Article May 21, 1955 Issue

A HAPPY PRIVILEGE

INCA L. STEBBINS

It is indeed a unique and happy privilege to perform the service of introducer on the occasion a lecture by a member of the Board of Lectureship of The Mother Church. It is a privilege to be humbly and gratefully exercised through divine guidance. An introduction occupies no more than two minutes of time, but it is important to the harmony of the occasion. Strangers coming to a lecture often receive their first impression from the introduction, and the one giving it prays that it may be a worthy tribute to Christian Science.

One definition of "Introdution" indicates that its function is to supply "needed preliminary informtion." A bulletin issued by The Christian Science Board of Lectureship outlines the necessary preliminary information which is to be given, including the title of the lecture and the fact that the lecturer is a member of the Board of Lectureship of The Mother Church. Additional remarks are left to the discretion of the individual introducer.

An introduction is the customary and natural courtesy extended to the speaker and the audience by the church which is giving the lecture. It is a welcoming of friends into one's church home, or some other appropriate place, for a spiritual feast, especially prepared for them. It is not a speech or a short talk on Christian Science. The purpose of any additional information is to direct thought expectantly to the lecture, to create an atmosphere of friendliness, open-minded interest, and receptivity. The one to whom this duty is entrusted looks to divine Mind for the ideas and inspiration with which to perform the task, neither magnifying nor minimizing its importance.

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