Editorial December 7, 1912 Issue

"DECENTLY AND IN ORDER"

Archibald McLellan

It is scientific as well as Christian that "all things be done decently and in order," and this is especially true when applied to the organization of Christian Science societies or branch churches, for if each step of such organization be rightly taken, the possibility of friction and misunderstanding in later years will be avoided. It is for this reason that, with the constantly growing number of Christian Science organizations, we have been asked to republish an article on this subject which appeared in the Sentinel several years ago. We have therefore selected three specially pertinent paragraphs from this article as follows:—

Every little band of Christian Scientists which comes together and holds services, naturally hopes its work may prove to be the nucleus of a large and flourishing church, and past experience shows that in the majority of cases this hope is certain to be realized. It is, therefore, the part of wisdom for those who compose such a band to lay a foundation which will support a progressive and growing organization; but this does not mean that when but "two or three are gathered together" in the name of the Master, they should form an organization upon lines suitable to the needs of a church with several hundred members. There should, however, be a definitely formed organization, with such rules as will tend to the orderly conduct of its affairs, permit of its growth, and safeguard the rights of the individual members.

Briefly stated, the essentials for a church or society for the purpose of holding Christian Science services are, first, an organization which is in harmony with the state law governing the formation and conduct of religious societies; and second, a set of rules or by-laws which conform to the requirements of the state law and which provide for the election of additional members, the dismissal of members, the election of readers and such other officers as are necessary, also for the holding of regular and special meetings. The fewer and simpler these rules are, the better it will be for the organization; but this should not be understood to mean that anything indefinite or inadequate is advocated. As the society grows in membership and its activities and responsibilities become greater, other rules may be added, but they should be only such as the growth of the organization calls for, and their object should be to simplify the administration of the affairs of the society rather than to establish an intricate and cumbersome code of procedure. A third necessity is a complete and accurate roll of membership; a legible and correct record of the proceedings of the society at its business meetings, and a strict compliance with the rules or by-laws, especially those which relate to the election of officers. While it is true that rules and bylaws do not constitute a church or society, it is also true that definite and adequate by-laws, lived up to in both letter and spirit, will promote harmony and thus add to the effectiveness and prosperity of the organization, as well as to the peace and happiness of the individual members. There are also certain provisions of the Manual of The Mother Church, compliance with which is essential to church organization, and to these provisions particular attention should be given.

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