Article January 14, 1905 Issue

A Decade of Growth

The Wednesday evening meeting held in The Mother Church January 4 was of more than ordinary interest, because of the retrospective character of much that was said by those who took part in the services. Professor Hering, First Reader of The Mother Church, said in part,—

"It is just ten years since this edifice was completed and dedicated, the first service having been held Sunday, December 30, 1894, and the dedication service, January 6, 1895. It seems appropriate that we should refer to this fact and notice the growth that has taken place since the building of this church, which event was such a vital turning-point in the history of our movement. The literature which refers to this subject is most interesting and can always be re-read with profit and encouragement. Let us take a brief backward glance, lest we lose sight of the import of that epoch of which this temple will forever be a visible evidence, and lest our love and reverence for it wane.

"This church society had its beginning in April, 1879; the following June it had only twenty-six members; from that time until the dedication, over fifteen years, the number increased to 3,388, while during the last ten years the membership has reached 31,423. When this church was dedicated there were one hundred and ten branch churches, now there are 636; there were then 124 societies holding meetings, now there are 260. At that time there were only 234 places where Christian Science services were held, whereas now there are 896; then there were but two Christian Science church edifices, this one and the little one in Oconto, Wis., now there are about one hundred and thirty.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Annual Meeting of the Church in Concord