One of the most helpful among the early Christian Scientists was Miss Julia S. Bartlett. Her service, also, continued for a long time. She was an active Christian Scientist for forty-four years—from 1880 to 1924.
Mary Baker Eddy discovered Christian Science in 1866. She issued her first book on this subject in 1875. She founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1879. Miss Bartlett became interested in Christian Science in April of 1880; she studied this subject with Mrs. Eddy in October of the same year; she began her active service at that time.
Julia S. Bartlett was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1842. One of her father's ancestors came to America from England in 1632, and was one of the colonists who settled Hartford. Her mother's family name was Allen. Her father passed on when Julia was thirteen years old; her mother followed him three years later; which changes left her as the eldest of six children. The obligations that devolved upon a girl of sixteen as the eldest of six orphans not only advanced her maturity but also developed her motherly qualities.
