In 1909, during my service in the United States Navy, I saw Christian Science in action for the first time. This experience has always held profound meaning for me.
My duty as a member of the Signal Corps on the U.S.S. Chattanooga afforded me close association with personnel on the bridge and with most of the ship's command orders and activities. Our ship was at anchor in Hong Kong, awaiting the arrival of a new commanding officer. On April 8, 1909, Commander John M. Orchard arrived, was received aboard, and took over command as our captain. Our ship was under orders to proceed to Nimrod Sound to take on a supply of coal from the U.S.S. Alexandra, a naval collier.
At sea we encountered heavy fog conditions making sailing so hazardous that it was advisable for the ship to lay at anchor and wait for weather conditions to improve. Later, orders were given to get under way again. Then, after having a close encounter with another ship, orders were given to anchor the second time and wait for better sailing conditions.
