In Birmingham, Alabama, early in the year 1901, Christian Science found its way into our home through a copy of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. A friend presented this book to my mother and urged her to read it.
Mother had been a sufferer for years with recurrent attacks of migraine, for which the physicians could give only temporary relief. Our friend knew this and assured Mother that Christian Science held a bright promise of healing for all who would investigate its teachings with an open thought. My mother did. She began to read Science and Health and to attend the Wednesday evening testimony meetings which were held in the little hall where the services of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Birmingham, were then held.
At this time I was suffering from what the doctors had diagnosed as a tubercular spine, evidenced in the accompanying curvature. Material means offered little or no hope for relief or cure, yet I had not been sufficiently stirred to the point of turning to spiritual means for help.
