The dedication of a church edifice is a happy occasion. It signifies that the edifice has been fully paid for and that the church or the society is out of debt. It is an acknowledgment of the generosity and self-sacrifice which have made this possible. Church dedication is a natural and sacred development which should mark spiritual progress as well as material growth.
In letters to branch churches our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, expresses her approval of church dedication. One such statement by our Leader is quoted in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 14, 1905. Mrs. Eddy, however, did not approve making a dedication the occasion for special publicity. It is fitting that some notice be taken of the event when a formal dedication is made, but a special form of service should not be held. As many services as are desired may be held, but the regular order of service for Sunday should be followed.
The Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy and the Christian Science Quarterly give all that is needed for every Sunday service, and the Manual makes provision on page 120, under the heading "Announcing necessary notices," for reading whatever notices may be needed for any proper purpose. At this point, on the Sunday when a church is to be dedicated, there may be read an appropriate brief sketch of the history of the church from its organization to its dedication.
