Article July 20, 1912 Issue

EFFECTIVE USHERING

JAMES L. RICH.

An important position in the Christian Science church is that of the usher. It is he whom the attendants first meet after entering the church, and it is through him that they are first welcomed to the services. All of us know how lasting are first impressions. I do not think I am overstating the facts when I say that frequently first impressions are so tenacious that no amount of subsequent argument or proof will change them. How very desirable, then, that those who attend, and especially strangers, should receive an agreeable impression on first entering our churches and reading-rooms.

It is well if the usher realizes that while he is on duty he is a sentinel for Truth, and he should deport himself as a true soldier of the cross. He should never assume a careless or indifferent attitude, but be dignified, and ever on the alert to detect anything that would affect the comfort of the people. This is his paramount duty. He may be following instructions in requiring each regular attendant to occupy a certain seat, and viewed from a methodical standpoint, the congregation may be faultlessly cared for; but if in achieving this result he has offended some one, then in so far he has failed to accomplish the purpose intended.

An usher should assume his duties with a fixed determination never to entertain resentment, no matter what may be said or done. He must remember that a gentleman always manifests gentleness. Possibly he may be thoughtlessly censured sometimes, though he follows his instructions implicitly and does his utmost to please, but under such circumstances he should keep his heart filled with love, and thereby make these trials stepping-stones to higher joys. There are no unimportant positions in our service of Truth, and whatever his position with respect to others, the true usher thanks God and is glad if he may but be "a doorkeeper" in the house of God. Love and service are the two words which form the foundation of success in this as in every other ministry. Loving to serve is a virtue, the presence or absence of which will determine our efficiency.

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