Article April 4, 1901 Issue

Among the Churches

with contributions from Henry C. Lawrence

From the earth's remotest bound the hearts of every society of Christian Scientists beat in unison, rejoicing and exceedingly glad at every step of progress their brethren make. When Christian Science is introduced in any city or hamlet it first appears as a far-off star. Its rays of light are seen dispelling the darkness, calming fear, comforting the sorrowing, healing the sick, and reforming the sinner. Its work is done so quietly that it is almost unperceived. Thus starts the work of Christian Science in the home. Other demonstrations follow, and more people see the light, and then we behold a little band holding services in a private house. From thence they journey to a hall where their light may better be seen, and there tarry until divine Love opens the way to worship in a church edifice, where they are as a candle upon a candlestick; and giving light unto all that are in the house. This period of growth has at last been attained by First Church of Christ, Scientist, this city. Our first Sunday service was held January 6, in the edifice known as Congregational Church on the Boulevard, near Third.

In 1894 this church was organized. A charter was obtained from the state in January, 1898. Present membership 110. Twenty accessions to the church last communion. Many people have gone out from the church into other fields, some to Canada, others to the far west, and some to the east. The workers of our church have sown the seed in many of the adjoining cities and towns, proving by demonstration the power of the Word as revealed in Christian Science. If all those who have been benefited and healed by the faithful ones of this church could be assembled together at one time, we do not think there is a church in our city that could contain them. But wherever they may be. we are confident they will rejoice with us that we have made one more step of progress. In some instances the demonstrations of healing have been so convincing that physicians have acknowledged the superiority of Christian Science Mind Healing.

We have placed "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," in the library at the National Military Home, near this city, in the library at the National Cash Register Company, the City Library, and the Shaker village. Our Sunday School, as a Christmas gift, gave Science and Health to the County Jail for the prisoners to read. Our periodicals, The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel, as a free will gift from our church, are received regularly at the Jail, County Infirmary, Young Women's League, Union Shaker Village, National Military Home, Hotel Atlas, and The Herald Publishing Company. From time to time we have been informed of the great good the literature alone has done in some of these institutions, and perhaps if we could hear from all of them, it would be the same old, old story. We shall take the liberty of referring to two. A few members of the Shaker Village, near Lebanon, O., acknowledge with hearts full of gratitude that our church brought Christian Science to them. A letter recently received from them states that every word in the Journal and Sentinel is read, and is a source of much encouragement, and has given them a better idea of God. It has been the means of relieving much suffering. A gentleman from the Soldiers' Home called at our reading room a few days ago and spoke as follows:—