Among the Churches

with contributions from M. I. Brown, Frances Thurber Seal, Jeannette R. Goodman, Ed.

A Word from Charleston, W. Va.

It seems appropriate that the first Christian Science Church to be organized in the State of West Virginia should have been at its capital, and that the first public lecture on Christian Science, in the state, should have been given under its auspices. The church was organized with eleven charter members, and a little more than one month later, on Thursday, December 18, we had with us Judge William G. Ewing of Chicago, III., who lectured to a fairsized audience of representative people. The audience showed its appreciation by giving the lecturer undivided attention. We have held services in the city more than a year at 108 Bradford Street, but for some months now we have occupied a neatly furnished, centrally located hall, with seating capacity adequate to all present requirements. We are truly grateful to our dear Leader for blessings which have come to us through her devotion to Truth.

Correspondence.

Distribution of Literature in Toronto, Ont.

Our Christian Science Reading Room Association of First Church of Christ, Scientist, undertook last summer a systematic free distribution of Christian Science literature. Our aim was to place our periodicals as freely as possible before the people of this city, and thus offset an effort made to fill the homes with spurious literature. During July and August we distributed about eleven hundred copies of the Sentinel, besides having copies sent to five of our public libraries each week for a year. Of course we have copies of Science and Health in the library, as well as the Journal in the reading room. We established also a circulating library, and among the places where Science and Health was gratefully accepted, were some of our leading hotels. They were placed where the guests could have the use of them. The steamers running between Montreal and Toronto also accepted copies of our text-book, and when navigation closes these books are collected and put in other public places. A copy of Science and Health was presented to the Central Prison for the use of the inmates. We have been encouraged by hearing good reports from the different lines of this work, and the results have altogether been most satisfactory.

M. I. Brown, Secretary.

A Word from Berlin, Germany.

Berlin, Germany, January 22, 1903.

To the Editor of the Sentinel.

Dear Brother:—A Scientist from Boston, who visited Berlin a short time ago, gave me a copy of Science and Health to be used as might seem best. This was sent to the Royal Library of the University of Berlin, and I have received the following acknowledgment:—

(Translation.)

The undersigned expresses his thanks for the present that has been kindly presented to Library of the University, and the two pamphlets about Christian Science, and I also beg to offer my thanks to the donor.

(Signed.)

Der Director.

This copy of our text-book will be a power for good.

The Sentinel and Journal are a constant source of inspiration and strength to us, and grateful thanks go out constantly to the workers at headquarters, and the faithful ones all over the Field, who contribute to their success, and above all to her on the watch-tower, who is ever calling us to go up higher.

Sincerely yours in Truth,
Frances Thurber Seal.

Fifth Church in Chicago.

On account of the rapid increase in the membership of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago, which nearly equaled the seating capacity of the building, and the consequent inability to take care of the "strangers within her gates," one hundred and sixty-nine members, having long enjoyed the privilege of membership, felt it their joyful duty to ask for letters of dismissal to enable them to take the steps necessary for the establishment of a fifth church. Their petition having been heartily endorsed by the Directors and approved by vote of the church, an informal meeting was held on December 11, 1902, to make all preliminary arrangements, and on January 8, 1903, Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago, was formally organized, with a membership of two hundred and forty-six all former members of First Church. The first services were held on January 11, 1903.

It is with great pleasure that we report to the Field this multiplication of churches and the growth of the cause of Christian Science in Chicago.

At this time of rejoicing over an advanced step taken, our thoughts turn with love and grateful acknowledgment to her who has revealed the true idea of God to this age and made such a church possible.

Jeannette R. Goodman, Clerk pro tem.

Services are now held in Rosalie Hall on 57th Street, and the membership is chiefly drawn from Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and a part of the Kenwood district. We learn that the present attendance is between five and six hundred, and that the Sunday School numbers about one hundred, though only forty-five children were withdrawn from the Sunday School of First Church.—Ed.

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