When the first issue of the Journal of Christian Science was published in April 1883, it was in many ways quite modest. That issue was only eight pages long and included a section for “professional cards,” which at that time advertised 14 Christian Science practitioners, as well as the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, Christian Science meetings and lectures, and Science and Health (in two volumes). In introducing the Journal as the official organ of her Church, Mary Baker Eddy established three essential functions that continue to this day:
First, she provided a reliable resource for those interested in learning more about Christian Science. The Journal was and is where readers can turn to for current articles and testimonies, as well as listings for practitioners, teachers, nurses, church services, Reading Room locations and hours. Second, the Journal became a place where Christian Scientists could let their voices be heard—healings and articles could be more widely shared, and practitioners could have an effective way of letting others know of their availability as spiritual healers. And all of this sharing would be done with the authority of the entire Church supporting it. Third, Mrs. Eddy ensured that this organ of the Church would have a way of sustaining itself through subscriptions and advertisements. In her article “Compounds,” speaking of students of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy wrote: “They should take our magazine, work for it, write for it, and read it. They should eschew all magazines and books which are less than the best” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, p. 271). She felt so strongly about Christian Scientists’ support in publishing the Journal that the Manual of The Mother Church even includes a By-Law requiring members to subscribe.
From that first issue, every editor and publisher of the Journal has worked to fulfill Mrs. Eddy’s mandate to publish content in the periodicals that is “ably edited and kept abreast of the times” (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 14), and to make them available by subscription and in Christian Science Reading Rooms.
