Article June 12, 1909 Issue

MISSTATEMENTS REFUTED

with contributions from Della M. Gilbert, Alfred Farlow

The Christian Science Monitor

A New York newspaper on Sunday published a statement by Mrs. Della M. Gilbert, alleging among other things that Mrs. Eddy was "no longer in the flesh." Numerous other newspapers throughout the United States also had articles based on the New York publication, and in answer Alfred Farlow, publication committee for The First Church of Christ, Scientist, has issued the following statement:—

Mrs. Della M. Gilbert's statement is but a reiteration of the oft-repeated and oft-refuted claim that Mary Baker Eddy is no longer the head of the Christian Science church. In fact Mrs. Eddy has never relinquished the active supervision of the Christian Science movement. She is in good health and mentally alert. Only two weeks ago she directed a change in one of the by-laws of The Mother Church, regulating the government of branch churches. Last week Mrs. Eddy published important directions concerning the methods of teaching Christian Science. She has been driving regularly this spring and despite the inclemency of the weather on Saturday took her usual ride. She also was out driving today.

Mrs. Della M. Gilbert of New York called at Mrs. Eddy's house on Thursday, May 20, 1909, was admitted to the library, and had a short conversation with Mr. Dickey, Mrs. Eddy's secretary, regarding an interview with Mrs. Eddy. She was not shown about the house and saw no one but Mr. Dickey and the maid who answered the door-bell. She was informed that no one but Mrs. Eddy made such appointments; that it was not within Mr. Dickey's power to make an appointment; that he would present the matter to Mrs. Eddy at the usual hour in the day for such business and would report to Mrs. Gilbert at her hotel. True to his promise, he presented the matter to Mrs. Eddy, who kindly declined the interview. Accordingly, Mr. Dickey reported to Mrs. Gilbert, whereupon she wrote the letter, part of which she gave to the press. The last sentence of this letter was: "I will give you from now until Monday evening at six to answer this letter." On Monday, May 24, the First Reader of The Mother church of Christian Science, with another member of the church, called on Mrs. Gilbert at her hotel in Boston for the purpose of admonishing her in regard to her conduct, as required by the by-laws of the church in cases of discipline, and expostulating with her in regard to the course which she threatened in her letter to pursue. The same day she wrote and sent to the First Reader the following letter:—

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