THE first record of a gathering together in the Bible occurs in the first chapter of Genesis (verse 9): "And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear." This verse provides a pattern for church action, for when we are gathered together in spiritual agreement, we should expect to see "the dry land appear"—to become aware of the absolute formation of thought needed at the moment.
In the Deed of Trust conveying land for The Mother Church, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, tells us that the congregation which worships in this church edifice shall be called The First Church of Christ, Scientist (see Manual of The Mother Church, p. 132). The word "congregation" means simply an assembly of persons gathered together for religious worship. In this togetherness each supports the other in brotherly love.
When we are gathered together through unity of love and purpose, there is a mighty spiritual impulsion. Those gathered together on the day of Pentecost were so lifted above the limitations and barriers of nationalities and languages that they heard the Word of Truth in their own language, in words which they could understand. Being "with one accord in one place," in spiritual agreement, so purified the mental atmosphere that, according to the record (Acts 2:6), even "the multitude came together;" the spiritual attraction was so great that they were drawn irresistibly to that holy, consecrated place. As we congregate or gather together in our church services, as we unite in prayer, as we listen together and sing together, there is one unified spiritual impulsion. This is an aspect of church in action, indeed true church activity.
