Article August 24, 1912 Issue

AMONG THE CHURCHES

Large crowds of people attended the two services held in connection with the formal dedication of First Church of Christ, Scientist, yesterday [July 14]. In the morning communion and reception to new members took place, and the special decicatory exercises were held in the afternoon and evening. Guests were present from many surrounding cities and a large number of people from other churches were also in attendance. The full payment of fifty thousand dollars for the church property has been made, and the exercises yesterday were in honor of this event. The chief address was delivered by Mrs. Della H. Rigby, and was in part as follows:—

This day marks an important step in the progress of Christian Science in this city. We are grateful that we have reached the period in our church history when we are ready to decicate our church edifice to God, for the purpose of meeting and accommodating the larger demands of the seeking multitudes for Christian Science preaching and healing. Christian Science was introduced in Bloomington the latter part of 1886. The few interested met in a private way, in their homes, to study the Bible, with such Christian Science literature as could be secured on the subject of healing the sick. These meetings grew in interest and power until it became necessary to move into more public places. The date at which the first members signed the membership roll of this church is March 22, 1891. Twenty-seven names appear on the record, nine men and eighteen women; three joined later in the year, making a membership of thirty the first year. This number has multiplied many times during the twenty-one years.

The contract for this church was let March 30, 1908. The corner-stone was laid in the presence of the board and workmen, July 11, 1908. The formal opening took place May 29 and 30, —Bloomington Bullctin.

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