In December the 1997 Normal class (a class for preparing teachers of Christian Science) was held by the Board of Education of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, as provided for in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy (see Art. XXVI, Sect. 4).
Applications for the 1997 class again showed a full and wide-ranging interest in this activity provided for in the Church Manual. Selection of the members of the 1997 Normal class was made not only on the basis of individual qualifications, but also with a view to the geographical needs for Christian Science teachers at this time.
This is a time of growing realization of the intestimable worth of spirituality in the lives of men and women throughout the world. This triennial class, held under Article XXVI, Section 4, of the Church Manual, together with other classes that have come before it, will continue to respond to and meet the spiritual needs of this age.
