THE Annual Meeting of The Mother Church convened on Monday, June 7. As usual, the great Church was filled with happy Christian Scientists from this and other lands. The reports of the Church officers were listened to with earnestness and obvious enthusiasm. A summary of the proceedings of the meeting follows.
The opening hymn was No. 300, "Saw ye my Saviour?" The words of this hymn were written by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. The retiring President, Mrs. Helen Chaffee Elwell, then read the following passages from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy:
The Bible
Deut. 6:4, 5, 20, 21
John 8:1, 2, 12, 26, 30-32
Science and Health
Pref. vii:1-2, 13-15 Truth
224:28 (only)
225:2, 8-11, 14-16
226:5-17
After a few moments of silent prayer followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer, the congregation joined in singing Hymn No. 312, "Soldiers of Christ, arise."
Mrs. Elwell then announced the new officers of The Mother Church, namely: President, Harry C. Browne, of Boston, Massachusetts; Treasurer, Roy Garrett Watson, of Brookline, Massachusetts; Clerk, Gordon V. Comer, of Boston, Massachusetts.
The retiring President, Mrs. Elwell, then spoke as follows:
Beloved Members of The Mother Church:
The Annual Meeting of The Mother Church is held at the behest of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, and in conformance with the By-Law set forth in her Church Manual. Today we meet in full anticipation of an outpouring of the spirit of the ever-present Christ, that we may be inspired to do the greater works which are at hand. The times demand us to extend the scope of our healing ministry. The freedom of mankind is threatened.
From far and near we seem to hear the cry, as did the Apostle Paul (Acts 16:9), "Come over into Macedonia, and help us." The Christian Scientist is equipped to respond to this call. Rising in the strength of his spiritual understanding of the Science of being, he comes quickly to the defense of man's inalienable rights. Any challenge of mortal mind is but an opportunity to demonstrate the power of immortal Mind.
We meet here in the exercise of our right of free assembly, at the same time demonstrating our privilege to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience and enlightened understanding.
This freedom, guaranteed us under the law of our land, is but sign and symbol of the spiritual freedom which is our heritage as sons of God. This freedom must be zealously guarded. As long ago as 1790 it was said in a speech upon the right of election that "the condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance."
No evil has to run its course. At this time, therefore, upon each member of our Church reposes a solemn trust: To be vigilant and faithful in his world ministry. His own work will aid immeasurably the fulfillment of what Christ Jesus envisioned for the times which he said would be characterized by "wars and rumours of wars," namely, "For the elect's sake those days shall be shortened" (Matt. 24:22).
In an expanding demonstration of universal Love, nations, as well as individuals, are brought nearer together. No longer can either one remain isolationist in thought or action. Selfishness gives place to unselfishness; lethargy and inaction are superseded by the prompt response to a brother's need.
Such action, embracing a nation, constitutes democracy in action; indeed, an inspired democracy wherein each individual is inspired by the divine ideal, thus motivated and guided by divine Mind.
In the Manual of her Church, our Leader states (Art. I, Sect. 9), "Law constitutes government." She further adds, "Without a proper system of government and form of action, nations, individuals, and religion are unprotected." Our divinely inspired Leader sets forth in our Manual this proper system of government and form of action. Our Church, thus founded, stands as the visible evidence to all mankind of Love's all-protecting and preserving power.
Mrs. Elwell then introduced the incoming President, who addressed the meeting as follows:
In the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy has written (p. 566): "As the children of Israel were guided triumphantly through the Red Sea, the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear,—as they were led through the wilderness, walking wearily through the great desert of human hopes, and anticipating the promised joy,—so shall the spiritual idea guide all right desires in their passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God. Stately Science pauses not, but moves before them, a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, leading to divine heights."
Thus does the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science presage the stately and certain progress of the Christian Science movement from its inception throughout time; and as evidence of the accuracy and God-bestowed import of her spiritual vision and insight the Christian Science church now stands as a paramount witness. Never before in its history has our beloved Cause experienced and evidenced the stability, the permanency, the activity, and the progress that it does today. Its standing in the world and in the wholesome estimation of other religious denominations is on a firmer, more solid and understanding foundation than ever, and the steadily growing recognition of Christian Science as a leading and permanent influence in religious thought and activity is most gratifying. The increasingly widespread acceptance by religionists today of healing as a necessary concomitant of the religion taught by Christ Jesus attests the foresight of Mrs. Eddy in her prediction found in her book "Pulpit and Press" (p. 22): "If the lives of Christian Scientists attest their fidelity to Truth, I predict that in the twentieth century every Christian church in our land, and a few in far-off lands, will approximate the understanding of Christian Science sufficiently to heal the sick in his name."
The operation of the Christ, Truth, in individual consciousness is the only influence recognized or present in the growth and stabilization of Christian Science. Truth applied in individual thought supplies its own impulsion, and this demonstrates the potency of Christian Science. Existence, Christian Science recognizes as consciousness, and consciousness imbued with the divine idea is the redeemer of mankind. Consciousness imbued with the divine idea knows no limits, boundaries, or obstacles and is therefore universal in its potency, application, and spiritual vitality. The divine nature unfolding to human consciousness is Immanuel, or "God with us." It is impersonal and requires no resort to the use of ritual, creed, dogma, pomp, ceremony, or vicarious intercession between God and man.
In the life and teachings of Christ Jesus, which the Christian Scientist is taught to follow and emulate, many examples of Christianly characteristics are provided. Jesus in his contact with men and conditions proved the potency and ever-availability of justice, spiritual sincerity, equity, and truthfulness. He showed men the value and the practical application of divine qualities of thought and emphasized for our guidance the demonstrable power of patience, mercy, goodness, and that wisdom which God bestows. In all instances where these attributes of God were present, it was evidenced that these spiritual qualities of thought were endowed with divine potency and power to the overcoming and destruction of material opposition of any nature. Today with the problem of world peace confronting us, the same divine qualities applied in individual thought and action will be found as potent and as powerful as they were in Jesus' time. Divine qualities are God-endowed and include and convey divine impulsion and effectiveness "yesterday, and today, and for ever."
Upon the efficacy of the governing and controlling instrument of any organization or institution depends its success. As we begin to realize the full significance, purpose, and vital influence of the Christian Science movement founded by our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and governed in obedience to the Manual of The Mother Church as written by her, it is necessary to gain a more complete and active appreciation of Mrs. Eddy's foresight, vision, and inspiration. Familiarity with the Manual and all of its provisions is necessary to the individual and complete demonstration of Christian Science in all avenues of life. In many instances in her writings Mrs. Eddy emphasizes the importance of this book. One of her most positive and far-reaching statements in this respect is found in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 230): "Notwithstanding the sacrilegious moth of time, eternity awaits our Church Manual, which will maintain its rank as in the past, amid ministries aggressive and active, and will stand when those have passed to rest."
Mrs. Eddy says plainly enough that "eternity awaits our Church Manual" and also that it will stand "amid ministries aggressive and active" and will supersede and outlive those aggressive ministries when these "have passed to rest." History has already proved the foregoing true in every particular, and one of the most significant developments in this regard is the fact that eleven years after Mrs. Eddy left this sphere of activity the highest court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts proclaimed the legality of the Manual of The Mother Church, as well as its finality.
As we contemplate the present status of Christian Science, its conspicuous position in the world and among religious denominations, its achievements in establishing healing as a legitimate and necessary exposition of the fruits of true Christianity, and the wonderful and productive system of church organization provided in the Manual of The Mother Church, we cannot help recognizing and acknowledging that nought but divine influence and bestowals gave to the world this great discovery, and that our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, was the mouthpiece of God in giving to men this saving truth.
Could I leave with you aught more appropriate than these words of Mrs. Eddy from Science and Health (p. 367): "A Christian Scientist occupies the place at this period of which Jesus spoke to his disciples, when he said: 'Ye are the salt of the earth.' 'Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.' Let us watch, work, and pray that this salt lose not its saltness, and that this light be not hid, but radiate and glow into noontide glory."
A Word from The Christian Science Board of Directors, Read by Thomas E. Hurley, First Reader
In his Sermon on the Mount, Christ Jesus, the master Christian, gave the solution for all world problems, for all social, moral, political, national, or international perplexities. This glorious message, rightly called by religionists "the diamond sermon," continues to glow in all its pristine spiritual beauty and purity, yet with strength that has withstood the materialistic forces of the ages. Its purpose is to destroy the works of darkness, to bring the abundant spiritual life to all who are ready for its healing ministry. The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 174): "The thunder of Sinai and the Sermon on the Mount are pursuing and will overtake the ages, rebuking in their course all error and proclaiming the kingdom of heaven on earth. Truth is revealed. It needs only to be practised."
Christian Science makes clear the teachings of our Master and how to demonstrate this Christ, Truth, in our daily experience. In all walks of life weary, aching hearts are crying out for surcease from their burdens. Individuals, courts, lawmakers, and commissions are striving to right broken, frustrated lives, homes, and nations. They are praying earnestly to be shown the way. The solution is at hand, available to all to understand and practice. The truth given to us by our great Master in his priceless sermon, in his teaching and healing, will, when understood, give answer to all righteous prayer.
The revelation of Christian Science and its teaching have given to a waiting world the answer to Pilate's question, "What is truth?" This teaching by the God-inspired Leader of the Christian Science movement, Mrs. Eddy, has furnished the golden key which has unlocked the spiritual storehouse of the Scriptures and has made plain to all that the holy, vibrant words of our Master are vital and alive throughout time and eternity. They reflect in all of its fullness that sustaining force of love upon which the survival and constructive influence of Christian civilization inevitably depend.
It is interesting to recall that no less a materialist than Napoleon Bonaparte recognized the permanent influence of the power of love as expressed by the Master in the most cherished sermon ever preached. In addressing his generals Napoleon asked, "Who is Jesus?" and then, answering his own question, said: "He is one who founded his influence on love. I founded mine on force." This acknowledgment of the irresistible influence of this radiant, eternal Truth in the relations of men, coming as it did from the most dreaded warrior of his time, is both significant and impressive. It justifies the conviction that there comes a time in the experience of the most arrogant of men when circumstances impel them to turn away from darkness to look beyond the realm of matter as a source of power, and with a humility born of despair come to see that all power belongeth unto God, and that men and nations stand or fall in the degree that they put their trust in Him. Then let us hope and pray that before it is too late for them to avoid the inevitable destructive effects of their ill-conceived plans and misplaced faith in the fleeting power of matter, the responsible heads of those nations who, not unlike Napoleon, are today aggressively employing human will and material means to dominate the free peoples of the world, may come to see that if they persist in their selfish purpose the same disaster and defeat which befell Napoleon will necessarily be theirs.
Democratic government, rightly conceived, is something more than an aggregation of legislative acts and legalized rules of conduct. It is the orderly unfoldment of the moral character and spiritual integrity of its citizens. It is not, therefore, one more man-made political doctrine, but it brings an irresistible spiritual force or light into the affairs of men.
The process of free government is today seriously endangered, and effective protection requires more than a passive and pious declaration of allegiance to its outer form. The situation demands that we loyally support and be prepared actively to defend its sacred and innermost purposes. Practical preparedness, inspired by prayer and guided by divine wisdom, was never more urgent, and its justification never more apparent, than at the present time. "Human power," we are told by Mrs. Eddy, "is most properly used in preventing the occasion for its use; otherwise its use is abuse" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 219). The occasion for the proper and protective use of human power, as counseled by our Leader, has been definitely furnished in the flagrant and repeated abuse of such power by the avowed opponents of the family of free nations. As a nation we are a member of this family. In helping them we are helping ourselves, and likewise strengthening our own family ties. While they need our material assistance, they need even more moral support and spiritual light. The union of nations, like the union of individuals, must, if it is to endure, primarily rest on a spiritual foundation, on the unfolding of spiritual understanding in human consciousness which Christian Science alone can supply, and thus on a union of hearts. Nations must possess kindred qualities of thought, culture, and purpose. These, when based on spiritual elements which survive the destructive effects of friction, serve as the only lasting bond and impregnable bulwark of men and nations.
The same eternal truth given by Jesus in his peerless sermon has operated in behalf of man thoughout the ages. The Israelites of old were faced with what seemed to be extermination by the overpowering armies of the Philistines, who sent forth the giant Goliath to intimidate them. This giant paraded back and forth, feeling secure in his coat of mail, and with a roar of boastful hatred and arrogance he defied the armies of the living God. Did he succeed? No! He fell a victim of his own false trust. The Christ, Truth, guided the hand of the shepherd boy, and the enemy was slain through David's absolute trust in the power and presence of God. David had proved his armor and knew that Love never faileth. The proud, boastful Goliaths of today, as they go to and fro in the earth, should heed the fate of the giant of old. The individuals and nations who are boasting that they are godless are inviting their own doom with each utterance. Denying God, they are denying their own life, for God is the only life of man, and this arrogant utterance of paganism is self-destructive and will bury itself in the grave of its own digging. No individual or nation on earth can withstand the power and presence of God and His Christ.
The celestial light given in the Sermon on the Mount fills the world with its irresistible power and presence. No godless boasting, no ideology, no atomic force, no iron curtain, can stay its power. Its lifesaving beams are penetrating the dark recesses of the carnal mind, bringing its evil elements to the surface for destruction.
In a Communion address given by our beloved Leader in 1899, she said (Miscellany, p. 125): "Brethren, our annual meeting is a grave guardian. It requires you to report progress, to refresh memory, to rejuvenate the branches and to vivify the buds, to bend upward the tendrils and to incline the vine towards the parent trunk. You come from feeding your flocks, big with promise; and you come with the sling of Israel's chosen one to meet the Goliaths." We must, therefore, unsheathe our swords in this spiritual warfare. We must utilize this radiant truth in slaying godless materialism and the wanton destruction that is today defying the armies of the living God.
Each earnest student of Christian Science realizes his' responsibility at this vital hour to be a lively stone, a living witness to the Christ, Truth, to give proof to the world that this teaching is true and demonstrable. This proof is given through the devotion of holy, consecrated individual lives; through the study of the Bible, our Leader's writings, and the authorized literature of Christian Science; through the sacred, Christ like work of practitioners and teachers, the collective work of the churches, Sunday Schools, Reading Rooms, and the giving of lectures. In this world crisis Christian Scientists are keeping their lamps trimmed and burning. They have put their hand to the plow, enlisted under a standard emblazoned with the light of Truth. They will not turn back. In Miscellany (p. 158) we are told, "The burden of proof that Christian Science is Science rests on Christian Scientists."
The world need is imperative. The hour is pregnant with opportunity to serve. The time has come when it would be well for each Christian Scientist to take measure of his work. Ask yourself: "Am I true to my enlistment? Am I measuring up to the demands of the hour? Am I true to the sacred trust God has placed in my hands?" In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 177) our dear Leader makes a clarion call for our united, consecrated effort.
She says: "Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes. The hour is come. The great battle of Armageddon is upon us. The powers of evil are leagued together in secret conspiracy against the Lord and against His Christ, as expressed and operative in Christian Science. Large numbers, in desperate malice, are engaged day and night in organizing action against us. Their feeling and purpose are deadly, and they have sworn enmity against the lives of our standard-bearers."
"What will you do about it?" our Leader continues. "Will you be equally in earnest for the truth? Will you doff your lavender-kid zeal, and become real and consecrated warriors? Will you give yourselves wholly and irrevocably to the great work of establishing the truth, the gospel, and the Science which are necessary to the salvation of the world from error, sin, disease, and death? Answer at once and practically, and answer alright!"
Report of the Treasurer, Read by Roy Garrett Watson, Treasurer of The Mother Church
The Treasurer reported that the provision of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. XXIV, Sect. 3) had been complied with, and that the books of the Church Treasurer had been audited.
Included in his report were the following remarks:
"Contributions to The Mother Church Wartime Fund are still being received in generous amounts, both in cash and contributed clothing, and have totaled during the year $1,646,097.00. In the nine years since 1939, when this charitable work was initiated, The Mother Church has expended a total of $11,350,619.00.
"A special announcement was made last September by The Christian Science Board of Directors, giving branch churches, societies, and others the privilege of participating in the purchase of CARE food packages to be sent to recognized branch churches and societies in European countries for distribution. The Field has responded most generously to this call of The Mother Church. The sum of $439,945.00 has been expended in the purchase of 44,542 CARE packages which have been forwarded to the branch churches and societies in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Austria, Norway, and Poland.
"During the year, the Board of Directors has also invited 'individual Christian Scientists, branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, and Christian Science Societies' to participate in the support of the newly established Radio Fund of The Mother Church, in its steadily expanding use of the radio, including The Mother Church religious broadcasts and 'The Christian Science Monitor Views the News.'
"The Field has most generously and lovingly contributed financially to the needs of The Mother Church, which derives its income from five general sources, namely: the first, the per capita tax; the second, individual contributions (and testamentary bequests); the third, contributions from branch churches and societies; the fourth, gifts from students' associations; and the fifth, the net earnings of The Christian Science Publishing Society.
"The sound financial condition of The Mother Church represents the love and devotion of its members, whose gifts and donations account, in large measure, for its satisfactory financial position. The internationally wide horizons stretching before The Mother Church foretell increasing financial demands in the future; and the fact that supply to meet this foreseeable need is already appearing may indeed be a cause of real rejoicing—a harbinger of the dawning of the millennium to which our Leader refers in 'The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany' (p. 266), where she says, 'It is undoubtedly true that Christian Science is destined to become the one and the only religion and therapeutics on this planet.'
"Mrs. Eddy stresses the synonymity of Love and Mind; and, therefore, in our earnest endeavor to express our gratitude and devotion to Mrs. Eddy's beloved organization and its Christian Science Board of Directors, we must realize the need of intelligence to govern our financial giving. With intelligence governing our giving, there can be no question of our giving too much or too little, for we can be sure that a gift of the correct amount will bless not only ourselves, but all mankind as well.
"I am permitted to express the warmest gratitude of The Christian Science Board of Directors to all the loving hearts of The Mother Church for their constant and generous financial expressions of devoted love and loyalty."
Report of Christian Science Trustees for Gifts and Endowments, Read by the Treasurer
The Christian Science Board of Directors established twenty-two years ago the activity of the Christian Science Trustees for Gifts and Endowments for the benefit of the members of The Mother Church desiring to make potential gifts which will ultimately become the property of The Mother Church, but from which it is necessary that the donors retain the income during their lives.
The Trusteeship is now handling 304 active trusts, including 10 trusts established by branch churches. The Trustees accept revocable living trusts from Mother Church members in amounts of one thousand dollars or more. During a donor's lifetime the net income earned by a trust may be paid to him and then may be paid to a named beneficiary for a specified number of years. If need arises, a donor may withdraw his trust fund at any time, in whole or in part, without any charge being made. Four years ago The Christian Science Board of Directors opened the services of this Trusteeship to all those branch churches and societies wishing to utilize them for the care of their surplus funds.
Trust funds are invested in well-diversified bonds and stocks from listed securities approved by the Board of Directors of The Mother Church. The only cost to a donor is a service charge of five per cent of the income earned by the trust.
All questions regarding the establishment of trusts should be sent to Roy Garrett Watson, Trustee and Treasurer of Christian Science Trustees for Gifts and Endowments, 107 Falmouth Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts.
As in all of its activities, The Mother Church has extended the facilities of this Trusteeship to its members in a spirit of loving service, such as is referred to by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in her Message to the Annual Meeting of The Mother Church, Boston, 1896: "Throughout my entire connection with The Mother Church, I have seen, that in the ratio of her love for others, hath His love been bestowed upon her; watering her waste places, and enlarging her borders" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 127).
Report of the Clerk, Read by Gordon V. Comer, Clerk of The Mother Church
In her Message to The Mother Church for 1900 our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, writes (p. 4), "To-day people are surprised at the new and forward steps in religion, which indicate a renaissance greater than in the mediæval period; but ought not this to be an agreeable surprise, inasmuch as these are progressive signs of the times?"
These very words might well be spoken today. The Cause of Christian Science is going forward with accelerated activity. The future of our great Cause is big with promise.
There are gratifying numbers seeking membership in The Mother Church, and there has been a substantial increase in the total membership during the last year. Because of our new membership questionnaire, necessary information is now coming to us with much less delay than heretofore. Through our efforts to keep in closer touch with the members of our Church, increasing numbers are assuring us anew of the great worth of Christian Science in their daily lives, and of their growing appreciation of the endless and ever-increasing value of the Manual of The Mother Church—that God-inspired document which sets forth the pattern of true government.
"Metaphysical healing, or Christian Science," Mrs. Eddy writes (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 232), "is a demand of the times." This demand is being met with glorious increase each year. One has only to turn to the authenticated healings recorded in The Christian Science Journal, the Christian Science Sentinel, and in The Herald of Christian Science in its various editions to satisfy himself on this score, and these are but a few of the healings that are being realized day after day.
DEPARTMENT OF BRANCHES AND PRACTITIONERS
The increase in new branches of The Mother Church the past year shows growing interest in our Cause and alertness on the part of Christian Scientists to the opportunity afforded through church organization to present in their respective localities practical Christianity.
Sixty-six new branches have been recognized by The Mother Church. Twenty-five of these new branches are in Europe. Thirteen new Christian Science organizations have been formed in colleges and universities which had not previously included groups of students conducting meetings under the provisions of Article XXIII, Section 8, of the Manual of The Mother Church.
One hundred and thirty-eight Christian Science practitioners have qualified for cards in The Herald of Christian Science, and six hundred and sixty-three practitioners and sixty-seven nurses for cards in The Christian Science Journal.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES DIVISION
From the Field come an ever-increasing number of reports of the constructive influence of the Sunday Schools. Many children are being enrolled at an early age, and the pupils in the intermediate classes are coming into their teens with an increasing awareness of the availability and the practicability of Truth as taught in the Sunday School.
Older boys and girls who more and more are taking a broad interest in world affairs are likewise reaching out for more understanding of God's spiritual universe. And just as they are watching the developments toward world peace, they also are interested in the establishment of Christ's kingdom on earth through the dissemination of the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy. Thus it is that children today are drawn to our Sunday Schools not merely because Sunday School attendance is an accepted Christian practice, but because the Sunday School feeds their longing for higher attainments in the realm of the real. An increasing number of pupils, because of their spiritual growth and out of their own earnest desire to identify themselves with the Christian Science movement, are becoming members of the church either before or at the time of their leaving Sunday School at the age of twenty.
LITERATURE ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
The good work of The Mother Church Literature Distribution Committee members has been carried on progressively with new opportunities for distributing Christian Science literature; the privilege of placing packages of periodicals weekly on lightships and Coast Guard cutters has been granted by the Commander of the First Coast Guard District. There has been special satisfaction in forwarding to many countries overseas, including the Distribution Center, Frankfort, Germany, tons of used copies of the Journal, the Sentinel, Mrs. Eddy's writings, all editions of the Herald, and large quantities of Home Forum pages from The Christian Science Monitor with translations of the religious article.
Through The Mother Church Circulation Committee and the Advertising Information Committee activities, there have been many opportunities to prove the presence and power of Truth in the business world. There is a greater receptivity towards the circulation work, resulting in a considerable increase in Monitor subscriptions from clergymen, college students, professional and business men and women.
The Literature Activities Department is humbly grateful for the opportunities which are afforded them to participate in forwarding the demonstration of Mary Baker Eddy in giving to the world her writings and the Christian Science periodicals.
POSTWAR ACTIVITIES
Due to the war's aftermath in this country and elsewhere, both the Camp Welfare Activities of The Mother Church and the Committee on Wartime Activities have remained active during the past year.
Over one thousand veterans in government hospitals have been visited by Christian Science Workers during the past year. Patients can read our Leader's writings in hospital libraries or enjoy the Christian Science periodicals delivered to the wards. Several hospitals are now using recordings of Christian Science programs over their loud-speaker systems. Many of the hospitalized veterans are for the first time learning that Christian Science heals. Each month our workers report the release from government hospitals of veterans who have had Christian Science treatment.
Enlisted men and officers at Army and Navy training stations in the United States and Canada continue to be served by Volunteer Workers.
In Germany and Japan, groups of Christian Scientists with the occupation forces are holding services and distributing periodicals. The Service Centers in Frankfort and Yokohama provide quiet rooms for study and offer free literature to military personnel inquiring about Christian Science.
The Christian Science church has been re-established in Tokyo and is now functioning with a Sunday School and Reading Room. The Mother Church has assigned for temporary service in Japan two experienced Christian Science practitioners.
At Pearl Harbor, and on the islands of Guam and Okinawa, Christian Science services are held in Navy chapels. Natives in Korea are becoming interested in our teachings through the occupation troops holding services at Seoul.
The activity of The Mother Church and its branches in extending temporary aid to Christian Scientists living in twenty-one hard-pressed countries has continued. This work, co-ordinated under the Committee on Wartime Activities, has included the sending of food, clothing, and shoes and the supplying of basic books for private study and church services.
Individual gift parcels have been discontinued and, instead, food and clothing have been delivered to Christian Science church groups. Thus, church officers on the ground may distribute the supplies to those most urgently needing them, including nonmembers or attendants.
In Germany the distribution of books, literature, food, and clothing has been successfully accomplished in all zones. A distribution center at Frankfort on the Main, working under The Mother Church, receives shipments from the United States. Under this center functions a network of joint welfare committees—each made up of representatives of the churches in its district—that transmit supplies to displaced persons and isolated students. There are many new church groups holding services throughout Germany. These groups obtain from the distribution center, on a gift basis, our books, copies of the Christian Science Quarterly, and Christian Science Hymnals.
It becomes evident that in this far-flung program of aid, the gifts and contributions made through The Mother Church have reached all parts of the earth. Grateful recipients have had glimpses of God's love reflected to them in the love of Christian Scientists one for another. Friendships have grown from country to country and continent to continent, breaking through barriers of language and nationality. A clearer recognition of the universal nature of The Mother Church, its world-wide position and activities, has encircled the globe and borne back to Boston the increased loyalty and devotion of Christian Scientists in many lands.
CONCLUSION
Every one of these activities receives the prayerful support, the co-operation, and the intelligent direction of The Christian Science Board of Directors. Their watchful eyes are always cognizant of the ever-present strength and adequacy of the Manual of The Mother Church. Our Leader's demonstration of it is as alive, as potent, and as unfailing in its guidance as it was when the Manual was written. How strong and how true are these words that Mrs. Eddy has written about it! "Notwithstanding the sacrilegious moth of time, eternity awaits our Church Manual, which will maintain its rank as in the past, amid ministries aggressive and active, and will stand when those have passed to rest;" and, "Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 230).
Report of the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy, Read by Mrs. Amea H. Harris, Secretary
The Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy were appointed by the New Hampshire Court to carry out Mrs. Eddy's intention that the major portion of her estate be devoted to the purpose of more effectually promoting and extending the religion of Christian Science as taught by her.
One of the means by which the Trustees endeavor to accomplish this mission is by way of their offer to assist in paying for church buildings. They welcome the opportunity to award grants to branches of The Mother Church, with a view to aiding in the cancellation of the last remaining indebtedness on church property. These grants should not be considered as loans, even though, in order to protect the Trust Fund, as well as the interests of the church, it is required that a Declaration of Trust be executed—one of the provisions of this instrument being that the grant shall be repaid if for any reason the building is disposed of or Christian Science services are discontinued.
Although grants are not awarded with the expectation of reimbursement, voluntary repayments may be made at any time and will be gratefully accepted. Such repayments should be made only when this can be done without curtailing the activities of the branch church or interfering with the maintenance of the church property.
The Trustees are also continuing to render aid in literature distribution work, are assisting in paying for books for lending libraries, are helping churches in distant fields by paying part of the traveling expenses of lecturers, and are using the income from the Trust Fund for the promotion of Christian Science in many other directions.
During the past year several new editions of the writings of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, have been published, including the small-size Students' Edition of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The De Luxe Edition in thumb-indexed form is now on sale.
The new cloth edition of poems called "Christ and Christmas, and Poems" completes the set of Mrs. Eddy's published writings in the Library Edition.
A new catalogue of our Leader's writings has been issued and is available to all through local Christian Science Reading Rooms or direct by mail from the Publishers' Agent.
The Reading Room Division has had gratifying results from correspondence carried on with branch churches and societies in the past twelve months. Especially interesting have been accounts of increased activity in sales, study rooms, and lending libraries following the relocation of some Reading Rooms, making them more accessible in their communities.
An interesting new means of bringing to local members an inspiring message about our Leader's great work developed when, on March 4, the Publishers' Agent held the first meeting in The Mother Church entirely devoted to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. The meeting was well attended, and the resultant increased interest in her writings is continuing.
Mrs. Eddy tells us in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 185), "The peace of Love is published, and the sword of the Spirit is drawn; nor will it be sheathed till Truth shall reign triumphant over all the earth."
Report of Committee on Publication, Read by William D. Kilpatrick, Manager
In her book "Christian Science versus Pantheism," the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes (p. 13): "Beloved brethren, the love of our loving Lord was never more manifest than in its stern condemnation of all error, wherever found. I counsel thee, rebuke and exhort one another. Love all Christian churches for the gospel's sake; and be exceedingly glad that the churches are united in purpose, if not in method, to close the war between flesh and Spirit, and to fight the good fight till God's will be witnessed and done on earth as in heaven."
Unquestionably the office of Manager of Committees on Publication is in a most advantageous position to evaluate the growth and position of the Christian Science movement throughout the world. This office, by virtue of the provisions of the Manual of The Mother Church, is the center of a universal network of official representatives. Something like five thousand Committees and their Assistants, located throughout the world, may be promptly contacted by the office of the Manager. This close relationship existing between the Boston office and its corps of Committees and Assistant Committees establishes a helpful flow of information and co-operation which enables headquarters to constantly weigh conditions wherever our movement has representation. I am most gratified to report that the progress of Christian Science is today far in excess of that of many years past. In many sections of the world where chaos and stagnation recently existed, Christian Science is emerging triumphant and in some respects in a stronger condition than ever before. However, it is significant and more or less portentous that word has recently been received from the Committee on Publication in Prague, Czechoslovakia, that that office is now closed and that no communication shall hereafter be sent that office.
This year is an off year in the United States for the meeting of state legislative bodies, although there are a few states whose legislatures meet annually. For this reason legislative activities which concern the office of the Committee on Publication in the United States have been confined largely to the Congress. While there are many pieces of legislation pending of vast importance to Christian Science, yet, owing to the serious and demanding nature of the international situation, little time has been devoted to legislation affecting our immediate interests.
Better provision for the activities of the Committee on Publication at our nation's capital has been afforded through the recent purchase by The Mother Church of a building prominently located at 16th and I Streets, N. W., which has been remodeled to give adequate office space. The ground floor is to be used as a joint Reading Room by the Washington branch churches; and the second floor is being fitted out as an exhibit room to show the scope and magnitude of the activities of our denomination.
Time and space prevent mention of many details of our radio activities, but I wish briefly to emphasize the rapid expansion of this work. The office of Committee on Publication in Boston produces all the transcribed religious programs provided by The Mother Church. These programs are given once a week over more than 380 radio stations in the United States, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Canal Zone, Cuba, Bermuda, Australia, and New Zealand. The demand is so great that we are increasing the number of stations so employed as rapidly as financial conditions permit. It has been conservatively estimated that our programs are heard by weekly audiences exceeding 6,000,000 people.
The above includes mention of but a very few of the many interests incorporated in the work of the office of Manager of Committees on Publication.
At this point the congregation sang Hymn No. 326, "The Christian warrior, see him stand."
Report of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, Read by Miss Florence Middaugh, Chairman
The past year has been a profitable one for each member of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship. We are increasingly grateful for the fresh and impressive interest in Christian Science. This may perhaps be attributed to humanity's feeling of impotence in the face of grave trials and a consequent willingness to search for the power which unfolds in terms of good as revealed in Christian Science.
There has been a substantial increase in lecture attendance in most places and evidences of a growing maturity of thought and earnestness of purpose on the part of many young Christian Scientists in their work in branch churches, societies, and university and college organizations.
Large numbers of strangers have attended the lectures during the past season. This has often resulted in the purchase of the Bible, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and the Christian Science Quarterly, followed by regular attendance at church services.
A steady flow of healings is reported as having taken place at lectures, and as a direct result of them.
In Germany twenty-eight lectures were given. They were attended by large and eager crowds, and the receptivity was remarkable. One hall in Berlin was filled to its capacity of two thousand people, and between four hundred and five hundred were standing. In another, people not only were standing against the walls, but in the aisles, and they were sitting on the floor and on the platform. On another occasion in Berlin a large number of people drove by motor coach for four hours to attend the lecture. Striking features were the evidences of spiritual hunger, love and gratitude for The Mother Church, and the phenomenal demand for Science and Health.
Lectures were given also in Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, France, Italy, and Greece. Great Britain was served by local lecturers and by four from America. Australia and New Zealand showed their usual enthusiastic and loyal support of the lectures, and many healings were reported.
South America, Alaska, the West Indies, Canal Zone, Hawaii, and Mexico City have been served. A lecturer went to Africa for four months beginning March first. Bermuda will have a lecture this month.
The Mother Church has sponsored five public lectures delivered in the Church edifice, two noonday lectures given in downtown Boston, and a spring and an autumn series.
The new modes of advertising have taken on fresh, arresting, and effective features. The members of the Board of Lectureship are genuinely appreciative of the excellent preparatory work done for the lectures and the work to protect the message after its delivery. The lecturers are grateful to the Directors of The Mother Church for their splendid support.
The Mother Church is greatly loved and respected all over the world. The sincere loyalty of its members is notable.
Report of the Board of Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society, Read by John H. Hoagland, Manager
The periodicals and publications of The Christian Science Publishing Society have gone forth in effective and increasing measure during the past year to meet humanity's urgent need—so apparent in these critical times—for spiritual understanding and radical recourse to Truth.
The healing message of The Christian Science Journal, the Christian Science Sentinel, the Christian Science Quarterly, and The Herald of Christian Science in its various editions has multiplied their blessings for an ever-growing audience.
The enlightening missionary service of The Christian Science Monitor has lifted the remarkable prestige of our daily newspaper higher than ever before, and has made its influence for good a potent and respected factor on the side of Principle wherever human affairs are deliberated.
The Publishing Society's opportunities for reaching and healing the human consciousness are impressive in their unfoldment and fruitage today. Despite currency and import restrictions, our relations with overseas subscribers and advertisers have continued to return rapidly toward their normal prewar status. The Field provided more than 16,000 one-month Monitor gift subscriptions for overseas readers.
The articles, testimonies, and features in the Journal, Sentinel, and Heralds have continued their fruitage, and the Editors appreciate the steady flow of contributions from our readers. A new column, "Of Good Report," was established in the Sentinel, and the Editors are now publishing original articles and items of interest in the Heralds, in addition to the reprinted material from the Journal and Sentinel.
An increasing number of reports have been received indicating that the Lesson-Sermons are being used more and more by Christian Scientists in their daily ministry, and remarkable cases of healing have resulted from the application of the Lesson-Sermons in daily Christian Science practice.
The distribution of the books and pamphlets issued by the Publishing Society has continued to increase steadily. We have just issued a newly revised book of pictures entitled "Landmarks from Bow to Boston," and leaflets in Czech, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Finnish, in addition to new pamphlets. A French Hymnal will be announced soon.
The news, editorials, and features in The Christian Science Monitor proved their increasing world-wide appeal during the year, and our daily newspaper received praise from men and women in high public office in many parts of the world, including special reference by Winston Churchill in a public address. With our new Monitor presses we have begun the use of color in both news and advertising columns, to the special satisfaction of both readers and advertisers.
The circulation of the Journal, Sentinel, Monitor, and Quarterly has continued at the highest levels in their history, and today on an average nearly a million and a half copies of the periodicals pour out of the Publishing House each week.
Monitor advertising set new high marks with 24,176 advertisers and 8,247,921 lines of advertising. Of thirty-four new advertising representatives, nine are serving overseas, and of twenty-eight new Advertising Information Committees, two are in England, one in South Africa, and one in Alaska. Overseas advertising has been growing rapidly.
During the year we announced a new, alternative air-mail plan for Monitor subscribers in the London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco areas, and it is our hope that this experimental plan will be accepted to an extent that will justify its continuance and its extension to other areas remote from Boston where readers may be prepared to pay a higher rate for quicker delivery of our daily newspaper.
Our radio program, "The Christian Science Monitor Views the News," is now heard by an average of more than 6,000,000 listeners every Tuesday night, and in addition to reaching this enormous audience with the healing message of our daily newspaper, the program brings in thousands of trial subscriptions from men and women in all walks of life who have had no previous contact with our movement. This program, heard on the American Broadcasting network and World-Wide short wave, WRUL, is partly paid for by contributions from the Field to The Mother Church Radio Fund.
We are grateful to the Field for its prayerful support, which provides the indispensable sustenance of all our activities. In common with all who love and serve our beloved Cause, we are mindful again of the debt of gratitude we owe to The Christian Science Board of Directors for their arduous, wise, and patient labors, and for their counsel and support, so generously given at all times.
In the great work that is set before us in this challenging hour, we find these words of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, particularly significant: "May this church . . . catch the early trumpet-call, take step with the twentieth century, leave behind those things that are behind, lay down the low laurels of vainglory, and, pressing forward in the onward march of Truth, run in joy, health, holiness, the race set before it, till, home at last, it finds the full fruition of its faith, hope, and prayer" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 155).
Report of the Trustees of the Charitable Institutions, Read by Eric W. Carr, of London, England
The past year has been one of steady progress toward more normal operating conditions than those which have prevailed for several years in our charitable institutions. The accumulated arrears of repairs and renovation of buildings, renewals and replacements of carpets, furniture, and equipment, are being gradually disposed of in order to restore the properties to prewar standards. Since this work must be carried on without interrupting the regular activities, and with as little disturbance as possible to guests, residents, and associates, it is necessary to do it by installment, "here a little, and there a little." No effort has been spared to furnish adequate and helpful service in all departments and to promote the harmonious and loving atmosphere which has always characterized these institutions.
Twenty-nine years have now elapsed since the Benevolent Association Sanatorium at Chestnut Hill was first opened to receive guests. The Sanatorium at San Francisco and the Pleasant View Home were established not long afterwards. When we review the work accomplished at these three institutions, we cannot fail to be profoundly grateful for the proofs of usefulness which they have given in constantly increasing measure. In addition to providing comfortable facilities for those seeking healing through Christian Science, our two Sanatoriums have made it possible to maintain successful training schools for nurses. They have also supplied the need of many thousands of guests who felt the need of a short period of rest and study. At the Pleasant View Home, Concord, New Hampshire, approximately one hundred elderly Christian Scientists who have served our Cause faithfully as practitioners or nurses, and in other ways, are lovingly provided for.
It is obvious that institutions of this character are not self-supporting. The cost of operating the Sanatoriums greatly exceeds the amount received from guests. The deficiency in the past year amounted to approximately $600,000 for the three institutions. At the Sanatoriums, in addition to the operating deficit, there is a large expenditure every year to care for guests who are not able to meet the normal charges for accommodation and nursing, and whose stay is made possible through partial or total benevolence.
A significant development now in progress to provide qualified nursing care for Christian Scientists in need of it is the establishment of nonprofit nursing homes for Christian Scientists in a number of large cities. These homes have no official connection with The Mother Church, nor with the Benevolent Association Sanatoriums. When acceptably conducted, however, they may receive the endorsement of The Mother Church. It is already evident that they will meet a pressing need, since it is not practicable for many who seek nursing care to travel a long distance to the Sanatoriums at Boston and San Francisco.
To provide a sufficient number of qualified Christian Science nurses in Great Britain, arrangements have been made to bring to our Sanatorium approved candidates from the British Isles for nurses' training. These young workers receive the three years' training course and then return to their homeland to carry on their work. During the past year the nurses' training course at Chestnut Hill has been opened to two candidates of the colored race. Upon the completion of their training they expect to aid in meeting the need for nurses, especially among people of their own race.
In England, The Mother Church is represented by a committee which, under the laws of that country, supervises Christian Science houses, or nursing homes. The Mother Church has no responsibility for the financing or support of these houses. They are supported by individual Christian Scientists and by gifts from branch churches and societies. They perform a necessary service to our Cause in Great Britain and are deserving of support.
Greatly increased costs of operation, both for wages and for supplies, have added considerably to the difficulties of operating the charitable institutions during the past year. Wherever necessary to conform to prevailing rates of pay, salaries have been readjusted on an equitable basis. There is at present a scarcity of qualified Christian Scientists for service in several departments of the Sanatoriums, and applications for employment are welcomed.
The excellent work of the committees on Sanatorium information in the branch churches has been very helpful. The unselfed efforts of these committees to supply necessary information to those who may be contemplating a stay at either Sanatorium are deeply appreciated. To the practitioners who are called to assist guests, we also express our gratitude. Their labors have been crowned with the fruitage of a great number of fine healings among the guests.
It is not possible to accommodate at Pleasant View all the qualified applicants for admission. Experience has shown, however, that many applicants can better be cared for in their own homes and normal environment. To the extent that funds for this purpose become available, a moderate amount of financial assistance may sometimes be granted to enable the beneficiary to secure needed care without leaving home.
Expressions of appreciation from those who have enjoyed the privileges of the charitable institutions of The Mother Church bear witness to a rich harvest of fruitage. In her sermon "Christian Healing" (p. 8) our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has written, "Understanding the truth regarding mind and body, knowing that Mind can master sickness as well as sin, and carrying out this government over both and bringing out the results of this higher Christianity, we shall perceive the meaning of the context,—'They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.'"
Reports from the Field
The many inspiring letters received at this season from the branches of The Mother Church in the Field indicate sturdy growth and renewed vigor in the progress of our movement. The time allotted permitted the reading of excerpts from only a few representative reports. They were read by Mrs. Ellen Watt, of Washington, District of Columbia, and Walter W. Kantack, of New York, New York.
Fifth Church, Berlin, Germany, reports that attendance at its services has far outgrown the seating capacity of its auditorium. Also, the Sunday School is growing, the pupils joyfully accepting the truth and striving to apply it in daily life. A mother, who said she knew nothing of Christian Science, stated that since her three children were taken to the Sunday School by an acquaintance all had been changed in their family. She herself, who had spent most of the time in a hospital, felt suddenly well and went in search of work. The children, too, are now always happy.
The Twelve Churches in London. England, send a joint message telling of activity and progress. Eleventh Church joyously reports the buying of a church site; others have carried on a considerable amount of restoration work. Attendance at the Sunday Schools, especially with regard to the younger children, has increased. Much gratitude has been expressed for the opening of a new Central London Reading Room.
First Church, Kingston, Jamaica, is grateful for a forward step in opening, in the business section of the city, a Reading Room which is receiving increased patronage from visitors and members.
The Three Churches in Paris. France, are glad to report the excellent attendance of visitors at the Joint Reading Room in the center of the city, the increasing growth of the Sunday Schools, and the fine attendance of over two thousand people at the reading of the French translation of the last lecture.
The Ten Churches in Portland, Oregon, write: "Unity in this field is evidenced by a definite, concerted effort to dedicate the churches and by the establishment of the united Reading Room in a new location. Several churches have improved their buildings or purchased additional property."
The following reports have been received from the churches in Dublin, Ireland:
First Church writes: "It is a great joy to be able to obtain our books in their leather bindings . . . and sales have been continuous and rapid. The demand for literature, on loan, has grown considerably. Our financial position has improved, and there has been a reaching out for class instruction on the part of our members which is bringing much benefit to our church. General progress is shown by an increased sense of harmony and more unity of thought and action."
Second Church is grateful to have taken part in giving two lectures during the year, one of which was delivered in Cork, the first Christian Science lecture ever to be given in that city. This has resulted in appreciably enlarging the borders of the group there, which has since been recognized as a society.
Second Church, Buenos Aires, Argentina, reports that greater interest in Christian Science has been shown by the general public since a recent lecture; also that the translation into Spanish of the textbook has been received with joy by Spanish-speaking students in that field.
From Christian Science Society, Falmouth, Cornwall, comes the joyous message that last year it was privileged to give the first Christian Science lecture ever to be delivered in Cornwall.
First Church, Brisbane, Australia, reports gratifying activity of its Reading Room. Of the many visitors, a large number were newcomers, and it is known that four healings took place during the first reading of the textbook, which had been borrowed by these seekers for Truth. The number of subscriptions to the periodicals has doubled over the previous year.
First Church, Brussels, Belgium, has made many improvements in its premises. A comfortable Reading Room has been established, a room for the Distribution Committee installed. Two show windows on the street exhibit Mrs. Eddy's works and authorized literature. These, together with two lectures given this year, have attracted many to its Reading Room and services.
First Church, Manila, Philippines, reports that since its re-establishment in January, 19247, the membership has more than doubled and the Sunday School has increased thirty per cent. The building fund for remodeling and improving the building and Reading Room is making steady growth. Literature is being distributed weekly to thirteen points besides those covered by the Wartime Workers.
Christian Science Society, Rocky River, Ohio, starting as a group just a year ago, has become an active branch of The Mother Church, having received recognition last September. Its Sunday School attendance has more than doubled, and its first lecture was given recently. A seventeen-thousand-dollar lot has been entirely paid for, and the building fund is steadily growing.
The Three Churches in Glasgow. Scotland, after a year of joyous progress and unity, join in expressing their loving gratitude to The Mother Church.
Christian Science Society, Boulder City, Nevada, writes: "While we out here in the Southwest desert country may be far removed physically from The Mother Church headquarters, we wish to assure you of our feeling of unity with it and of our constant striving for obedience to the word as well as to the spirit of the Manual."
The Three Churches in Atlanta, Georgia, are happy that Christian Science is making definite progress in that city. First Church is attracting large numbers to its services; Second and Third Churches are remodeling dwellings for occupancy as church homes; all the Reading Rooms now have ground floor locations.
Christian Science Society, Lyon, France, writes: "Our Society has been much strengthened by its recognition as a branch. We actually felt the spiritual support of The Mother Church and of the big family of branch churches." More and more people are making use of the Reading Room; and the lending library cannot fill all the requests for books. The textbooks and Quarterly are displayed in a showcase which is offered free of charge by a merchant who knows nothing about Christian Science.
First Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has outgrown its church home during the last year, as well as its new temporary quarters, and has made a fine start on a larger church edifice. In addition to the greater attendance at the church services, the Sunday School has nearly doubled in size, and there is marked increase in the numbers attending lectures and using the Reading Room.
First Church, Tillamook, Oregon, though small in numbers, has during the year provided a lovely room for the Sunday School, which has tripled in attendance. A fund has recently been completed for the purchase of a pipe organ. The Reading Room has been completely renovated, making of one drab, uninviting room two sunny, warm rooms that fairly shout a welcome; and that welcome is being accepted by greater numbers each day.
First Church, Jamestown, North Dakota, rejoices in a step of progress. This small organization, which for a number of years opened its Reading Room for only one hour a week, last fall made the demonstration to keep the church and Reading Room heated all the time, and the Reading Room has been open every day except Sundays and holidays.
First Church, Zurich, Switzerland, was privileged to give four lectures during the year, which were occasions of great rejoicing and uplift; healings were reported after each. The Sunday School is very active and growing steadily. A newly organized class for children under four years has become one of the largest classes and meets a great need.
Other interesting reports were received from branch churches in San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, New York City, and from other churches and societies throughout the world. Grateful acknowledgment of these is made in behalf of The Mother Church by its Board of Directors.
Incidents of Christian Science Healing, Read by Mrs. Lavinia L. Butterworth, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In witness to the healing power of Christian Science to redeem men from discord of every name and nature, some carefully verified testimonies were read.
The meeting was adjourned after the singing of the Doxology.
New President of The Mother Church
Harry C. Browne, C. S., was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, where he received his education in the public schools. After leaving high school, he began the study of law, which was interrupted by the Spanish-American War, in which he saw active service. During the winter following the war, Mr. Browne lectured on his experiences. In 1900 he became interested in the theater, and for twenty-five years he toured the United States and Canada as an actor, being associated with many of the foremost producers and managers.
Mr. Browne became interested in Christian Science in 1910, following the healing of his wife. He joined The Mother Church in 1916, later uniting in membership with First Church of Christ, Scientist, Flushing, New York, which he served as a member of its board of trustees. He received Primary class instruction in 1919. He left the theater in 1926, removing to New York City two years later. There he joined Second Church of Christ, Scientist, and served that church for a full term as First Reader, as well as in other capacities, including three years as a member and chairman of its board of trustees. In 1931 Mr. Browne withdrew from the position of production director and announcer for the Columbia Broadcasting System to devote his entire time to the practice of Christian Science. He served as First Reader in The Mother Church from 1938 to 1941, and in 1942 was elected a member of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship. During a period of retirement from this work for study and practice, Mr. Browne was appointed official speaker for radio programs to be broadcast in person and by transcription for The Mother Church, in which activity he will continue.
The Christian Science Board of Lectureship
The list of lecturers elected to serve on The Christian Science Board of Lectureship during 1948-1949 is as follows:
Appleton, Miss Helen, C. S., Boston, Massachusetts.
Biggins, Peter B., C. S. B., Seattle, Washington.
Carey, Archibald, C. S. B., Detroit, Michigan.
Castle, Ralph, C. S., San Francisco, California.
Channing, George, C. S. B., San Francisco, California.
Craig, Clayton Bion, C. S. B., Cincinnati, Ohio.
Davis, Richard J., C. S. B., Saratoga, California.
de Lange, Dr. Hendrik J., C. S. B., New York,
New York.
Denton, Cecil F., C. S., New York, New York.
Hubbard, Dr. Walton, C. S. B., Los Angeles,
California.
Kolliner, Sim Andrew, C. S. B., St. Paul, Minnesota.
MacRae, Harry B., C. S. B., Dallas, Texas.
McCloud, Earl, C. S. B., San Antonio, Texas.
McReynolds, James Harry, C. S. B., Dallas, Texas.
Molter, Harold, C. S. B., Chicago, Illinois.
Morrison, Miss Margaret, C. S., Boston, Massachusetts.
Norwood, Mrs. Elisabeth F., C. S. B., Brookline,
Massachusetts.
Peeke, Oscar Graham, C. S. B., Kansas City,
Missouri.
Perrow, Arthur, C. S., Chicago, Illinois.
Rauthe, Mrs. Claire, C. S., London, England.
Sammons, John S., C. S., Chicago, Illinois.
Scott, Mrs. Elisabeth Carroll, C. S. B., Memphis,
Tennessee.
Seeley, Paul Stark, C. S. B., Boston, Massachusetts.
Simms, Earl E., C. S., Austin, Texas.
Van Atta, Robert S., C. S., Rochester, New York.
Wagers, Ralph E., C. S. B., Chicago, Illinois.
Winn, Charles V., C. S. B., Pasadena, California.
Mr. Adair Hickman, Mr. Herbert W. Beck, and Mrs. Anna E. Herzog are devoting further time to study and practice.
Mr. Harry C. Browne, having been assigned to the work of broadcasting programs by radio for The Mother Church, has not been re-elected to membership on the Board of Lectureship for the coming year.
At the request of The Christian Science Board of Directors Miss Lucia C. Coulson accepted election to the Board of Lectureship for special service in Continental Europe during the year 1947-1948, and she will complete that service at the end of the present lecture year.
New Members of the Board of Lectureship
Miss Helen Appleton, C. S., was born and raised in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. She attended both public and private schools in and outside of Boston. Later she was graduated from Leland Powers School of the Theatre, where she was a faculty member for many years and then Dean of the school. She resigned from that work to devote all her time to the practice of Christian Science.
Her interest in Christian Science dates from young girlhood. She attended a Christian Science Sunday School and became a member of a branch church in 1905. She joined The Mother Church in 1906. In 1916 she received Primary class instruction.
Miss Appleton has been a member of the board of directors of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Wellesley, Massachusetts. She has also served that church as Second Reader, as well as superintendent of its Sunday School.
Dr. Walton Hubbard, C. S. B., is a native of Wisconsin, in which state he received his early education, later attending a Polytechnic Institute in Indiana for a short time. Deciding to become a physician and surgeon, he took up study in the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, and upon the completion of his course there started in the practice of medicine in the state of Washington. Later he returned to Wisconsin, where he continued in that profession. Becoming increasingly interested in Christian Science, he gave up the practice of medicine in 1910. After receiving class instruction in Christian Science, he returned to Washington and there engaged in the practice of Christian Science healing, eventually settling in Spokane.
Dr. Hubbard joined The Mother Church and also became a member of First Church, Spokane, in 1910. He at one time served his branch church as First Reader. He was a member of the Normal class of the Board of Education in 1913 and became a teacher of Christian Science.
Dr. Hubbard was elected a member of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship in 1916 and continued in this activity until 1926. He again served on that Board from 1937 to 1940, since which time he has been engaged in the work of a teacher and practitioner of Christian Science.
Arthur Perrow, C. S., of Chicago, Illinois, is a native of Massachusetts. He was educated in the public schools of Boston, at Harvard University, and had special private courses in accountancy, finance, and law.
His interest in Christian Science began in 1915 with a physical healing. He soon joined a branch church, and in 1917 became a member of The Mother Church. He received Primary class instruction in 1923. He is now a member of Second Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago. Mr. Perrow occupied various positions in branch churches, including that of First Reader, superintendent of the Sunday School, and chairman of the board of directors.
Mr. Perrow has been actively identified with a number of civic organizations in Chicago, in which he has held executive positions, including that of president of the Executives' Club of Chicago. He received a degree of Doctor of Laws from the Chicago Law School.
Mr. Perrow retired from the position of secretary and treasurer of the Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1943 to devote all of his time to the work of a Christian Science practitioner. He has served as Christian Science Committee on Publication for Illinois since 1943.
Mrs. Claire Rauthe, C. S., was born in Riga, one of the Hanse towns of Europe, and her ancestors were of Scandinavian origin. Her father held many public offices of importance in that city. Mrs. Rauthe was educated in Riga, and after finishing her academic education took up the study of languages and music. On her marriage she became a Swedish subject, and during the First World War went to live in Sweden, where she became interested in Christian Science. Soon she realized the importance of the English language to every Christian Scientist, and in order to learn that language she visited England in 1920. While there she received Primary class instruction and became a member of The Mother Church.
After a short period of renewed residence in Stockholm, Mrs. Rauthe returned to England, where she made her home in London and engaged in the public practice of Christian Science. Later she became a naturalized British subject. She joined Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist, London, and has taken an active part in the work of that church, including service on the board of directors, of which she was chairman for two years.
