My gratitude is unbounded for the comfort and protection afforded by the teachings of Christian Science during the hurricanes on the East Coast in the late summer of 1954. Our summer cottage is located in Maine on a large bay near the open ocean. The waves and spray were higher than I had ever seen them during the years we have summered there. For a short time I was inclined to observe the first hurricane as a thing of awesome beauty, but soon I began to realize that my part was to know the truth about terrifying situations as we are taught to do in Christian Science.
I clung throughout the day to the first part of the definition of "wind," given in the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy (p. 597): "That which indicates the might of omnipotence and the movements of God's spiritual government, encompassing all things." This truth was clearly made manifest in the great protection experienced by us and our neighbors. Men and boys labored valiantly and unselfishly during the lashing winds and rains from noon until dark to save our community float and the eight boats attached thereto.
Ofttimes during the storm it looked as if the boats and float would be torn from their moorings in spite of the extra safeguards which were erected, but all rode out the storm safely. At the very moment a handsome motor launch cut adrift from its mooring, the wind changed, and instead of being blown out to sea, the launch was carried right up the middle of a narrow passage of water as if piloted by an unseen hand and escaped the treacherous ledges on both shores. It was rescued through the bravery of one of the men and brought into a quiet cove. A sailboat dragged its anchor and was just about to founder upon the rocks when a Coast Guard boat came alongside and towed it to safety.
