THE many pictures of Mrs. Eddy portray her external appearance at particular moments during her more than eighty-nine years. These mechanical or skillful records also convey impressions concerning her actual self — her mental and spiritual selfhood, but they do this differently to different people, according to their diverse experiences and perceptions. Evidently, therefore, a description by a capable observer may be more informative than a photograph or portrait.
In May or June of 1888, Miss Emma McLauthlin, an art student, began to attend the services of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, while Mrs. Eddy was its Pastor and occasional preacher. In November of 1888, Miss McLauthlin was a pupil in a class taught by Mrs. Eddy, and at her request Miss McLauthlin sat near Mrs. Eddy, so that she could study her face while she was teaching, preparatory to painting a portrait of her from life. After the class, Miss McLauthlin felt that she needed a greater knowledge of technique before undertaking such a work. Seven or eight years later, Mrs. Eddy told her that the time had passed for a portrait from life. Miss McLauthlin has, however, painted a word picture of Mrs. Eddy, as a preacher and as a teacher, when her age was sixty-seven.
The following is Miss McLauthlin's description of Mrs. Eddy as a preacher. "My first impression of her as she appeared on the platform [of Chickering Hall] was of a slender, graceful figure with great dignity yet modesty of bearing, and having a beautiful face which seemed to radiate love and gentleness. Though her voice was not loud, her enunciation was so distinct that not a word was lost."
