[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, February 11, 1950]
In order to continue proper maintenance of The Mother Church edifices, following their many years of service, extensive renovations and repairs have become necessary. Much of the steel structure of the main dome of the Church needs to be replaced and the dome retiled with terra cotta. Work on the lower structure will include treatment of the steel in the clerestory walls and restoration of the exterior surface where there has been spalling off of the stone. This work will not change the appearance of the exterior.
The organ in the Original Edifice is being rearranged in order to provide space needed for rebuilding the organ in the Extension. The outward appearance of both organs will be unchanged. The present project not only will provide a larger and more artistic organ in the Extension, but will restore the Original Edifice organ to its former size through the use of space above the ceiling of the auditorium. An opening for the sound, to be made in the ceiling over the balcony of the Original Mother Church, will be covered by an appropriately designed grille which will harmonize with the interior decoration.
Work on these projects has already begun. It will take from two to three years and will be accomplished without interrupting the services in The Mother Church. Because of the construction work it has been necessary to close the Original Edifice to visitors until the next Annual Meeting.
The total cost will be approximately $1,000,000, and while no special fund will be opened for the purpose, contributions from the Field will be gratefully accepted.
FROM THE DIRECTORS
[As published in the Christian Science Sentinel, February 18, 1950]
Communications from The Christian Science Board of Directors to the Field have appeared from time to time in the past in issues of the Christian Science Sentinel and The Christian Science Journal. Hereafter, except when it is desirable or necessary that such communications reach the Field at the earliest possible moment, official communications or statements from this Board will appear only in The Christian Science Journal.
This arrangement is to avoid unnecessary repetition and to use available space to the best advantage. Both the Sentinel and the Journal are needed in the home of every Christian Scientist. The Christian Science Journal occupies a distinctive place in the history and literature of Christian Science. The Christian Science Sentinel with its additional articles and testimonies, and also with its own special features, such as the announcements of lectures to be delivered, the Signs of the Times, and other departmental material, likewise is indispensable.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP— WHAT IT MEANS
Church membership is not so much an end as it is a means of greater spiritual accomplishments. The mere formal act of uniting with The Mother Church is not the whole obligation of membership. But the deeply felt acceptance of membership brings bountiful blessings.
In the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes (p. 35), "We can unite with this church only as we are new-born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love,— casting out error and healing the sick." And on page 15 of her work "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy encouragingly writes: "The new birth is not the work of a moment. It begins with moments and goes on with years." It is the purpose of The Mother Church to further the "new birth" in individual human experience.
Applicants are admitted to membership twice each year by The Christian Science Board of Directors under the provisions of Article XIII, Section 2, of the Church Manual. To be considered for the next admission of members, applications, with their accompanying questionnaires, must reach the Clerk not later than Monday, May 1, 1950. The admission date is June 2, 1950.
Application blanks and information concerning church membership may be obtained at Christian Science Reading Rooms, from practitioners listed in The Christian Science Journal, or from clerks of branch churches and societies. Application blanks may also be obtained from Gordon V. Comer, Clerk, 107 Falmouth Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts.
TESTIMONY MEETINGS
Meetings at which testimonies of Christian Science healing are given, are held in Christian Science churches on Wednesdays. A cordial invitation to attend these meetings, as well as the Sunday services, is extended to all. Information telling where and when these are held is given in the Directory in each issue of The Christian Science Journal.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR NURSING CANDIDATES AT CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION SANATORIUMS
There is a continuing need for candidates for the Nurses' Training Course at the Sanatoriums. Applications should come from Christian Scientists who intend to devote themselves to the profession of Christian Science nursing. There are opportunities for service for graduates of this course in the Field, in nursing homes and visiting nurse services, as well as from time to time in the Sanatoriums.
Inquiries concerning this work should be addressed to Personnel Department, 107 Falmouth Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts.
SUBMITTING TESTIMONIES
Convincing testimonies of healing in Christian Science are welcomed for publication. A testimony should be concise and include only the important points necessary to tell of the healing. This will enable more testimonies to be published. Testimonies should be verified by three members of The Mother Church who know of the healing or can vouch for the integrity of the testifier. If the testifier is unacquainted with three members, his affidavit may be sufficient, but in this case he should, if possible, obtain verification from one or two members. The testifier should submit the verifications with the testimony. Complete addresses of the testifier and his vouchers should be furnished.
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PERIODICALS
The following periodicals were founded by Mary Baker Eddy and are published by The Christian Science Publishing Society, One, Norway Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts, U.S.A.:
The Christian Science journal: Monthly in English; $4 a year, 35c a copy.
Christian Science Sentinel: Weekly in English; $4 a year, 10c a copy.
The Herald of Christian Science: French and German editions published monthly: $2 a year, 20c a copy. Dutch, Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian, Swedish), Spanish (with Portuguese), and English-Braille editions, Grade One and a Half, published quarterly; $1 a year, 25c a copy.
Christian Science Quarterly: Quarterly in English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish: $1.25 a year, 35c a copy. English edition is also available in vest-pocket size, $1.25 a year, 35c a copy; Readers' size, $1.65 a year, 45c a copy; in English-Braille, Grade One and a Half, $2.50 a year (12 issues), 25c a copy.
The Christian Science Monitor: Daily, except Sundays and holidays, in English (with religious article in 17 different translations): $14 a year, 5c a copy.
