A hundred years ago, the first step was taken toward founding the Church of Christ, Scientist. On April 12, 1879, Mary Baker Eddy and some of her students voted: "To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing." Manual of The Mother Church, p. 17; A charter was obtained from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in August of the same year.
Thirteen years later, under the jurisdiction of its Founder, the Church was reorganized as we know it today. But its intentions did not change. The element of healing remained as a primary purpose. Its terms of reference are stated in the Church Manual in Mrs. Eddy's words as follows: "THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, IN BOSTON, MASS., is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant." ibid., p. 19;
The Church of Christ, Scientist, has never wavered from its purpose to promote the demonstration of the perfection of true, spiritual being as created by God, and thereby to heal—and it never will until the entire world is saved from sin and death. Members are expected to unite in their dedication to healing in their personal and home lives, in the activity of their churches, in business and neighborhood affairs, and in the wider context of the entire physical universe. They are required never to lose sight of this basic purpose to heal. In fact, healing is so much an integral element of the structure and activity of the institution of their church that loyal members cannot forget it. Thus, while the church thrives, the art of spiritual healing will not be lost in this age, as it largely was by the fourth century of the Christian era, because its importance is impossible to overlook. It is indispensable.
