Our Christian Science branch church—Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist, Washington, D.C.—was recently dedicated. We chose Communion Sunday in January to make the special announcement to the community, and it was a wonderful day, with two services, lots of visitors, and a warm congratulatory letter from The Christian Science Board of Directors.
Dedication of branch churches takes place when the property is free of debt. The event is marked by great joy and gratitude. I realized its deep spiritual significance while I was prayerfully preparing for the day.
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for that week on "Sacrament," found in the Christian Science Quarterly, was an excellent preparation for church dedication. It spoke of the Christian's deep, inner commitment to purity of thought and holiness of living as the essence of sacrament. It called for the commitment of each follower of Christ Jesus to emulate his works, not just his words, as a true Christian witness. This Bible Lesson, I found, set just the right tone for the dedication of our church as a higher exemplification of Christianity in our neighborhood.
