In Christian Science it is necessary to realize that Church is a divine idea. Part of the definition of "Church" as given by Mrs. Eddy is, "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."Science and Health, p. 583; It is natural that this idea appears to human view in many modes of practical usefulness, healing, and blessing. And it is essential that Christian Scientists have a progressive appreciation and an unfolding sense of Church. This applies to the branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and its activities as well as to The Mother Church in its wide scope of functions. We must conceive of the divine impetus behind this unfoldment and understand the substance of it in order that we may support the human manifestation. Mrs. Eddy says, "Spirit duly feeds and clothes every object, as it appears in the line of spiritual creation, thus tenderly expressing the fatherhood and motherhood of God."p. 507;
The mention of just a few of the many functions of The Mother Church, such as The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, the College Organization Section, the Sunday School Section, the Christian Science Activities for the Armed Services, the Reading Room Division, makes it obvious to any member how vital these activities are. One can see clearly how divine Love is caring for mankind through these various avenues of the Church. It is no wonder that the demands upon these activities increase as the scope of the functions broadens. Having an increased appreciation of the responsibilities and the opportunities, each member will ask himself how he can better support the recent step taken toward providing more efficient and more suitable housing for these functions.
At our present stage of development organization is a necessary and logical aid in bringing the Christ to humanity. It enables us to publish the Word, to maintain useful avenues of contact with many individuals, to educate the newcomer in the rudiments of this Science, to provide for practical ways of helping others to demonstrate the healing power of Christian Science, and to correct wrong impressions of this Science that may be imposed upon the public. The Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy provides for these caring, educating, and protecting functions.
