ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MOTHER CHURCH

The Annual Meeting of The Mother Church convened on Monday afternoon, June 7. Members from many parts of the world were present. Renewed consecration to the Cause which our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, established was in evidence. The following is a detailed account of the proceedings and the reports of our Church officers.

The opening hymn was No. 164 in the Christian Science Hymnal, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come." After the singing of this hymn, the retiring President, Mrs. Grace F. Cudworth, read passages from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy:

The Bible
Isa. 2:1-3,5
John 7:14-17

Science and Health
200:2
112:16
497:3-4
566:1-11

After a few moments of silent prayer followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer, the congregation sang Hymn No. 208, "O gentle presence, peace and joy and power," the words of which were written by our Leader.

Mrs. Cudworth then announced the new officers of The Mother Church, as follows: President, William R. Knox, of Boston, Massachusetts; Treasurer, Roy Garrett Watson, of Brookline, Massachusetts; Clerk, Gordon V. Comer, of Boston, Massachusetts.

The retiring President, Mrs. Cudworth, then spoke as follows:

Dear Fellow Members:

Our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, gave to the world "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the complete statement of the Science revealed to her by God, the divine Mind. She also gave to her Church the divine Rules and By-Laws for its government; this is the Manual of The Mother Church. She writes 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."

Our Manual is not merely a book of human Rules and By-Laws, it is far more; it is a God-given instrument brought forth through consecrated prayer and earnest listening to God. The Manual of The Mother Church came through necessity to meet definite needs of the Church. Mrs. Eddy saw that she must first discern the spiritual law, and through this discernment there unfolded to her the specific By-Law to meet each human situation. Long nights and days of silent communion with her heavenly Father left Mrs. Eddy no doubt of the divine origin of the Church Manual.

Emphasizing the importance of obedience to the Manual, our Leader makes this statement in Miscellany (p. 230): "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." Let us awaken today to an even deeper devotion to the great spiritual value of our God-given heritage, The Mother Church Manual.

In the May Journal, 1885, was printed the following statement, which is of special importance at this time: "It would seem as if the kingdoms of the world were all being weighed in balances to determine what boasted strength is real and what pretended.... All these rumblings of discord, to the watchers on Mount Zion, come fraught with assurance of the onward march of Righteousness.... And not the dominion of acknowledged kings and princes alone is threatened—but the dominion of man over man in any form must give way to the liberty, fraternity and equality, toward which the unseen Law, spiritual and eternal, forces humanity."

As members of our beloved Mother Church, we are marching forward, demonstrating the liberty and unity of the sons of God. Our God-inspired Manual is guiding the onward march, enfolding our movement in its light.

Mrs. Cudworth then introduced the incoming President, who delivered the following address:

My Friends: "It is undoubtedly true that Christian Science is destined to become the one and the only religion and therapeutics on this planet." These words by our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (pp. 266, 267) are not the proud boast of a narrow denominationalism. They proclaim the farseeing vision of one who discovered and demonstrated the divine Science of being; and Christian Science is the human statement and application of this exact Science.

We, here, have proved Christian Science sufficiently in our own lives and in the healing of others to establish our conviction that Christian Science is the reappearing of the Christ in this age—fulfilling all the Scriptural promises of the coming of the Comforter. As Mrs. Eddy tells us, it is a divine influence in human consciousness.

This divine influence is present with every individual, whether he knows it or not. It is the essence and initiation of every right idea and every right motive. However proudly one may regard his own prowess, this divine influence will sooner or later bring to nought all vainglory; and its irresistible persuasion will ultimately convince him that there is one infinite, good God, who is all-power and all intelligence.

It is patent that we cannot save ourselves, nor can we resist being saved. Salvation under an infinite, good God, who is all-Love, is not only universal, but inevitable. We need not blame ourselves for the burden of erroneous concepts and false beliefs which we have inherited from the ages. But we are responsible for what we do with this false heritage. Our job is to learn through Christian Science how to yield intelligently and gracefully to the saving Christ-power, which is always present and operative for human betterment.

When one does respond to the Christ and yields to its divine influence, he begins to see the way of hope and spiritual understanding and feels the tender compassion of divine Love that forgives sin and heals disease. A complete demonstration of the Christ would accomplish the "greater works" of which Jesus spoke—the living of a human life filled with healing and good works, wherein there would be no last illness, no breaking up and going to pieces, "for the end of that man is peace."

The healing of Christian Science is not the result of mysterious metaphysical magic —it is the simple power of prayer. It is the overflow of the divine influence in the lives of those who have experienced its healing and redemptive power.

Not long after Mrs. Eddy moved from Concord, New Hampshire, to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, there appeared a new design of the cross and crown—the seal or emblem that graces all our Leader's writings and our periodicals. The cross is more prominent and heavier than in the former design, and this, it seemed to me, was a symbolic call for more selfless consecration and cross bearing. It seemed to speak of the great sacrifice our Leader had made and was making to bring to us the crowning feature of Christianity—the Christ-healing.

So I wrote to Mrs. Eddy, and my letter must have pleased her, for in a few days a letter came from her in her own inimitable handwriting. She spoke approvingly of my comments on the cross and crown and then inquired what had influenced me to enter this field of labor and asked me to tell her of some diseases that I had healed and the time required in healing them.

Our Leader was always keenly interested to hear of experiences of healing in Christian Science, and, as students of her writings, we know how often she admonishes us to do more and better healing work. Christian healing is the lifeblood of our Cause. Without it our movement would be a lifeless body given over to intellectual argument and preachment. That branch church is most prosperous and blessed where the healing work flourishes and the lives of its members overflow with the Christ influence. The healing work demands selfless consecration and infinite patience, and its compensation in growth and spiritual satisfaction is beyond estimate. I speak out of many years of rich experience in the public practice of Christian Science and with humble gratitude for the great privilege of helping others to solve the human problem.

On a number of occasions I saw Mrs. Eddy and heard her speak. I had other contacts which were inspiring and unforgettable. But more than the personal contact, I cherish most keenly the glimpses I am finding of her real selfhood in her writings, as she has told us we would do. I am beginning to see the spiritual identity of that womanhood of which Jesus spoke when he said that a woman took the leaven and had it in three measures of meal.

What but the unselfed love expressed in true womanhood could have heeded the call of the still small voice of the Christ and scaled the height of spiritual revelation, and then have endured the persecution in making this revelation intelligible and practical to human understanding. Mrs. Eddy tells us that "reason and revelation were reconciled, and afterwards the truth of Christian Science was demonstrated" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 110). Indeed, reason and revelation are reconciled, for through our beloved Leader's teaching we are led to see reason giving way to revelation, and we prove in our own experience the practical application of absolute spiritual facts to the healing of every human ill. Is not the leaven of spiritual understanding in Christian Science changing the thinking of humanity expressed through science, through theology, and through medicine?

I am persuaded that only as we share in some measure the experience of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science in our own lives, only as we rise above the persecution of personal sense and taste the redemptive and healing power of the Christ, can we really know and appreciate our Leader and understand her inseparable relation to Christian Science and her place in history.

We are not convinced of her leadership by intellectual reason and argument. The conviction must come as an individual experience through our own self-correction and intuitive discernment. As we let go our petty pride of personal goodness and personal possession, we gain a clearer vision of the things of Spirit.

The gathering momentum of individual experience and the developing unity of purpose of Christian Scientists are bringing the Cause of Christian Science and its Discoverer and Founder to the appreciative recognition of the thinking world. Today as never before we are receiving from all quarters the commendation and acclaim for work well done; but it requires great humility and grace to weather the strain of praise and popularity. May God give us ever the childlike teachableness that will enable us to reach the maturity of selfless strength, wisdom, and usefulness.

You will recall these lines given by our Leader at the close of her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 35):

A Word from The Christian Science Board of Directors, Read by Theodore Wallach, First Reader

In her message to The Mother Church in June, 1898, our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, wrote (Christian Science versus Pantheism, p. 1), "The night is far spent, and day is not distant in the horizon of Truth—even the day when all people shall know and acknowledge one God and one Christianity." If this could be said more than half a century ago, how much more can it be said now! Indeed, one cannot look at the world today in the light of Christian Science, and measure the leavening effects of this Science in every field of human thought, without seeing that the day of universal spiritual understanding and harmony is steadily advancing. Nor is the Christian Scientist likely to do this without soberly considering what is required to bring this day to full noon.

When we look at the world and its problems, we cannot fail to be grateful that the teaching of Christ Jesus has so broadly and deeply registered in it. Certainly that great portion of mankind known as Christendom has turned toward the one teaching that can save the world, the teaching which can open the door, and is the door, to the kingdom of God on earth.

The one need, it can readily be seen, is that those who have been drawn to the teaching of Jesus should not underrate its value or make less use of it than they can. For the promise of this teaching, to every human being and every group and nation, is plainly not limited at all. See how Christ Jesus sums it up, "Ask, and ye shall receive," he said (John 16:24). Again, "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." And again (Mark 11:24): "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

To whom were these assurances addressed? Why, to everyone. The Master put no restriction whatever upon them. Is it not, then, the privilege of every Christian, and of everyone not yet a Christian, to see that these promises are for him, wherever he may be, and whatever righteous purpose he may be pursuing?

Can it be said, for example, that any natural scientist, searching for the solution of a hitherto unsolved problem in his field, is excluded from the operation of the law which Christ Jesus was here enunciating? In the face of any question as to whether the solution is available for him, can he not take the words of Jesus as a message directly to him, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them"?

Such a one must of course be asking for what it is in the nature of God to supply. He must be asking primarily for wisdom, one of the perfect gifts, which, as the Apostle James declares (1:17), "cometh down from the Father of lights"—for the enlightenment which expresses the nature of God, and is therefore unlimited, and unlimited in its value for men. Such asking, combined with the assurance that one receives what he asks, the Master was plainly saying, is unfailingly answered. It gains both the enlightenment and the evidences that are needed.

Or for the statesman, confronted with conflicting national interests which persistently defy conciliation—is not the same help equally available for him? Can he not ask and receive just the light and the guidance, just the unifying and healing concepts, that are needed? What if those concerned speak different languages? What if they mean different things by the same words? What if some of them use words to obscure their meanings, or even seek the destruction of those with whom they negotiate, instead of agreement with them? Christian Science insists that none of these things can alter the great promise of the Master that to those praying rightly the needed answer and evidence are available.

Or if the statesman, or the natural scientist, or the minister or layman of any faith, or anyone at all falters in what he has to do—falters through a failure of physical health, or through some personal loss or grief, or from any other cause—can he not take new courage, and also expect and have the precise help he needs, through considering the true import of these same words of Jesus: "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them"?

But how, it may be said—and indeed many Christians have said it—how can I believe that I receive what I need and ask? The beloved Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, through her penetrating insight into the meaning of Christianity, supplies the plain answer. We "believe" that we receive by knowing the unlimited spiritual good that we have; by knowing, as the Scripture implies, that no good thing is withheld from them that walk uprightly; that is, from the man that each one of us really and demonstrably is. Through this Christianly scientific knowledge, and the confirming evidences that flow naturally from it, we see that the assurances of the Master are simple, demonstrable statements of spiritual law and fact. In this way we gain and prove the full import of the teaching of Christ Jesus.

We here in this meeting, and Christian Scientists throughout the world, know beyond all questioning that the words of Jesus are true and that prayer can do all that he said. We accepted these facts when we accepted Christian Science, and we have seen proofs upon proofs of them in our own experience, through the inspired instruction and guidance of our Leader. Through the same guidance we have seen how to share our understanding and experience with others—with the same rich blessings following for them, and for ever-increasing multitudes. But the constant demand on us, obviously, is that we represent the great truths of Christian Science ever better and better, and ever more broadly, to others. What is required of us for this purpose we well understand. It is that we still more fully grasp and more devotedly follow the full instruction of Mrs. Eddy for living Christian Science, and thus letting our light shine for the encouragement and redemption of mankind.

To aid us in doing this for the world at large, we have the unique institution which our Leader designed for that purpose— The Mother Church, with all its widespread healing and educational work, supplying within its wide channels, as she said, dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members, and enabling Christian Scientists everywhere to work effectively together in their common Cause. To aid us in doing it in our local communities, we have institutions especially designed for the purpose by her—our branch churches and societies and our college organizations, with their varied activities.

Are we, individually, doing the best we can for these great institutions? Are we serving them, and letting them serve ourselves and others, as well as we can? Are we in all ways representing in the best possible manner the priceless message we have for mankind?

This is the challenge constantly before us.

We know that "with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26)—indeed, that to the one divine Principle, infinite Mind, Life, and Love, all good is already fulfilled. But we know that it is our responsibility to demonstrate this great fact, to let the perfect government of divine wisdom and Love be evident without reservation in all that we do and are.

To this work—this great further work of scientifically demonstrating Christ's Christianity—let us dedicate ourselves afresh today. With glowing gratitude for all that Christian Science has meant thus far to us and to the world, let us take still more to heart the counsel of our Leader (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 367): "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."

 Report of the Treasurer, Read by Roy Garrett Watson, Treasurer of The Mother Church

As required by the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy, the Treasurer made his annual report. He stated that apart from current bills and accrued taxes, The Mother Church has no indebtedness.

He reported that the books of the Church Treasurer have been audited in accordance with the provision in the Church Manual. The auditors' certificate reads:

We have examined the records of the Treasurer of The Mother Church. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, as of April 30, 1954, and for the year then ended.

We have also examined the Treasurer's Report in accordance with Section 3, of Article XXIV, of the Manual. In our opinion the information therein furnished with respect to the amount of unexpended and uninvested cash, the amount of indebtedness, and the amount of expenditures, is correct.

(Signed) Ernst & Ernst
May 25, 1954
Boston, Massachusetts

Continuing, the Treasurer spoke substantially as follows:

We are glad to report a fruitful and progressive year. We are grateful to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, who through her great love for God and man was divinely inspired in the founding of this, her Church. Men and women throughout the world are alertly demonstrating their membership with The Mother Church, which embraces them all in its enfolding love and in turn is grateful to them for their loyalty and loving support.

The Mother Church is not an endowed institution; therefore every penny expended must first be given it through one of the following five sources of income: the net earnings of The Christian Science Publishing Society, the per capita tax, individual contributions (and legacies), contributions from branch churches and societies, and gifts from students' associations. Thus the conscientious member identifies himself with the highest visible expression of the unfolding idea of Church, and participates in and is blessed by the spiritual riches of The Mother Church by giving in five ways: first, by paying his per capita tax; second, by sending contributions direct to The Mother Church; third and fourth, by contributing toward the gifts forwarded to The Mother Church by his branch church or society, and by his association; and fifth, by subscribing for all the periodicals published by The Christian Science Publishing Society.

The cost of maintaining our three charitable institutions exceeded receipts from guests and specific donations from the Field; therefore it was necessary to defray the sizable deficit from funds of The Mother Church. The cost of promoting and extending a correct understanding of Christian Science to the public through radio and television programs likewise exceeded donations received for that purpose.

The financial support given the work carried on by Christian Science Ministers for men and women in the Armed Services in this country and overseas is gratefully acknowledged. The need is a continuing one.

Twenty-eight years ago The Christian Science Board of Directors established an unusual service of The Mother Church known as Christian Science Trustees for Gifts and Endowments. The basic purpose of this activity is to care for potential gifts to The Mother Church by members from their surplus funds, by the establishment of revocable trusts. All inquiries in regard to the establishment of such trusts should be addressed to Roy Garrett Watson, Trustee and Treasurer, 107 Falmouth Street, Boston 15, Massachusetts.

Opportunities are constantly unfolding to The Mother Church for wider service and for fulfilling in an ever greater measure the vision of our Leader. The leavening influence of Christian Science is unlimited. Safely supported by the love of its members, The Mother Church presses confidently toward the goal described for it in the Church Manual (p. 19): "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant."

Report of the Clerk, Read by Gordon V. Comer, Clerk of The Mother Church

We are immensely pleased to see the great numbers of men and women, including many young people, who are reaching out for membership in our beloved Mother Church. They tell us of the healings and blessings that Christian Science has brought into their lives and of their desire to identify themselves with the great organization which is bringing the Christ, Truth, to human consciousness. It is a wonderful thing to enlist in the Christian army of The Mother Church. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy are these words (p. 450): "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good."

The total number of admissions to membership in The Mother Church last year exceeded by a substantial margin those for the previous year. Applications pour in from every continent, adding year by year to our large body of sincere and consecrated Christian Scientists.

The number of members who for any reason believe themselves alienated from The Mother Church is exceedingly small in comparison with the total number of its members. We nevertheless are deeply grateful for the opportunities we are having to extend shepherding to those who have not been in touch with The Mother Church for a time. The results of this Field Relations work, as it is called, continue to be gratifying. We note with keen interest and appreciation a growing number of branch churches and societies which themselves are recognizing the value of this work and are putting similar plans into operation.

One of several activities of the Clerk's office in the Boston area is supervision of the Local Literature Activities Division. The three Committees under this Division— the Advertising Information Committee, the Circulation Information Committee, and the Literature Distribution Committee— carry on their work in the local area of The Mother Church with keen interest. The monthly meetings of these Committees are always well attended, and the reports of fruitage from the local work as given by individual Committee members are deeply gratifying.

The Superintendent of the Sunday School of The Mother Church reports a joyful, active year. The Sunday School, we are grateful to say, is much loved and respected as a manifestation of all that we know to be true about Church, and the evidence of this has been increased enrollment.

Five Workshop meetings for teachers and staff have been held, and in these there has been spontaneous discussion of various teaching problems and of ways in which the Sunday School can improve its service to the Boston community. The constant effort is to see the Sunday School as a vital, friendly, and intelligent activity, and this has taken form in an endeavor to keep as close a contact as possible with the pupils through mailed assignments and letters to absentees from the teachers and the Superintendent, and through letters of welcome to newly enrolling pupils.

The teachers consistently encourage the young people to do their own metaphysical work. Cases of clear-cut healings by the pupils themselves include those of hatred, fear, resentment, and temper. Also there have been healings by the pupils of effects of accidents, bee sting, knife wounds, cuts, a sprained ankle, upset stomach, headaches, colds, a growth, and chicken pox. Pupils have, through their own work, been able to demonstrate right employment, guidance, and increased intelligence in examinations.

May I end this report by reading the closing words of our beloved Leader's Message to The Mother Church for 1900 (p. 15), "In the words of St. John, may the angel of The Mother Church write of this church: 'Thou hast not left thy first love, I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.'

Report of the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy, Read by Mrs. Verna A. Hayter, Corresponding Secretary

The Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy are pleased to report to you on their administration of the Trust Fund established under our Leader's will and on the progress made in carrying out her expressed intention that the Fund be used to promote and extend the religion of Christian Science as taught by her.

In the performance of this sacred charge the Trustees have in the past year expended approximately $131,500 to assist branch churches and societies in canceling indebtedness on their church property so that they might dedicate. More than $5,400,000 has been disbursed for this purpose during the past forty years. Many churches have expressed gratitude for the assistance by subsequently returning grants. This past year $27,102 has been used to encourage the free distribution of Christian Science literature; to assist in supplying authorized literature to Christian Science lending libraries; to place Mrs. Eddy's writings, including the Talking Books, in public libraries; to supply literature in Braille for the blind; and to give subscriptions to The Christian Science Monitor to government officials in Washington and elsewhere. The sum of $17,254 has been used during the year to assist branches of The Mother Church and college organizations in paying for lectures.

There continues to be an increase in the demand for Mrs. Eddy's writings, including "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and the Manual of The Mother Church.

Newspaper advertisements of Science and Health and our reading rooms reach a world-wide audience. Response was double that of the previous year. The leavening power of these advertisements in dispelling ignorance and prejudice is great.

Within the year, one hundred and six Reading Rooms were moved to ground-floor locations in business districts, one hundred and eight Reading Rooms increased the hours when they are open to the public, and fifty-two societies requested information on establishing new Reading Rooms.

New publications, announced through the Publishers' Agent, included leather-bound editions of the French and German translations of Science and Health to meet an overseas need. A new red leather edition of "What Christmas Means to Me and Other Christmas Messages" was provided. In response to the increased widespread demand, the eight remaining chapters of Science and Health have been produced on long-playing records, thus completing our textbook for those who desire it in this useful form. A new large-type edition of Mrs. Eddy's Prose Works to match the Anniversary Edition of Science and Health is announced, to be available shortly at Christian Science Reading Rooms.

These diverse activities afford increasing evidence of the growth of our Cause the world over. As Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health (p. 118), "Ages pass, but this leaven of Truth is ever at work."

Report of Committees on Publication, Read by Will B. Davis, Manager

The Committees on Publication are making a vital contribution to the welfare of our Cause, and of all mankind, by their defense of the right of every individual to rely on god for healing through scientific prayer. In this period, when medical legislation is attempting to encroach on individual freedom, defense of this right is fundamental not only to the progress of Christian Science, but also to the preservation of human liberty. During the past year there have been many opportunities for the Committees to ask and win recognition of this right to find healing through spiritual means. Amendments to legislative bills have been secured and favorable rulings obtained from public officials. Also, Christian Science is now being recognized more and more in the settlement of insurance claims.

While these efforts have been made primarily to protect the rights of Christian Scientists, they help to preserve and extend mankind's freedom from regimentation.

It is highly important that individual Christian Scientists ask for exemption from vaccination, physical examination, and medical instruction in schools wherever legally permissible. To be preserved, freedom must be exercised. However, we must recognize that freedom imposes responsibility. Recognition of our rights makes it particularly important for those relying on Christian Science to respect the rights of others and to observe carefully the laws relating to quarantine and the reporting of communicable diseases. The alertness of Christian Scientists generally in this regard has done much to win the public respect so widely enjoyed by our Cause.

While there are fewer attacks on Christian Science in the daily press than formerly, there still are many important opportunities to correct misleading and malicious statements appearing in books. During the past year we have strengthened the work of supplying correct information on Christian Science to authors, publishers, and educators.

There is no surer protection for our Cause than to find ways of gaining wider acceptance in public thought of the fact that Christian Science heals all manner of human discord without resorting to material means. There is much evidence that our new radio series, "How Christian Science Heals," is reaching a large, responsive, and growing audience. Every week we receive hundreds of letters from listeners, most of them strangers to Christian Science. The reports of healing and of increased attendance at our churches and Reading Rooms show that these programs are accomplishing their purpose. Christian Scientists can add immeasurably to the effectiveness of the programs by active metaphysical support, by ensuring a warm welcome to strangers at church services, and by encouraging their non-Scientist friends to hear these radio programs.

During the coming year The Mother Church plans to produce and release additional television programs in the United States. Our radio and television programs are designed to correct misconceptions in public thought regarding Mrs. Eddy and Christian Science, and thus to aid in carrying on the mission assigned to the Committee on Publication by our Leader.

With the prayerful support of all Christian Scientists, we shall continue to keep abreast of the times in fulfillment of our inspired Leader's words (Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 144, 145), "The Church, more than any other institution, at present is the cement of society, and it should be the bulwark of civil and religious liberty."

At this point the congregation sang Hymn No. 177, "Look, ye saints, the day is breaking."

Report of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, Read by Arthur C. Whitney, Chairman

The fact that mankind is more and more seeking the "good news" is evidenced in reports of increased attendance at the lectures this year. Lectures have been given during the year in every state in the Union, in all the provinces in Canada, and in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean area, South America, and Africa. Figures compiled for last year, when the Orient also was visited, show a total of four thousand and forty-eight lectures.

The increased attendance at lectures this year has undoubtedly been due largely to a greater effort on the part of branch churches and societies to bring the lectures to the attention of non-Scientists in an appealing way.

In addition to the usual newspaper advertising and publicity, effective use has been made of both radio and television interviews with lecturers. Many of the lecturers now have interviews recorded on tape that may be used on radio broadcasts when the lecturer cannot personally be present. These interviews have increased the interest of strangers, with the result that many have attended the lectures.

Some branch churches have also made good use of direct mail advertising of the lectures. This year The Mother Church has included a paragraph on its lecture invitations, placards, and newspaper advertisements stating that reserved seats would be available to those who were hearing a Christian Science lecture for the first time. This offer has produced most encouraging results.

One outstanding lecture experience took place in a midwestern city where the average attendance at lectures had been from one thousand to fifteen hundred. The membership decided to prove that the attendance could be larger. Full use was made of all advertising media. Above all, the members prayed faithfully in preparation. The attendance at this lecture was more than four thousand, and it was estimated that one third were newcomers to Christian Science. Thus, the membership saw the fulfillment of their earnest prayers and proved the words of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, written to The Christian Science Board of Lectureship (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 249), "When error strives to be heard above Truth, let the 'still small voice' produce God's phenomena." The lecturers are grateful for the excellent preparatory work being done in many fields. Prayer is indeed the key to all lecture preparation.

Report of the Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society, Read by John H. Hoagland, Manager

On January 25, 1898, Mary Baker Eddy founded The Christian Science Publishing Society under a Deed of Trust for the purpose of "promoting the interests of Christian Science." Its success in the intervening fifty-six years bears eloquent tribute to our Leader's wise and loving foresight in providing the world-wide activities of the Publishing Society for the benefit of all humanity. The consistent growth of these activities is attested with abundant evidences of progress and fruitage as Mrs. Eddy's publishing enterprise enters its fifty-seventh year of service, and we are reminded to "let her own works praise her in the gates."

No annual report would be adequate to summarize even briefly the thousands of letters which arrive at the Publishing House each year expressing gratitude for our publishing activities. An epitome of this vast flow of messages may suffice, however, to convey the scope and spirit of the healing work of our periodicals and publications. "I live in a tiny country town," writes a subscriber, "and the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly stand out like a great beacon light in the wilderness." Says another reader, "My loved ones were restored to me, and my business was saved through the study of the Christian Science Quarterly Lesson-Sermons." "I have been practicing law and following Christian Science for fifty-five years," writes an attorney, "and the Journal and Sentinel have gone far to lift me out of human law into the divine law of Christian Science."

A physician's wife wrote that her husband's nightly reading of The Christian Science Monitor seemed to brush away all his fears and worries and leave him with a sense of peace. "I am not a Christian Scientist," says an educator, "but I use the Monitor as an illustration of religious cooperation, freedom, and tolerance." A letter from western Germany tells how, through reading the Monitor, a man was healed and freed after being sentenced to life imprisonment for political crimes. A soldier overseas writes that the Journal and Sentinel have meant so much to him that he is also taking subscriptions to the various Heralds of Christian Science to be sent to friends in other countries. "How refreshingly different," a Methodist minister writes of the Monitor; and a British diplomat says, "What a good publication it is—a great credit to journalism." The head of a Canadian hospital declares that without a doubt the Monitor is one of the world's greatest newspapers; and a Japanese teacher said on receiving the Monitor from Boston that he felt as if he were led out of a "dark stable." A student in Europe praised the Monitor for "its true Christian spirit of charity."

Observing its forty-fifth anniversary this year, The Christian Science Monitor broke all previous circulation records. The contributions of the Monitor to the cause of freedom were widely recognized. One staff writer received the chief award of a national newspaper fraternity. Another was recognized by fellow journalists in Massachusetts with a prize given for the greatest reporting achievement of 1953. The Freedoms Foundation gave our writers four honor medals. An international business group honored the Monitor and its Editor with a public dinner. For the second consecutive year a medal for the most outstanding service to journalism rendered in the current year by a New England newspaperwoman was given to a Monitor writer. An important university cited the Monitor for "outstanding news coverage" and "as a newspaper which is respected for both domestic and foreign reporting by hundreds of thousands of people, regardless of creed."

Advertising in the Monitor again exceeded all previous records with a total of 8,277,859 lines and 29,599 advertisers exclusive of classified advertising. Many new local advertising representatives and advertising information committees were added throughout the Field. Color advertising in the Monitor continues to grow.

During the last year we had air-mail subscriptions going to every continent and to the islands of the seas. Some of these subscribers pay more than $350 a year to receive the Monitor by air mail. One newspaper in Tokyo pays $1000 a year for three air-mail subscriptions. With postwar restrictions lifted in West Germany, many new circulation representatives are now at work building readership there for our periodicals.

The Christian Science Journal, the Christian Science Sentinel, and The Herald of Christian Science in its various editions published articles, testimonies, and editorials during the year which were gratefully received by our readers. Our Leader herself defined the distinct function of each of these periodicals. Christian Scientists generally recognize the great benefits to be derived from subscribing for and regularly reading them. The weekly Christian Science radio program of The Mother Church is now published regularly in the Sentinel.

The Publishing Society handled approximately a million incoming letters during the past year, and sent out approximately eighty million pieces of current literature.

We published the third volume in the series "We Knew Mary Baker Eddy," as well as a Swedish translation of the complete English Hymnal. A second illustrated pamphlet for small children, "Happy Playmates," was issued, and a new edition of the book "Christian Science and Its Discoverer," by E. Mary Ramsay, will be ready for sale soon. We also issued a new pamphlet, "Christian Science on the College Campus." We are glad to tell you that a revised edition of the important pamphlet, "Permanency of The Mother Church and Its Manual," is now available.

Homes in many lands regularly listen by standard broadcast or world-wide short wave to our weekly radio program, "The Christian Science Monitor Views the News."

Our Leader declares in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 113), "Our churches, The Christian Science Journal, and the Christian Science Quarterly, are prolific sources of spiritual power whose intellectual, moral, and spiritual animus is felt throughout the land." Is not this evident today in all the work of our beloved Mother Church, including the manifold activities of its Publishing Society?

Report of Department of Branches and Practitioners, Read by Theodore E. Metzner, Manager

The Department of Branches and Practitioners has just completed a year of expanding and fruitful activity. Our Application Division reports continued progress not only in the quality but in the number of applications accepted this year. Eighty more applications were accepted for the list of practitioners in The Christian Science Journal this year than last. There has been an increase of thirty-two in the total number of branches of The Mother Church. Much interest continues to be expressed in Christian Science nursing activities, resulting in a steadily growing number of nurses listed in the Journal.

With the approval of The Christian Science Board of Directors a new booklet entitled "Branch Church Building" was issued, which is of special interest to branch churches considering the erection, purchase, or remodeling of church edifices. More than twelve hundred and fifty requests for this booklet have been received from branches throughout the world, indicating the widespread interest among our brandies in building or in improving their church properties. This interest reflects the desire of individual students of Christian Science to glorify God and to share their blessings with humanity.

Much of the present construction of new edifices stems from the endeavor of branches to keep pace with the normal expansion of our larger cities, whereas the remodeling programs occur often in the older neighborhoods that have undergone changes from single family dwellings to multiple units. These churches recognized that our religion has a universal appeal, and although the character of the neighborhood may have changed, those now living there are equally in need of Christian Science. Often through including the neighborhood in their prayers and through friendly invitations, attendance and membership have increased.

The Supervisor of our College Organization Division has visited more than one hundred of these organizations during the year, holding Workshop meetings, consulting with the college religious advisers, and encouraging these young Christian Scientists in their religious activities in accordance with the provision by Mary Baker Eddy in the Manual of The Mother Church. These personal contacts with the colleges reveal that our young people are often leaders in college life, making outstanding demonstrations in their academic, social, and athletic activities.

A recent development has been the distribution of a Newsletter to the college organizations at regular intervals. These letters, telling of interesting experiences and fruitage, serve as a progress report on the activities of the organizations.

During the past twelve months there has been an increase of fourteen in the total number of college organizations, among which are the organizations at the University of Paris, Queens University in Belfast, Ireland, the University of Hawaii, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

The tape recording of the Tuesday evening meeting in The Mother Church last year again brought much inspiration throughout the Field. During the past year twelve hundred and fifty meetings have been held by branches in forty-two countries.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader says (p. 313), "The field waves its white ensign, the reapers are strong, the rich sheaves are ripe, the storehouse is ready: pray ye therefore the God of harvest to send forth more laborers of the excellent sort, and garner the supplies for a world."

Report of Christian Science Activities for the Armed Services, Read by Richard H. Chase, Manager

Christian Science Activities for the Armed Services, formerly known as Camp Welfare Activities, reports sturdy progress during the last twelve months. Originally established to meet the needs of Christian Scientists in the armed services, it is today also aiding those willing to rely wholly on Christian Science for healing in some two hundred veterans' hospitals.

Our field workers are designated as Christian Science Ministers for the Armed Services and Christian Science Representatives in the Armed Services. The Christian Science Ministers, who have increased in number to three hundred and sixty-five, serve mostly in the United States, England, Canada, Alaska, Australia, and Hawaii. The ninety Representatives generally are found in overseas areas, as Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, and islands in the Pacific.

Since the last Annual Meeting the Ministers and Representatives have conducted thousands of Christian Science services and given Christian Science treatments to many members of the Armed Services with remarkable success. They have distributed large quantities of authorized literature to service personnel and veterans, and have been instrumental in placing the Christian Science periodicals in chaplains' offices, in libraries, in hospitals, and on board ships. They have given away to military personnel and veterans, free of charge, service editions of the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

Christian Science Activities for the Armed Services now has responsibility for procuring Christian Scientists to serve in the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force as Protestant chaplains. Today we have eighteen chaplains on active duty. This is the largest number we have had in uniform since World War II. We have one chaplain in Austria, one in Japan, three in Korea; the others are in the United States and on board Navy ships.

In addition to their regular military duties as Protestant chaplains, these men meet the needs of the Christian Scientists in their areas. Our chaplains have done much good healing and regenerative work. Their commanding officers have rated them high. Many of them have been commended and have been decorated for bravery and distinguished service.

Christian Science Ministers, Representatives, and chaplains are doing much wonderful work to help young Christian Scientists to become adjusted to their military experience. This healing work bears witness to Mrs. Eddy's words in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 257), "To-day the Christ is, more than ever before, 'the way, the truth, and the life,'— 'which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' healing all sorrow, sickness, and sin."

Report of the Trustees of the Charitable Institutions, Read by Geith A. Plimmer, of London, England

The Mother Church is deeply grateful for the evidence of ever-increasing appreciation by the Field of the opportunity for spiritual unfoldment and demonstration provided by its three charitable institutions—the Christian Science Benevolent Association Sanatoriums at Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and at San Francisco, California, and The Christian Science Pleasant View Home at Concord, New Hampshire.

During the past year this increased appreciation has been evidenced by some substantial bequests in addition to the generous contributions from the Field. As is well known, none of the three charitable institutions is self-supporting, and all depend in varying degree on substantial financial support by the Field. During the past year the operating deficit of the three charitable institutions amounted to $768,850. Contributions from the Field, together with the available bequests, fell short of meeting this deficit by $143,800, which amount was supplied from other funds of The Mother Church. As you see, our charitable institutions continue to need your support.

The increasing appreciation of the Field for the harmonious and uplifting atmosphere provided by the Sanatoriums for those seeking rest and study, as well as for those seeking a haven where they may solve physical or other problems, is attested by the fact that each year many Christian Scientists visit the Sanatoriums for the first time, while many former guests return for a period of spiritual refreshment. During the past year 7,019 guests have enjoyed the facilities of the Sanatoriums. One thousand twenty-one came for healing and the others for rest and study.

Many outstanding healings were accomplished, among which were the healing of a severe case of shingles in less than a week, a serious illness that impaired the ability to walk, bronchitis and exhaustion, eczema, and a chronic catarrhal condition. A broken arm was healed in two weeks, and a case of a broken collarbone, cracked ribs, concussion, injured wrist, and pelvis was completely healed in three days.

Except for one or two peak periods during the year, both Sanatoriums are usually able to accommodate additional guests, It is hoped that many more Christian Scientists will avail themselves of the exceptional privileges offered.

During the past year between eighty-five and ninety workers of long experience in the Field, both as practitioners and nurses, have been in residence at the Pleasant View Home in Concord, New Hampshire. Far from being retired, these loyal workers continue to be vigorously active in demonstrating Christian Science both for themselves and for others.

The open summerhouse near the pond at Pleasant View was completed last summer and has been the scene of many happy gatherings. Other important improvements at Pleasant View included reupholstering the seats in the Assembly Hall and installation of an entirely new refrigeration system in the kitchen to replace the original one, which had been in use since the Home was opened in 1927. A legacy left for beautifying the nursing department has made it possible to carry out an extensive renovating program in the department in addition to customary repairs.

Pleasant View can accommodate a few more residents. The Admissions Committee of the Home is always glad to consider applications from practitioners and nurses who are eligible and have maintained cards in The Christian Science Journal for a period of years. During the past year fourteen new residents have been accepted.

A fund established through the generosity of a member of The Mother Church and administered by the Trustees of the Pleasant View Home has rendered assistance during the past year to thirty-four practitioners and nurses residing in their own homes in the United States and other countries.

The number of students in the nurses training courses at the two Sanatoriums during the past year has totaled approximately ninety. There is an ever-increasing demand for trained nurses in the Field. This branch of activity affords an opportunity to render a much-needed service in our movement in connection with the practice of Christian Science and deserves the earnest consideration of those qualified to take up this work. Applications for admission to the training courses are welcomed.

During the year a new parking lot, conveniently located at the rear of the Sanatorium at Chestnut Hill, has been completed and is proving to be a great convenience to guests and visitors. Among the improvements at the Sanatorium at Chestnut Hill has been the renovation and refurnishing of the Reception Room. The tennis courts have also been regarded and resurfaced, putting them in excellent condition.

At the Sanatorium in San Francisco the seats in the Assembly Hall have been reupholstered. Also, new Hymnals have been purchased to replace the ones which have been used for many years. The first floor sunroom has been converted into a library and Reading Room for the associates and has been completely redecorated.

We are grateful for the many letters received from both guests and associates expressing gratitude for the blessings experienced at our charitable institutions. These words from Mrs. Eddy's message to First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Chicago, Illinois, might well be applied to our Sanatoriums and the Pleasant View Home (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 182):"May the wanderer in the wilderness of mortal beliefs and fears turn hither with satisfied hope. May the birds of passage rest their weary wings amid the fair foliage of this vine of His husbanding, find shelter from the storm and a covert from the tempest."

Reports from the Field

Letters of greeting from many branches of the Mother Church have been received this year, from which it is evident that the Cause of Christian Science is going steadily forward, manifesting vigorous and fruitful growth. The time allotted allowed the reading of only a few representative reports. These were read by Mrs. Bertha S. Helloway, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and J. Lingen Wood, of Vancouver, British Columbia.

First Church, Manila, Philippines, made a special effort during the past year to encourage Filipinos as well as non-natives to participate in every phase of church work. This resulted in a high sense of service. Officers, committees, and members worked together co-operatively and harmoniously. Thus the church work became, instead of a material, burdensome routine, an inspiring unfoldment of the divine will. Free time was obtained for broadcasting the program "How Christian Science Heals" morning and afternoon on Sundays.

Christian Science Society, Antwerp, Belgium, writes that its greatest step has been the giving of its first lecture. The whole experience was an evidence that divine Love does meet mankind's need. The radio programs have aroused interest of seekers for Truth. An additional service in French is being given on the third Sunday of the month.

First Church, Perth, Australia, rejoices that August, 1953, saw the completion of the installation of a three-manual pipe organ in the church edifice, transported b road from Brisbane, a distance of approximately four thousand miles. This fine new instrument has added greatly to the musical dignity of the services and to the enjoyment of singing the hymns.

Christian Science Society, Venice, Florida, feels it has made great progress since receiving recognition as a branch of The Mother Church. Its first lecture, given in January, was attended by over three hundred people. This evidenced good work done, as a very short time before, only two people in the community were interested in the work. Land has been purchased for a church edifice.

From the Churches and Societies in Greater New York comes the following report: "The progress and healing work throughout" this "field is evidenced by the reports of increased attendance at church services, lectures, and in the Sunday Schools. Many of the branches have extended their Reading Room hours, due to the greater number of visitors seeking the truth through the study and purchase of our Leader's writings. Two of our churches have opened ground-floor Reading Rooms. Two churches have completed new edifices, and one church has installed a new organ. Twelve churches have reported extensive renovating and redecorating programs, while one church is rebuilding and enlarging its organ."

Christian Science Society, San Juan, Puerto Rico, has through a correct concept of supply made great improvements in the church edifice which but reflect an improved sense of Church. An air-conditioning unit was installed, resulting in greater quiet in the church auditorium and bringing a greater sense of peace to the services.

First Church, Honolulu, Hawaii, tells with gratitude of the completion of its attractive new Sunday School building, which opened on Easter Sunday. It is the realization of years of concentrated and happy work by the church members. Appreciation is expressed for attendance at services and inspiring testimonies of visitors to the islands.

Third Church, London, England, writes that many new avenues have opened for the distribution of literature. An officer in the Navy headquarters of the American Embassy was interested at once because he had met a correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor in Korea. He offered to place usefully fifty copies a week. The librarians report instances of healing in the Reading Room, and good use made of it by appreciative visitors. A lecture to business people in the lunch hour resulted in many newcomers to the Reading Room.

A joint letter comes from the Churches and Societies in Berlin, Germany, expressing profound gratitude for steady progress unfolding in their different spheres of activity. Adherents in the Eastern Zone seize every opportunity to attend services in churches in Western Berlin. Several of the churches have been able to obtain more suitable and harmonious locations for church services and also for their Reading Rooms.

Christian Science Society, Rotterdam, Netherlands, states that, as a result of the Dutch translation of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the Dutch services are well attended. Many new visitors are seen, apparently because of newspaper advertisements and faithful distribution work. In many seamen's homes the sailors are especially asking for the Monitor. Several visitors came to the services after reading Christian Science literature in public libraries.

Twelfth Church, Chicago, Illinois, tells with joy of its progress out of seeming inactivity, apathy, diminishing funds and membership, and deterioriation of property. The situation was presented to the membership many times, but without arousing the desired interest. Finally there was a manifestation of awakening. A welfare committee was appointed, which immediately went into action. The membership gained in enthusiasm and activity as the program unfolded and progressed. The situation was recognized as an opportunity rather than a problem. It was seen that unity, tolerance, and love were needed. The result is that the church is now in an active, progressive condition. The effort has been a success.

Fourth Church, New Orleans, Louisiana, reports that its membership has almost doubled in three years. The love manifested by the congregation has attracted and inspired students of Christian Science of long standing to apply for church membership for the first time. The children, desiring to have an organ for the Sunday School, brought pennies for an organ fund, and when an instrument was selected, there was sufficient in the fund to pay for it. The Sunday School has more than doubled in the past three years.

Fourth Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, felt a need of renascence of spirit and a great desire to encourage every member to be active. There was finally evolved a rededication program in which each member of the church served on a committee. A different phase of activity was considered each month. Fruitage was manifested in more lively Wednesday evening testimony meetings, in greater supply, and in a goodly number of new members. Increased activity among non-Christian Scientists in connection with lectures and distribution of literature brought gratifying results.

The Christian Science Board of Directors, on behalf of The Mother Church, gratefully acknowledges these and many more encouraging reports from branch churches and societies throughout the world.

Incidents of Christian Science Healing, Read by J. Hamilton Lewis, of Concord, New Hampshire

Carefully verified testimonies from different parts of the world were read, showing the beneficent healing power of the Christ, Truth, as revealed in Christian Science.

The meeting adjourned after the singing of the Doxology.

New President of The Mother Church

William R. Knox, C.S.B., of Boston, Massachusetts, was born and educated in that city and its environs. He attended school in Melrose and Cambridge, Massachusetts, and prepared for a career in structural engineering.

Mr. Knox became interested in Christian Science in 1897 through the healing of his mother. He engaged in the structural steel business in 1899. In 1900 he became a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist. Roxbury, Massachusetts (now Second Church, Boston), and in June, 1901, united with The Mother Church. In December of that year he gave up his business career to devote himself to the practice of Christian Science healing.

Mr. Knox was a pupil in the Primary class in the Board of Education in December, 1904, and received the designation C.S.B. He has held the office of treasurer and member of the executive board in his branch church and various other offices. He has served The Mother Church as a member of its Finance Committee and is now active as a Trustee of Church Realty Trust.

The Christian Science Board of Lectureship

The list of lecturers elected to serve on The Christian Science Board of Lectureship during 1954-1955 is as follows:
Appleton, Miss Helen, C.S., Boston, Massachusetts.
Aultman, Miss Lela May, C.S., Denver, Colorado.
Bailey, Arch, C.S., Sacramento, California.
Biggins, Peter B., C.S.B., Seattle, Washington.
Browne, Harry C., C.S., Boston, Massachusetts.
Carey, Archibald, C.S.B., Detroit, Michigan.
Castle, Ralph, C.S., Belvedere, Marin County,
California.
Cern, Jules, C.S., New York, New York.
Channing, George, C.S.B., San Francisco, California.
Exo, Arnold H., C.S.B., Chicago, Illinois.
Hay, Mrs. Ella H., C.S., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Holloway, Mrs. Mary C., C.S., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Hooper, E. Howard, C.S.B., St. Louis, Missouri.
Hord, Frank T., C.S., Washington, D.C.
Lee Richard Knox, C.S.B., London, England.
MacRae, Harry B., C.S.B., Dallas, Texas.
McReynolds, James Harry, C.S.B., Dallas,
Texas.
Middaugh, Miss Florence, C.S.B., Los Angeles,
California.
Nay, George, C.S., Chicago, Illinois.
Nichols, Henry Allen, C.S., Los Angeles, California.
Pickett, John D., C.S., Chicago, Illinois.
Sammons, John S., C.S., Chicago, Illinois.
Scott, Mrs. Elisabeth Carroll, C.S.B., Memphis,
Tennessee.
Selover, John J., C.S.B., Long Beach, California.
Simms, Earl E., C.S., Austin, Texas.
Tennant, Mrs. Georgina. C.S.B., London, Eng
land.
Van Atta, Robert S., C.S., Rochester, New York
Wagers, Ralph E., C.S.B., Chicago, Illinois.