MISCELLANY

The following letter was written to the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy:—

Chicago, November 22, 1898.

Dear Mother and Leader:—From some of our church members who are with you now, no doubt you have already heard that we have organized a Second Church of Christ, Scientist, here on the North Side of our city. But I feel, and many others with me, that we also would like to tell you the glad news. The conference committee, which is composed of church members from the South, West, and North Sides, decided that the North Side members should be called to meet and organize. We met at our dispensary, one hundred and thirty in number, organized, and elected our officers. We felt like children going away from home, but were encouraged with the assurance of the blessing of our dear Mother and Leader, and the lovingkindness and advice of our older brethren and sisters, the trustees and directors of the First Church, who were all present. The chairman of the trustees of the First Church presented us, in the name of the Church, with a Bible, Science and Health, and a check for $175 to pay our rent for the first month in the Jewish Temple, on the corner of Goethe Street and Lasalle Avenue, which we shall occupy until we have our own edifice. There was a sweet sense of harmony and love prevailing among us all, mingled with a seeming sense of separation, which we of course did not admit; gladly rejoicing over the new step of progress we are taking for the good of our cause. We all pray for wisdom and love, that we may fill our places, wherever and whatever they may be, following your example of self-abnegation and tender affection for all mankind. We shall have our first service on next Sunday, November 27, and ask your blessing for it. We pledged ourselves when we built the First Church of Christ, Scientist, to work together as one until we have built three churches, and we will do it, Divine Principle governing us in every step. We all send our sincerest love to you. Your loving student,