What is a dedicated church? In part, it is a church edifice free of debt. The requirement that Christian Science churches be paid for before they are dedicated has attracted the respect and admiration of many. Members pride themselves on this accomplishment and justly so.
But there is more to dedication than this. The dedicatory service conducted by a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, marks the beginning of something, not the end of it. It includes the satisfactory completion of current building needs, plus the liquidation of indebtedness incurred; but it also marks a fresh beginning for the membership, an unconditional effort to impress the community with Christian Science in action.
Up to the time of dedication, members are busy with the thousand and one chores of church building. Many individual ways have to be demonstrated in support of the building fund. Various committees function actively to prepare the edifice for its high calling. When these tasks are completed, members are free to devote more time to fulfilling the purpose of the church.
