When I was fresh out of grad school and first learned about Christian Science and its discoverer, Mary Baker Eddy, I felt a particular affinity to this true New England religious pioneer and historical figure. Like Mrs. Eddy, I, too, came from New England stock. I was born in Connecticut, while Eddy’s childhood home was in Bow, New Hampshire. We both also had strong Congregationalist roots.
My attraction to Christian Science rested more on Eddy’s writings about the allness of divine Love, God, than on her personal heritage. And yet, after reading a biography of her life, I was impressed by the role that religion and love played in her family’s New Hampshire farm.
There’s a print of this New Hampshire home that I admired for years on the wall of the office in my local Christian Science branch church. It was originally painted in soft greens and grays and perfectly depicts my favorite New England architecture, including the barn attached to the main house. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to own one of these prints, but now a copy hangs proudly over the fireplace in my family room. Here’s how this treasured piece came into my possession.
