Each year in certain universities and colleges in the United States and England, groups of Christian Scientists come together with the opening of the college sessions in the fall and arrange for their work of the year. It may be that some of their most dependable members of the preceding year are no longer with them, having gone out from the university as alumni, and, although still retaining connection with the organization, are nevertheless separated from the regular functions. But prospective new members stand at the door, having come into the university in the freshman classes.
These organizations are established under a provision made by Mrs. Eddy and incorporated in the Church Manual as Article XXIII, Section 8, entitled "Privilege of Members." Often the Directors of The Mother Church are called upon to answer questions as to the application of this By-Law in the work of the Christian Science organizations. It is held by the Directors that the organizers of such a group must, according to the By-Law, be "members in good standing with The Mother Church," and that the officers of the organization must likewise be members in good standing. But the organization may have other members, who are Christian Scientists, although not yet united to The Mother Church. These, however, are ineligible for office.
The Directors likewise hold that Christian Scientists who are members of a Christian Science organization may, after leaving college, continue as alumni members, and by their support and encouragement help the undergraduates to carry on their work more effectively. The "active members" referred to in the By-Laws are evidently the students, members of the faculty, or instructors of the college. Naturally, "active members" have the vote in respect to the affairs of the organization.
