were requested to organize a church in that locality. They lovingly complied, and on May 21, 1906. formed an organization to be known as Third Church of Christ. Scientist, and secured the Jewish Temple at Flad and Spring Avenues for their church services. The church was duly incorporated under the laws of Missouri on July 30, 1906.
The next step was to select a suitable location on the South Side for a reading room, and rooms were secured at 2239 A South Grand Avenue. These rooms also served as the first meeting place of our Sunday school, which held its initial session September 30, 1906, twenty-one children being enrolled at that time. It was not long before the Sunday school grew to such proportions that larger quarters were secured in the Strass-berger Conservatory Building. Our first lecture was delivered in this building, January 26, 1907.
