Church has always been evidence of spiritual faith. The Israelites, even in their most trying times, often erected an altar to God. One of the first things Noah did when he emerged from the ark was to build an altar to the Most High. Throughout the Bible we see the concept of church advancing with progress in the understanding of God. Christ Jesus, our great Exemplar, understood the true significance of Church. At twelve years of age he was found in the temple listening to the doctors and asking questions. One of his last acts before the crucifixion was the keeping of the Passover with his disciples. And when Peter acknowledged the Master as the Son of God, Jesus showed plainly that the understanding of the Christ was the rock upon which his church should be built.
In the Historical Sketch, which is given in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, we read (p. 17), "At a meeting of the Christian Scientist Association, April 12, 1879, on motion of Mrs. Eddy, it was voted,—To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."
The questions may arise: Why is it that we need this human church organization, since Church is spiritual? Why should it not be enough to study individually the Bible and the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, together with the other authorized literature? The latter question contains part of the answer. Without The Mother Church and its branches and activities there would be no continuing provision for authorized literature. Without the continued publication and protection of the doctrine of Christian Science, this Science itself might soon be lost to view. If we cherish Christian Science for ourselves, we should be willing to do our part in preserving it in its purity for others. We must claim for all men the truth that we claim for ourselves. Through the Church of Christ, Scientist, the way to do this is unfolded.
