THE Annual Meeting of The Mother Church was held in the church edifice on June 4. The audience, which filled the original edifice of The Mother Church and the Extension, included members from far distant parts of the world. The addresses of the retiring President and her successor and the reports dealing with the various activities of the church, containing information of great interest to the members, were listened to with rapt attention. Profound loyalty to Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and the Leader of the Christian Science movement, was markedly in evidence, and deep gratitude was felt for the progress reported and for the unity which is being manifested throughout the entire movement today.
After the singing of hymn 196, "Shepherd, show me how to go," written by Mary Baker Eddy, the retiring President, Mrs. Ella W. Hoag, C. S. D., of Boston, Massachusetts, read from the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures":
Bible:
Ezekiel 43:5;
47:1-5, 8, 9 (to colon);
Revelation 22:1-7, 10.
Science and Health:
Pages 585:16-19;
593:20-22;
98:4-7, 15-21, 31-2;
99:9-12, 23-29.
Following a period of silent prayer and the repetition of the Lord's Prayer, the congregation united in singing hymn 65, "City of God, how broad and far." The names of the officers of The Mother Church for the ensuing year were next announced as follows:
President, Dr. Frank C. Colby, C. S., of Boston, Massachusetts; Clerk, Ezra W. Palmer, C. S. B., of Brookline, Massachusetts; Treasurer, Edward L. Ripley, C. S., of Brookline, Massachusetts.
The retiring President, , then made the following introductory remarks:
Dear Fellow-Members:
As the result of the far-seeing wisdom of our loving Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, and in obedience to the By-Law in our Manual, we are today assembled in Annual Meeting. With each passing year our faith in the power of Christian Science to solve all problems and to meet and master every difficulty becomes stronger. For every member of The Mother Church the past twelve months have been filled with opportunities to learn to know God better, to live and labor more unselfishly for the good of our neighbor, and to promote more intelligently the welfare of our beloved Cause; no one of us but has seen many an error proved unreal through a growing realization of the omnipotence and omnipresence of good; we have had many a testing of our armor, and have discovered and remedied many a weak point. As a consequence, we are more fully equipped to go forward with greater courage and assurance, knowing that since all things are possible to God, it is our holy privilege to reflect with ever increasing ability His perfect power for good.
Daily we are realizing more fully the truth of our Leader's statement in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 224), "The world feels the alterative effect of truth through every pore." As invincible Truth thus goes forward, we see the claims of error yielding in every direction; and with our hearts and hopes strengthened, we lift our voices in joyous thanksgiving, and press on to the goal of our endeavor—the triumph over all evil! Our precious Leader's inspired words in Science and Health (p. 565) epitomize this. There she says, "After the stars sang together and all was primeval harmony, the material lie made war upon the spiritual idea; but this only impelled the idea to rise to the zenith of demonstration, destroying sin, sickness, and death, and to be caught up unto God,—to be found in its divine Principle."
Our God, divine Principle, is supreme, and we must and shall progress in our humble, obedient, active reflection of Him! Thus shall the purifying waters of Truth and Love sweep away every vestige of material sense with all its lying testimony, and reveal God's kingdom come on earth "as it is in heaven"!
The incoming President, , then delivered the following address:
Dear Friends:
When our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, through her tireless study of the Bible, discovered the fact that "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 468), and that Mind, and Spirit, and Principle are synonymous terms, she was enabled to establish her church on a spiritual foundation. Hence she has given the true concept of Church, which she defines in part on page 583 of Science and Health thus: "Church. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."
When we gain this concept of Church, it is easy for us to understand why "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it;" that is, why no human machinations or inventions can hinder its activities or progress. Its growth and expansion are simply the revelation to human consciousness of that which is already an established fact in divine Mind.
On page 35 of Science and Health our Leader has told us that "we can unite with this church only as we are new-born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love,—casting out error and healing the sick." This shows that we must be spiritually-minded to grasp or express that which is spiritual.
Our Christian Science churches are oases in the desert of mortal mind where those interested in Christian Science may gather to learn more of the real Church, and of "practical, operative Christian Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 207) in human affairs.
To aid us in doing this our Leader has established The Mother Church, to enfold and protect its every-member according to the Rules and ByLaws of our Church Manual; also the Publishing Society, to publish and send out authorized literature to guide and encourage the students of Christian Science.
Mrs. Eddy tells us on page 95 of Science and Health that "lulled by stupefying illusions, the world is asleep in the cradle of infancy, dreaming away the hours;" also, on page 570, "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink."
The function of our literature, very largely, is to awaken those who are lulled to sleep, and to prepare the thought of those "millions of unprejudiced minds" for the right understanding of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings, which will unfold to them that spiritual state of consciousness where they may gain a truer concept of the Christ. That concept which healed the sick and sinning and raised the dead over nineteen hundred years ago is doing the same thing to-day when it is clearly seen and understood.
It is well for us all as working Christian Scientists to remember that Mrs. Eddy discovered the divine Principle and law of Jesus' teachings. She has made it clear in her several books how to understand that divine Principle, and the way to utilize that divine law, thereby enabling us to ascend above the mists of material beliefs and to see God's creation as it really is.
It took Jesus thirty-three years to free himself from material bonds, when he could say, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." It took Enoch three hundred and sixty-five years to reach that spiritual state where it is recorded of him that he "walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."
Here are two evidences of the fact that it is possible to ascend above all materiality. In one case it took thirty-three years, and in the other it took three hundred and sixty-five years. The question is, How long is it going to take us? Each must sometime make this demonstration! Therefore, let us make a fresh start to-day and be more consecrated to God, more earnest in the study of our textbooks and our Lesson-Sermons, and more loyal to our organization, which is helping not only its members, but all mankind, to break the bonds of materiality and to gain that sense of freedom which is man's divine inheritance.
It should be not only our duty but our pleasure to support all those in authority in their righteous endeavors, knowing that it is their motive so to manage the different departments of our organization and our publications that they may accomplish all that was designed for them by our Leader.
If we never let indolence, strife, selfish or mad ambition separate us from our church and its activities, we shall never cease to be loyal to our Leader; we shall never have our vision darkened; nor shall we be separated from divine Principle, which charts the true road to holiness—heaven. Thus shall we become worthy members of the Church Triumphant.
Treasurer's Report for Year Ended April 30, 1928, as Read by Edward L. Ripley, Treasurer
THE MOTHER CHURCH
General Fund. Balance on hand April 30, 1927, $225,736.07; receipts during year ended April 30, 1928, $1,695,045.25; expenditures, $1,756,707.71; balance on hand April 30, 1928, $164,073.61.
Trust Funds. Balance on hand April 30, 1927, $554,461.62; receipts during year ended April 30, 1928, $793,857.78; expenditures, $726,825.71; balance on hand April 30, 1928, $621,493.69.
Expenditures during the year included advances as follows: To The Christian Science Benevolent Association, $200,000; The Christian Science Pleasant View Home, $321,000; the Shawmut Realty Trust,—formerly the Shawmut Real Estate Trust,— $490,000; flood relief in the Mississippi Valley, $150,000.
The indebtedness of The Mother Church at the close of the year consisted of the following items:
For the property acquired in the vicinity of The Mother Church, $2,705,000; for land purchased for the sanatorium of the Christian Science Benevolent Association for the Pacific Coast, $141,000; total indebtedness, $2,846,000.
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
The Trustees of The Christian Science Benevolent Association submit the following financial report:
Current Fund. Balance on hand April 30, 1927, $8,689.34; receipts during year ended April 30, 1928, $618,183.70; expenditures, $616,911.78; balance on hand April 30, 1928, $9,961.26.
Trust Funds (Formerly reported as Permanent Funds). Balance on hand April 30, 1927, $102,474.04; receipts during year ended April 30, 1928, $5,896.92; expenditures, $8,631.19; balance on hand April 30, 1928, $99,739.77.
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PLEASANT VIEW HOME
The Trustees of The Christian Science Pleasant View Home submit the following financial report:
Current Fund. Balance on hand April 30, 1927, $14,012.23; receipts during year ended April 30, 1928, $762,645.83; expenditures, $744,332.96; balance on hand April 30, 1928, $32,325.10.
Trust Funds. Receipts during year ended April 30, 1928, $125,219.50; expenditures, $1,537.87; balance on hand April 30, 1928, $123,681.63.
Auditor's Report
I have audited the accounts of The Christian Science Board of Directors and the Treasurer of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and certify that the balances on hand, April 30, 1928, were: General Fund, $164,073.61; Trust Funds, $621,493.69.
I also certify to the correctness of the following balances on hand, April 30, 1928: The Christian Science Benevolent Association: Current Fund, $9,961.26; Trust Funds, $99,739.77; The Christian Science Pleasant View Home: Current Fund, $32,325.10; Trust Funds, $123,681.63.
(Signed)
Statement from the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy, as Read by Henry A. T. Dow, Corresponding Secretary for the Trustees
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science and the Founder of this world-wide religious movement, made provision for the continuance of her work for all mankind by establishing a trust fund to be used for the "purpose of more effectually promoting and extending the religion of Christian Science as taught by" her. In carrying out the wishes of our beloved Leader, during the year ended May 31, 1928, the Trustees under her will have expended $346,254.25.
The sum of $45,807.63 was given to the 1290 branches of The Mother Church who appointed committees for the free distribution of all Christian Science literature, and whose reports showed that they were entitled to aid in this work.
The sum of $31,617.78 was used to assist branch churches and societies when giving their first lectures; to aid Christian Science organizations at universities and colleges when giving annual lectures; and to equalize the lecture costs to all churches and societies in the world by paying a part of the traveling expenses of lecturers who are called to distant fields.
The sum of $12,508.94 was spent for copies of Science and Health and other authorized literature of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, which were placed in prisons and in public libraries located where there are no recognized branch churches or societies; for the establishment and maintenance of Christian Science lending libraries; and for making our literature available to the blind. Nearly all of the United States Consulates in foreign countries have been provided with copies of The Christian Science Monitor.
The sum of $210,134.60 was paid to seventy-three Churches of Christ, Scientist, to assist them in the erection, purchase, and remodeling of buildings to be used exclusively for church purposes.
The sum of $46,185.30 was appropriated for improving the lighting system, installing amplifiers, and rebuilding the organ in the extension of The Mother Church edifice.
In order to protect her teaching from plagiarism and to safeguardit for the benefit of mankind, Mrs. Eddy copyrighted the books she published. The value of the copyrights constitutes a large part of the trust fund, and the major part of the income is derived from the sale of the books. From time to time new bindings and combinations of titles, also translations, have been published. Announcement is now made that "Rudimental Divine Science" and "No and Yes" have been translated into the Danish, Dutch, German, Norwegian, and Swedish languages, and the French translation of these writings issued in 1918 has been revised. The Trustees have authorized the publication of these titles combined in one volume, each volume to contain the English and its translation on alternate pages. Announcement of the issuance of the books will be made shortly in the periodicals.
Report of Committee on Publication, as Read by Judge Clifford P. Smith, Manager of Committees on Publication
For the Committees on Publication (who could be aptly described as Committees on Public Relations), the past year has differed from other years only in furnishing different occasions for the exercise of discernment, patience, and wisdom.
The relations between Christian Scientists and other religionists continue to improve. Not only does the teaching and practice of our religion continue to earn and receive an increasing degree of appreciation from all people, but discussion of union between certain denominations has given to many sectarians a truer view of what is essential to religious values. There is to be observed, however, a development contrary to all spiritual interests in the disposition of more than a few people in educational positions to abandon the worship of God and inculcate the worship of material science. The one man in all history who was most truly religious and most truly scientific, Jesus the Christ, declared that "the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth." And the Discoverer of his Science, Mary Baker Eddy, has consistently said (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 152), "The restoration of pure Christianity rests solely on spiritual understanding, spiritual worship, spiritual power."
Former members of our church continue to furnish persistent occasions for the exercise by genuine Christian Scientists of such faculties as alertness, fidelity, and protection of thought. No one withdraws from The Mother Church for a good reason, and the methods of opposition employed by some of those who have withdrawn appear to have approached the last extreme of aggression and self-will. At the present time, therefore, as at certain other times in the history of our church, every loyal member ought to watch and work to protect himself, as well as the interests of Christian Science, from aggressive and deceptive attempts to produce erroneous and harmful impressions on human thought. In this connection, our Leader has said (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 119): "Each individual is responsible for himself. Evil is impotent to turn the righteous man from his uprightness."
As touching the relations between Christian Scientists and the medical profession, several items are noteworthy. For one thing, this profession, at least in the United States, is now opposing instead of advocating what is called "State medicine." Perhaps this change can be fairly described by saying that the advantages of private practice are now regarded as preferable to the possibility of getting official positions for the larger part of the medical profession.
At the same time, in this country and in every country, innumerable proposals are continually pressed upon legislative bodies for the enactment of laws and regulations which would result in compulsory medication; that is, laws and regulations which would, directly or indirectly, compel people to employ members of the medical profession whether they choose to do this or not. Adults having certain diseases and children in public schools are the subjects most frequently mentioned in bills of this sort, but the evident objective for all such efforts is compulsory medication which would become universal. Fortunately for everybody, more than a few prominent physicians are opposed to such legislation.
In the field of legislation, the item of greatest interest to Christian Scientists during the past year was the enactment by the British Parliament of the Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1927. As the bill for this law was introduced, it required every nursing home in England and Wales to be under the charge of a qualified medical practitioner or a medically trained nurse resident in the home. At the request of Christian Scientists, this bill was amended so that "the Minister of Health may grant exemption from the operation of this Act in respect of any nursing home, as respects which he is satisfied that it is being or will be carried on in accordance with the practice and principles of the body known as the Church of Christ, Scientist." At his request or suggestion, The Christian Science Board of Directors has appointed a committee of three Christian Scientists to cooperate with the Minister of Health under this section of the Nursing Homes Registration Act.
During the debate in the British House of Commons on the bill just mentioned, the Minister of Health (Mr. Neville Chamberlain) made the following statement, "Christian Science is not carried on as medical treatment; it is not a species of quackery which pretends to be something it is not." A Member of Parliament who is a physician (Dr. V. Davies) also spoke as follows: "If a certain section of people in this country believe that the principles of Christian Science are such that they can get a better effect from them than from the ordinary medical and surgical skill that is available, they have a perfect right to hold and act upon that view."
The legal rights of Christian Scientists need to be clearly comprehended, and the relative importance thereof needs to be clearly understood. Our most important right is the right to practice our religion. Like it, and almost equally important, is the right to depend on the practice of our religion. Of secondary importance is the right to be free from requirements of all kinds in the supposed interest of public health which are objectionable and unnecessary. It is to be observed that a requirement or proposed requirement in the supposed interest of public health may call for patience on our part with what we regard as unnecessary. In other words, such a requirement may call for an application of the Golden Rule. Naturally, our fulfillment of this obligation will help, in more than one way, to maintain our legal rights.
It is a pleasure to add the following appreciations quoted from the pages of public print:
Ralph Stearns, an author of special articles for newspapers, in the Portland Oregonian: "Whether one agrees with what Mrs. Eddy sought to teach, history shows she has had a greater influence on the thought of the world than any man or woman in centuries. . . . Her influence has been for good and has penetrated to every part of the inhabited globe."
The Rev. Dr. W. R. Polhamus, of Columbus, Ohio, as reported in the Columbus Dispatch: "I am not a Christian Scientist, but Christian Science has made one contribution, one of the most important in the last hundred years of Christianity, in emphasizing that God's will is health and happiness and everything that is for the welfare of the individual."
The Rt. Rev. William Temple. Bishop of Manchester, in his book entitled "Essays in Christian Politics": "There is no doubt that we have in the Church neglected the connection that does exist between faith and health, and it is largely because of that that Christian Science, for example, has been able to gain so many adherents; for the practice of Christian Science has brought incalculable benefit to many people."
Prof. Gerald Birney Smith, of the University of Chicago, in his book entitled "Current Christian Thinking": "Christian Science is really a thorough-going elaboration of the doctrine of divine immanence, with practical application to the problem of getting rid of the ills which afflict man's life. . . . The religious possibilities of immanentist philosophy are strikingly disclosed in the wide appeal which Christian Science has had. Thousands of people who had had only a vague and formal conception of God, as they had learned about Him in the older theology, have discovered in Christian Science that God is immediately accessible, that He is in fact more real than the material world which absorbs our primary attention. The theological interpretation of the one world in which we live shows that when we think truly, we find that the 'world' has ceased to be a barrier between us and God. It vanishes before the idealistic, theological interpretation which affirms the sole creative activity of God."
Report of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship for the Year Ended April 30, 1928, as Read by William W. Porter, Chairman
Grateful acknowledgment is made to the branch churches and societies of The Mother Church for their increasing interest, support, and deeper appreciation of the lecture work.
During the twelve months since our last annual report, the members of the Board of Lectureship delivered 3626 lectures, with a total estimated attendance of 2,865,051 persons. In the United States and Canada 3239 lectures were given, 31 of which were under the auspices of Christian Science organizations in universities and colleges. In countries other than the United States and Canada, lectures to the number of 387 were delivered.
In Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam and The Hague, Holland; Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden, lectures delivered in English were read in translation in Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish, respectively, immediately after the delivery of the lecture by the lecturer.
Numerous instances of healing are reported as a result of the lectures. A woman totally deaf in one ear from childhood was healed during the course of a radiocast lecture. She was lying upon a couch with her left ear buried deep in a sofa cushion, when she suddenly realized that she was listening to and hearing a Christian Science radiocast lecture with the ear which had been unhearing from childhood. Another woman was present at a lecture. She had been suffering from a film growing over one eye, and also from hatred toward a neighbor who owed her a sum of money. During the lecture she was healed of the hatred, and the next morning the film over the eye was gone; and shortly thereafter the neighbor who had owed her the sum of money appeared at her door and paid the indebtedness. Reports of healing at the lectures include that of a woman healed of a so-called infectious disease, a man healed of double hernia, a woman healed of tuberculosis, a man healed of total deafness in one ear, a man healed of rheumatism, a woman healed of blindness.
During the past year the members of the Board of Lectureship have traveled well over the civilized globe. The Cause of Christian Science is going forward unimpeded in growth and in demonstration of healing power. The public interest in the subject of Christian Science, as witnessed by attendance upon the Christian Science lectures, is not only unabated, but constantly increasing. In one German city the audience at a Christian Science lecture numbered forty-five hundred persons.
The members of the Board of Lectureship are grateful to The Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother Church for their loving counsel and the unceasing watchfulness which is exercised to insure the right expression of Christian Science from the lecture platform. To-day the scientific, religious, political, industrial, and medical thought of the world is beginning to acknowledge the healing forces which are found in spiritual truth and good. Not long ago a well-known British physician, in addressing his professional associates, stated substantially that every one of them had had in his professional experience instances of healing where the healing had taken place entirely apart from anything that he had done, or knew, or expected; and he further stated that they must be prepared in their professional work to take advantage of the forces found in spiritual things.
Observing the ways of evil and human ambition, who can doubt that were it not for the safeguarding and protecting influence of The Mother Church the world might be confronted to-day with as many different systems calling themselves Christian Science as there would be human opinions of what it is. The Mother Church is not a mere abstraction; it is more than a formal name. It is a pure transparency through which Christian Science is seen healing the sick and uplifting the race. Look long at The Mother Church and you will see "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (Science and Health, p. 583) actually building in the consciousness of men.
Jesus said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up;" and again, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Our revered Leader, pondering these words of Jesus, writes in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 247), "Put on the robes of Christ, and you will be lifted up and will draw all men unto you." Look long at The Mother Church and you may see something of that which inspired and lifted our revered Leader above earth's tempestuous seas—the Rock, Christ, the spiritual idea of Life and Love healing the sick and lifting up the Son of man.
Report of The Christian Science Publishing Society, as Read by Charles E. Heitman, Manager
The Trustees are able to report a year of unprecedented prosperity and growth in every department of The Christian Science Publishing Society. For this, deep thanks must be rendered to the members of our movement throughout the world whose love of Christian Science and gratitude to Mrs. Eddy have resulted in whole-hearted support of the growing activities of the Publishing Society. All the periodicals show an increase in circulation, resulting in broader expression of that spiritual enlightenment for which purpose they were established.
In the Journal and Sentinel Editorial Department the desire of Christian Scientists to share with the field the "fruits of the Spirit" has had fuller manifestation than ever, as evidenced by an increase in the number of articles contributed and also an improvement in their quality. The testimonies of healing have likewise increased in volume; and in them the power of divine Love to destroy every claim of evil is so clearly set forth that none who are ready to accept the evidence can longer doubt or deny that Christian Science heals both sin and disease of every type and form. Accordingly the Editors take this opportunity to express their profound gratitude to all who through the columns of the Journal, Sentinel, and Heralds have so lovingly made it possible for others to partake of their blessings.
The Christian Science periodicals are making their way to the uttermost parts of the earth, wherever, in fact, mankind is struggling to rise out of the darkness of ignorance and superstition into the light of spiritual understanding.
The list of Christian Science literature has been extended to include a Danish Quarterly and pamphlets in Polish and the Urdu language of India, while the translations of the religious articles on the Home Forum page of The Christian Science Monitor, now appearing in twelve languages, are helping to meet the need for Christian Science literature. We are glad to report that a German and a French translation of the important pamphlet, "Permanency of The Mother Church," will soon be available. Translations into other languages are also being prepared.
The Monitor is now being sent to practically every country in the world, even to the small islands of the Pacific, at some of which boats stop only three times a year; and within the past twelve months Siberia has been added to our mailing schedule. In many instances where the Monitor has blazed the way, the Journal and Sentinel have quickly followed.
The progress of The Christian Science Monitor along all lines has been remarkable during the past year. Production costs have been substantially reduced, and for the first time in the history of the paper it has assumed for a twelve months' period its proper share of all the expenses of the Publishing Society. The average daily circulation for the six months ended March 28, 1928, was 114,337, a daily increase of 6855 over the corresponding period for 1927; while the average circulation for the last two months has been approximately 120,000.
The results of the Circulation Service Bureaus, which have been established in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, have proved them to be a successful method of handling circulation activities, and the plan has recently been extended to the territory covered by the European Bureau, where it promises to be equally beneficial.
The advertising service rendered by the Monitor has increased greatly during the past twelve months, until now the volume of business is the largest since the paper was founded in 1908. The growth of advertising in countries outside of the United States has been particularly gratifying. New branch offices have been established in St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida; and Berlin, Germany. Apart from its purely business aspect the Advertising Department continues to hear of many healings of physical illness, business difficulties, and other inharmonious conditions, which have followed first acquaintance with Christian Science through the advertising columns of our daily paper.
Under the editorship and supervision of The Christian Science Monitor Editorial Board, as appointed by The Christian Science Board of Directors, the Monitor continues to maintain its leadership as a champion of prohibition enforcement in the United States, and to uphold its position as the unswerving advocate of world peace and friendly relations among all nations. The paper has been worthily represented at all national and international meetings for the furtherance of progressive movements. Two gratifying instances of recognition of the quality of Monitor news are evidenced in the award of first prize for a special article on the International Press Exhibition, now being held at Cologne, Germany, and in the award of another first prize for the best report of the presentation of the medal to Mrs. Lindbergh at the National Education Association Convention in Boston, last March.
More than ever does the Monitor justify Mrs. Eddy's appeal set forth in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 353), that it be subscribed for and read by "every Christian Scientist, and as many others as possible."
Report of The Christian Science Benevolent Association, as Read by Miss Mary G. Ewing, Chairman
The year just ended has made many demands upon The Christian Science Benevolent Association, and the Trustees are happy to be able to report a normal growth and a wholesome condition in its general affairs and in the healing work conducted at the sanatorium.
With the spread of intelligent interest in Christian Science and the consequent better understanding of its teaching and its aims, we are able to hold a higher standard in all our departments and to provide better conditions for guests and associates alike.
Following upon the rather extensive building program of last year, a new roadway with easier and safer grade and with no sharp turns has been constructed from Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, to the main building, entering at Wright's Hill West instead of at the opposite end of our property.
While time and thought have been given to practical details, the Trustees have been ever mindful of the moral and spiritual welfare of the institution and its beneficiaries. Their earnest effort has been to eliminate conditions which offered opportunity for the arguments of error and to offer to those who come to the sanatorium seeking health that "rightful nutriment" which our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 365) is needed by "the poor suffering heart"—"peace, patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear Father's loving-kindness."
We take this opportunity to express our appreciation of the loving and untiring services of all our coworkers, and to thank The Christian Science Board of Lectureship for the helpful and inspiring lectures donated by its members. We acknowledge gratefully the loyal support in thought and deed and the generous gifts of money from the field, of which the Benevolent Association has been the recipient. Through the continuance of this whole-hearted support by the members of The Mother Church it is possible for us to meet the demands of our Cause for what Mrs. Eddy has termed (Christian Science Sentinel, October 7, 1916) "a wider circle of means for the ends of philanthropy and charity, and better qualifications for practical purposes."
We trust that what has been accomplished in the past at the sanatorium of The Christian Science Benevolent Association is but opening the way for more perfect and abundant proof of the quick and permanent healing of human ills through the intelligent and faithful application of Christian Science.
Report of the Trustees of The Christian Science Pleasant View Home, as Read by George L. Sleeper, Trustee
Since the last report of The Christian Science Pleasant View Home the main building, garage, service yard, Manager's cottage, and dairy building have been completed. There remain yet the building of fences and considerable work on roads and grounds.
The Home and grounds were opened for inspection June 1 of last year, and since then there have been about 13,500 visitors. During the past year six Christian Science lectures were contributed by members of the Board of Lectureship, and several entertainments have been furnished by outside talent. Services have been held in the Home each Sunday and Wednesday evening. All the residents who desire are provided transportation to the services of First Church of Christ, Scientist, at Concord.
The Home was opened for residents on July 15, and applicants have been accepted from various localities throughout the field. The loving interest of the Christian Scientists of the world has been marked, and they have evinced their desire to support the Home by making most generous contributions. The Trustees at this time, therefore, desire to thank the field for its loving support and contributions. As the Home has no substantial endowment, continuous subscriptions from the field are necessary for its support.
While the Trustees have given thought and care to the buildings, grounds, and furnishings, they have not been unmindful of the primary purpose of the Home, namely, to provide a home where the residents have opportunity to work and study on a Christian Science basis for the purpose of gaining their freedom physically, mentally, and spiritually, in greater measure than they were apparently able to do in their former environment. That the Home is accomplishing these results is evident. Many of the residents of the Home have improved in health, have overcome worry and anxiety, to a marked degree, and have gained in spiritual vision. The residents frequently express themselves as being happy and harmonious, and as gaining new and clearer views of God and man.
The efforts of the Trustees in providing this happy environment for our friends who are residents have been ably assisted through the self-sacrificing labors of our associates who are charged with the immediate duty of conducting the Home. These associates have been earnest, sincere, and helpful in their work, and compassionate and considerate in their relations with the residents.
Report of the Christian Science Trustees for Gifts and Endowments, as Read by Torrance Parker, Chairman
The Christian Science Trustees for Gifts and Endowments have completed their second year of steady and harmonious growth and development with a feeling of profound gratitude to the Giver of every good and every perfect gift. They have been engaged in conserving and investing the property which has been placed in their hands, receiving and establishing new trusts, studying investments and, in general, laying foundations which will be permanent and adequate for whatever is to come. That the creation of this Board of Trustees by The Christian Science Board of Directors, under authority vested in them by the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, was an act of wisdom designed to meet a specific need, and that the Board of Trustees is meeting that need, is shown by the fact that a steadily growing number of the members of this church are availing themselves of the services offered.
This Trusteeship now holds, under revocable deeds of trust from various members of our church, securities and real estate to a substantial amount. The greater portion is invested in securities. They have real estate, however, in California, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The donors are from widely separated sections of the field, even from across the seas. An incidental effect which has resulted from these widespread activities has been the erasure of prejudice and the establishment of friendships which should always come from business relations with Christian Scientists. Cordial dealings have been had with many banks and other corporations, and a Probate Court at some distance has appointed this Board as Trustee of a substantial estate in substitution for a local trust company, which willingly agreed to the substitution.
The Trustees still find, however, that there are many of our church members who do not know about this activity of The Mother Church, and they state therefore that they are prepared to act as Trustees under wills and by deeds of trust for the convenience of Christian Scientists; that they receive property in the form of securities or real estate, hold and conserve the same, pay the net income to the donor, or to anyone the donor may designate, and eventually turn the property over to The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, to be used as may be determined by the Board of Directors of this church, for the purpose of "promoting and extending the religion of Christian Science as taught by" Mary Baker Eddy.
The Trustees cannot close this brief report without again expressing appreciation of the cooperation and assistance received from The Christian Science Board of Directors and realization of the consecrated service and faithful oversight they are giving to the Cause.
Report of the Clerk of The Mother Church, as Read by Ezra W. Palmer Clerk
The members of The Mother Church to-day are deeply grateful to God for innumerable blessings poured out upon us since last we met in Annual Meeting.
Because God has guided, The Mother Church reports progress and prosperity in all its manifold activities during the past year. In ever increasing degree The Mother Church is reflecting, not the church militant, but the Church Triumphant. Through the understanding of the exact Science of Mind taught by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Scientists learn of the perfection and power of God, and of man, His perfect likeness. Applying these truths to human affairs, they are enabled to combat and destroy the false belief of life and intelligence in matter as manifested in sin, disease, and death. When evil beliefs are cast out of consciousness, and God's ideas, the angels of His presence, minister unto us, then indeed we behold as an ever present reality the vision of the Church Triumphant.
You have already heard reports from various departments of The Mother Church, which show the growth and activity of The Mother Church and its branches. But the leaven of Christian Science is not confined to The Mother Church and its far-flung branches. The omnipotent truths taught in our Leader's writings, expounding and demonstrating the teachings of Christ Jesus, are uplifting and purifying the thought of all mankind. Men are hungering for righteousness, and Christian Science is satisfying that hunger, permeating science, theology, and medicine with the divine essence, even the divine essence or nature of Christ. The Christly method of healing disease is relied on by more people to-day than at any time since the early Christian era.
We extend a loving and heartfelt welcome to the many members who have united with The Mother Church during the past year. May the Mind of Christ, which has led them into the fellowship of The Mother Church, continue with them until they have "fought a good fight" and have won their full freedom as sons of God.
More than twenty years have passed since this edifice was erected. During these years no extensive renovation has been made in the interior of this building. Within the past year, however, complete renovation of the interior was accomplished by means of an effective device invented for the purpose of reaching the walls and dome, whereby during this process the services were conducted without interruption.
A new lighting system has been installed in the auditorium, the corridors, Readers' rooms, and the Sunday School room. The flood lighting system of the dome is considered by electrical engineers as a marked step in advance in church lighting. New lighting fixtures also have been installed which give a softer light and do away with the glare of exposed bulbs. This latter work has not yet been entirely completed, but will be in the near future. New furniture has been placed on the rostrum, new carpets and hangings throughout the auditorium, which add much to the beauty of the interior of the church.
DEPARTMENT OF BRANCHES AND PRACTITIONERS
That The Mother Church is fulfilling its original designation is evidenced year by year in the steady growth in the number of branch churches and in the increased number of Christian Science practitioners who are giving their full time to the healing work.
Ninety-one new churches and societies have been recognized during the past year by The Christian Science Board of Directors, as branches of The Mother Church. Twenty of the new branches are in Europe, and one in Australasia. Fifty-seven Christian Science Societies have applied for and been granted change of title from Society to Church of Christ, Scientist. The Mother Church now has two thousand three hundred forty-four branch churches and societies. There are also thirty-two college and university organizations, formed and conducted under Article XXIII, Section 8, of the Manual of The Mother Church.
Nine hundred and ninety-eight practitioners and one hundred and twenty nurses have been approved during the past year by the Board of Directors for cards in The Christian Science Journal.
As we record these figures showing the growth in the number of branch churches and practitioners, we are reminded that Jesus commanded his followers "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick," and we rejoice in the increased fruits of healing and regeneration through the work of our branch churches and the work of the practitioners.
LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE
It is gratifying to report progress in the work of Literature Distribution Committee of The Mother Church. We are glad to note the growing realization among the committee workers themselves that as the mission of our periodicals is a holy one, work in their behalf is, first of all, metaphysical. It is a pleasure also to record that the distribution activities have kept pace with this progress, so much so that during the year just past 394,529 pieces of literature have been given out. This number includes 62,345 pieces distributed to ships in Boston harbor.
Many packages of literature have been sent at regular intervals to various branch church organizations, including fifty-three sent to distant fields. Many shipments were also made for distribution at lectures. One hundred thirteen copies of Mrs. Eddy's writings were distributed, and in addition, fifty-seven Bibles and a number of Hymnals, Concordances, and copies of "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" by Sibyl Wilbur.
In January, 1927, announcement was made in our periodicals that this Committee would be glad to aid branch organizations in completing files of our periodicals. Two hundred two churches have completed their files with this assistance, and they received from this Committee 27,315 copies of our periodicals.
In addition to these duties, this Committee is now acting as a clearing house by putting those who wish to purchase noncurrent literature for church or individual files in touch with those having it for sale, and our correspondence indicates much appreciation by those who have availed themselves of this opportunity.
Many expressions of gratitude have come to us from those who have been helped through these missionaries, our Christian Science literature, and numerous instances of healing have been reported to us as a result of the distribution activities.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Through consecrated, unselfish love, our Leader established The Mother Church Sunday School. Her thought was ever for the children, as was manifested in many helpful ways, especially in the organizing of The Mother Church Sunday School.
The Manual of The Mother Church provides that the children shall be taught the Scriptures. Today, when in many institutions of learning the Bible is all too apt to be regarded with little sacredness and without regard for its inspired teachings, our pupils in The Mother Church Sunday School from babyhood up to the age of twenty years are being taught the letter and the spirit of the Scriptures, that they may demonstrate the letter and live the spirit.
What could bless our children more than the teaching our Leader has told us to give them? If they learn to love as Jesus loved, they will heal; if they live the truth as taught in the First Lessons, they will have part in establishing the brotherhood of man; and if they learn to pray, they will hear God's voice. With this foundation we can trust God's angels to guide them to a higher understanding. Mrs. Eddy says in "Pulpit and Press" (p. 9), "Ah, children, you are the bulwarks of freedom, the cement of society, the hope of our race!"
Here in our Sunday school our pupils are learning to accept into consciousness Christlike qualities of thought, and to cast out those which never reigned in the consciousness which God bestows. Here we find the spirit of gratitude and tenderness, the spirit of compassion pouring in. The pupils are learning to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, to be good and to expect good, to reverence God and to love man.
Our teachers are showing the pupils that it is because of our Leader and her faithfulness to God that we have our Mother Church Sunday School. Our children will be far less liable to miss the way, stray from her textbook, or desert her organization, if in the Sunday school they learn gratitude for our Leader and her work.
May they always be her followers in thought and deed, that they may reap the reward which God gives to the faithful.
SHAWMUT REALTY TRUST
During the past year the Shawmut Real Estate Trust, which for fourteen years has acted for The Christian Science Board of Directors in acquiring and administering property adjacent to The Mother Church edifice and the Publishing House, has been reorganized. A third trustee has been added, so as to correspond to other Trusts of The Mother Church, and a new Deed of Trust has been executed. The title of practically all the property bounded by Clearway, Dalton, Falmouth, Norway Streets, and Huntington and Massachusetts Avenues, is now in the name of the Shawmut Realty Trust, and comprises four hundred sixty-three apartments and thirty-six stores. During the past year the work on what was formerly Dundee Street, now Clearway Street, has been completed, and about two hundred attractive apartments have been made ready for occupancy. The street has been repaved and the apartments are occupied by many Christian Scientists and other desirable tenants. This improvement has done much toward uplifting the moral tone of this section of the city, and is appreciated by the city officials as well as by property owners in this vicinity. A parcel of land and buildings at the corner of Falmouth and Dalton Streets has been acquired during the past year in order to benefit our church buildings. Our other property has been improved by the installation of new plumbing, heating systems, and electric lighting.
FROM THE DIRECTORS
During the past year the Christian Science Relief Fund has done an extended relief work in the Mississippi River flood district. A committee of experienced Christian Scientists was appointed, with headquarters at Memphis, Tennessee, and its investigations and ministrations covered districts in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, and Tennessee.
This fund has given some assistance in Florida, where additional help was needed by those whose means of livelihood was seriously affected by flood and hurricane.
In November, when New England experienced flood conditions, relief work was begun in Vermont and in Massachusetts in the flooded sections.
Many individuals affected by the tornado in St. Louis, Missouri, last fall, have been helped to reestablish themselves.
Assistance was contributed from the Relief Fund to be disbursed by Christian Science churches in the Santa Clara River Valley following the disaster in the San Francisquito Canyon; and following the flood in North Sacramento recently, aid was sent from this fund upon the request of a committee representing the local Churches of Christ, Scientist.
Some relief work has continued in Austria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Poland, Esthonia, Russia, Jamaica, British West Indies, and in England especially to aid storm sufferers in Lancashire.
Christian Science relief work has continued at Oteen Government Hospital at Asheville, North Carolina, where many United States war veterans have been made acquainted with the teachings of Christian Science, and have experienced its healing benefits.
Two notices relative to the Pacific Coast Sanatorium have recently appeared in our periodicals—one in the Monitor including the architect's drawing, under date of April 26, 1928, and the other in the Sentinel of May 26, 1928.
At this date there is little to be added to these statements, except that the architect has been authorized to complete detailed plans, and we can assure you that there will be no unnecessary delay in taking such steps as must be taken with the end of completion in view.
The field should realize that as it is one of the institutions of The Mother Church it is their institution, and we trust that it will receive the moral and financial support of every member of this great church.
The Pacific Coast Sanatorium has grown out of the demand that other sanatoriums than that at Chestnut Hill, where so much good has been accomplished, be established for the convenience of those who need this care and protection. In due course, though not immediately, others may be built as the demand arises in different sections of the field.
The Christian Science Board of Directors is deeply grateful to the field for its loyal support of the various activities of The Mother Church. We always recall at this time with particular appreciation the consecrated work done in every department of The Mother Church, and we would also impress upon the faithful Christian Science practitioners the world over the great debt of gratitude due them for their tireless, self-sacrificing labors for humanity. No part of our work is more essential to the upbuilding of our Cause and to the unfolding of the spiritual understanding of the great truths of being than the healing of sin and sickness.
At no time in the progress of The Mother Church has there been a greater degree of harmonious cooperation among the departments at headquarters. Visitors often remark that they feel this to be a fact, and some who have been closely connected for many years with the growth of The Mother Church have recently attested the present unity and substantial progress which is being made.
There is evidence on every hand that Christian Scientists, recognizing their obligation to the revelation of Truth which came through their revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, are increasingly mindful that the unbounded debt they owe can be paid only in unselfish prayers and deeds. With this in view, personal differences are being laid aside throughout our great field of labor, and a deepening understanding of the Christ is being manifested in every relationship.
To love and to live the teachings of Christian Science one must exemplify the highest standards of life's relationships. Then, and only then, will come into individual and universal consciousness the wellearned strength and peace which God bestows upon His obedient children.
Reports from the Field
That gratifying progress, loyal cooperation, and support have been manifested by the branches of The Mother Church throughout the world during the past year, is evidenced in the many letters and telegrams received at this season. A number of reports representing jointly the churches and societies in some of the larger cities in this country and abroad, furnish proof of the love and unity of thought and purpose which are being demonstrated by these churches.
The time allotted permitted the reading of only a few of the letters received. (A complete list of churches and societies sending messages for this occasion was printed in The Christian Science Monitor of June 4.) The following, read by Miss Abigail Dyer Thompson, C. S. B., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mr. Orwell Bradley Towne, C. S., of New York City, are characteristic:
Christian Science Society, Shanghai, China.—During the year the necessary procedure has been carried out to transform the society into a branch church. Attendance at our Sunday services is composed mostly of Americans and British, although a number of other nationalities, chiefly Russian, come regularly. Good healing work is going on—healing of disease and sin, of grief, of business and financial troubles, of fear and anxiety.
First Church, Berne, Switzerland, is deeply grateful for blessings. We have now our own church edifice, a simple but harmonious structure, with a beautiful organ. Since we moved into this new building, membership and attendance at services and Sunday school have steadily increased. We were happy to open our church with two lectures in English and German. The latter completely filled both halls. Listeners in the Sunday school room had a perfect rendering of the lecture by means of loud speakers.
Christian Science Society, Cannes, France.—We give thanks for the rich blessings which have come to this field ever since its tiny beginning in December, 1925, when five earnest Christian Scientists met together to read the Lesson-Sermon. In May, 1927, we received the joyful news that we were a recognized branch of The Mother Church.
The first lecture on Christian Science to be given in France, outside Paris, took place at Cannes on March 4 of this year. The hall was filled to overflowing, and great was the joy expressed by all who were privileged to attend.
Christian Science Society, Leningrad, Russia.—This year we have had the joy of welcoming a greater number of students of Christian Science as members of our society. The Literature Distribution Committee has placed The Christian Science Monitor, especially the copies containing the Russian translation of the religious article, contributed by several Churches of Christ, Scientist, in the hands of many readers. Some of our Leader's works have been placed in public libraries by this committee. Much has been done by the free circulating library, which is making the few copies of Christian Science literature which we are permitted to receive, available to as many readers as possible.
Our hearts are full of gratitude for the healing and regeneration brought about through the ministrations of Christian Science in our midst.
The Twelve Churches and Strand Society, London, England, gratefully report progress in every branch of the work, manifested in growing congregations, increased membership, and larger attendances at Reading Rooms and lectures. The numerous testimonies given Wednesday after Wednesday witness to good healing work—physical, mental, and moral, as well as of the problem of unemployment. Many cases of healing have taken place during services, at Reading Rooms and lectures, and in the Sunday schools. The distribution of our literature has also brought its fruitage in cases of healing directly attributable to this activity. Eleventh Church edifice has been dedicated. Sixth and Ninth Churches commenced the building of permanent church homes.
The London field rejoices greatly in the inclusion of the special Exemption Clause in the Nursing Homes Registration Act, by which, for the first time in the history of this country, specific recognition and acknowledgment of the Church of Christ, Scientist, and the teachings and practice of the religion founded by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has appeared in a statute.
Christian Science Society, Cologne, Germany, expresses gratitude for all the blessings which have come to us since our recognition as one of the branches of The Mother Church. With great joy we look forward to the opening of The Christian Science Monitor Pavilion in the Press Exhibition here in Cologne, which will afford us much helpful stimulus for our own distribution of literature.
Joint Report of Thirty-one of the Churches of Greater New York.— The progress throughout this field is evidenced by the reports of individual churches in increased attendance at services, lectures, and in church membership. The location of two of the jointly maintained Reading Rooms has been changed, proving a benefit to mankind through larger space and more opportunities for the study of the Bible and the writings of our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, and the other authorized Christian Science literature. There is continual growth in the attendance of the children in the Christian Science Sunday Schools and a deeper understanding of the healing truth taught. Through the radiocasting of Christian Science lectures and services, benefits are being received by an unseen audience, the fruit of which will be a continuous harvest.
The Twenty-five Churches and Two Christian Science Societies of Los Angeles, California.—Perfect harmony prevails in this field, and loving cooperation characterizes all our activities.
We rejoice in the unfoldment of divine ideas as exemplified in the Christian Science Benevolent Association Sanatorium for Pacific Coast, and pledge our support to its completion.
The Directors of The Mother Church, in behalf of this meeting and The Mother Church and its branches, acknowledge with gratitude and thanksgiving the loving messages from the branch organizations evidencing the steady growth and unity of the Christian Science movement.
New President of The Mother Church
Dr. Frank C. Colby, C, S., of Boston, Massachusetts, President of The Mother Church, is a native of Illinois. He received his education in the public schools of that state and graduated from the Dental Department of Lake Forrest University, Chicago, Illinois, receiving the degree D. D. S. In 1899 he became interested in Christian Science through the healing of his wife of a disease pronounced by the physicians incurable. Dr. Colby became a member of The Mother Church and of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Joliet, Illinois, in 1901. Later he joined Fifth Church, Chicago, Illinois, and in 1905 First Church, Detroit, Michigan, which he served as First Reader and later as director. In 1917 Dr. Colby removed to Boston, where he served for three years as a. member of the Bible Lesson Committee, which prepares the Lesson-Sermons read in all Christian Science services. For nearly twentyfive years Dr. Colby has been actively engaged in Christian Science practice.
Board of Lectureship
The list of those lecturers appointed to serve on the Board of Lectureship during 1928-1929, is as follows:
Gavin W. Allan, C. S. B., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada.
Frank Bell, C. S. B., New York City.
W. Stuart Booth, C. S. B., Denver, Colorado.
Hon. William E. Brown, C. S. B., Los Angeles,
California.
Miss Lucia C. Coulson, C. S., London, England.
John W. Doorly, C. S. B., London, England.
John Randall Dunn, C. S. B., Boston, Massachusetts.
John J. Flinn, C. S. B., Evanston, Illinois.
Miss Margaret Murney Glenn, C. S. B., Boston,
Massachusetts.
Rev. Andrew J. Graham, C. S. B., Boston, Massachusetts.
Paul A. Harsch, C. S. B., Toledo, Ohio.
Salem Andrew Hart, C. S., Cleveland, Ohio.
Prof. Hermann S. Hering, C. S. B., Boston,
Massachusetts.
Charles E. Jarvis, C. S., Los Angeles, California.
Miss Violet Ker-Seymer, C. S., London, England.
Bliss Knapp, C. S. B., Brookline, Massachusetts.
Charles I. Ohrenstein, C. S. B., Syracuse, NewYork.
Mrs. Nelvia E. Ritchie, C. S., Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
Cyrus S. Rogers, C. S., San Francisco, California.
Peter V. Ross, C. S. B., San Francisco, California.
Robert Stanley Ross, C. S., New York City.
James G. Rowell, C. S., Kansas City, Missouri.
John Ellis Sedman, C. S., Cambridge, Massachusetts.
New Member of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship
Mr. Cyrus S. Rogers, C. S., of San Francisco, California, was born in Missouri and received his early education in the public and normal schools of that state. In 1902, when Christian Science was brought to his attention in such a manner as to prove its efficacy as a system of healing, he relinquished his ambition to become a member of the medical profession, and devoted himself to the earnest study of Christian Science. For some time thereafter he was employed in the offices of large business firms, but later removed to the West, where he took up educational work, and he was for five years the principal of a school in San Francisco. In 1908, Mr. Rogers united with First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco, and the following year became a charter member of Third Church in that city. He has served the latter in various offices, including those of director, president, and First Reader. Mr. Rogers has been practicing Christian Science healing for the past thirteen years.
