Article March 8, 1913 Issue

AMONG THE CHURCHES

CURRENT NOTES

Janesville, Wis.—Perseverance and faithfulness on the part of the members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of this city accounts for the steady growth which has been made in the past twenty years, and the outward expression of this endeavor is now seen in the beautiful new building at the corner of High and Pleasant streets which was formally decicated Sunday, Feb. 2. The first reader in an account of the history of the church said: "It was as long ago as the year 1886 that the light of Christian Science first dawned upon Janesville. First one and then another perceived this light, felt its beneficent influence, and was healed. This was the real beginning of the church of which this edifice is the outward expression, for without the healing there would be no Christian Science church and no need of one. Services were first held in a little room on South Jackson street. Later, a hall was rented in one of the business blocks, and since that time services have been held continuously. In 1895 a Sunday school was formed, and in April, 1897, a church was organized under the state laws. Twenty-two persons signed their names as charter members. During this same year a building fund was started. The first authorized Christian Science lecture, of which this church has given twenty-two, was delivered in 1899.

"In June, 1902, word came from Boston of the proposed plan to build The Mother Church extension, and as this branch wished to give its support to the undertaking, contributions were sent periodically, to which was added the amount on hand in the building fund. On the completion of that structure in 1906, the church again took up monthly contributions for its own building. Once again these were discontinued in order to share in the construction of the Christian Science Publishing House in Boston. In 1907 the present site was purchased. In January, feeling that the time had come to make preparations for building a permanent home, a committee was appointed who employed an architect, and work began. Ground was broken the fifth day of August, and the laying of the corner-stone took place the 17th of September, after which work progressed rapidly. The building fund was closed the first week in January, when it was announced that the contributions exceeded the amount required. This made it possible to dedicate the church on its completion, in conformity with the custom of all Christian Science churches to dedicate only when free from debt."—Janesville Gazette.

Hornsea, Yorkshire, England.—Some months ago it was decided to change the reading-room, which had been outgrown; but failing to find a suitable one in a good locality, it was decided to buy a piece of land and build. A most favorable site was procured and the building was started. Much love, good-will, and interest in our forward move has been shown and expressed by many of the townspeople of all denominations and professions. The new rooms were opened on Jan. 9, and include a large sunny reading-room, a librarian's room, and a committee room. The building stands well back from the road at the corner of two important thoroughfares, in its own garden, and is most attractive, yet simple and dignified. Many members of the church gave their time and work and helped in various ways to furnish the rooms, and friends from other fields contributed generously to the furnishing fund.

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ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP IN THE MOTHER CHURCH