Article May 4, 1907 Issue

HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK ORGANIZATIONS

with contributions from Mary Baker G. Eddy

[We copy the following article from the May issue of the Broadway Magazine. We regret that in a history of the New York Christian Science organizations the fact was not named that the Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, gave the first lecture on Christian Science ever delivered in that city. —Editor Sentinel.]

Christian Science had acquired a very considerable following in Boston before it gained a foothold in New York City. Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, and author of its text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," had established the Massachusetts Metaphysical college in Boston in 1881, and by the beginning of the year 1885 had instructed a great many students in Christian Science Mind-healing. Prior to the establishment of her College, for many years she had taught classes in Mind-healing. These students had scattered to different parts of the country, and wherever they went they began to teach and practise Christian Science. Under authority of Mrs. Eddy, each of her students was permitted to organize what was known as and institute for the teaching of Christian Science, and in these institutes classes were taught in Christian Science Mind-healing. By this method Mrs. Eddy's students gradually drew to themselves bodies of their own students, who in time formed the nucleus of a church. In some instances the students of several institutes united in forming one church.

The first students of Mrs. Eddy to come to New York City to teach and practise Christian Science Mind-healing were Mr. J. Allan Campbell and his wife, Mrs. Lysbeth L. Campbell, who came in March, 1885, at Mrs. Eddy's request. They organized the New York Metaphysical Institute, which was the first institute organized in this city. In the fall of 1885 Mr. Campbell taught a class, consisting of twelve students, which was the first Christian Science class ever taught in New York City, To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell also belong the honor of entertaining the first National Christian Scientists' Association. which was founded by direction of Mrs. Eddy in the year 1886. On Feb. 11 of that year its first meeting was held in New York City at their home, No. 672 Lexington Avenue. Christian Scientists from Chicago, Boston, and other parts of the United States, to the number of thirty-two, were present. Mr. Campbell was elected president of the association for the first year. Mrs. Campbell is still practising Christian Science in New York City.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
THE DEAD PAST
May 4, 1907
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit