Annual Meeting of The Mother Church
The annual meeting of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., was held in the church edifice, Monday afternoon, June 7. Promptly at two o'clock the meeting was opened by the retiring president, John C. Lathrop, who announced and read Mrs. Eddy's best known and loved hymn, No. 195, "Shepherd, show me how to go." After the singing of this hymn, Mr. Lathrop read selections from the Bible and correlative passages from Science and Health, and silent prayer was followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer. Another of Mrs. Eddy's hymns, No. 198, "O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind," was sung, and as the first item of business the names of the officers of The Mother Church for the ensuing year were read by Mr. Lathrop as follows:—
President, Edward A. Merritt; treasurer, Adam H. Dickey; clerk, John V. Dittemore.
The new president, Edward A. Merritt, C.S.B., of Cleveland, Ohio, was then introduced by Mr. Lathrop as follows:—
In her Message of June, 1899, our beloved Leader wrote, "Our annual meeting is a grave guardian" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 125 ). The purpose of this meeting is to listen to reports of the progress of The Mother Church. These reports invariably cause rejoicing over past achievements, and those heard today will be no exception to the rule; but it is well to remember that the meeting has an important additional object and effect. It gravely guards us in requiring that we also recognize the labor which confronts us, our rare opportunities, and that we realize the present responsibility of each individual member of The Mother Church.
Momentous are the transformations now taking place in human thought, but transparent are these changes in human belief to the Christian Scientist. He knows that he need only each day bear onward the standard of divine Truth more patiently, live the rule of divine Life more consecratingly, and impart the inspiration of divine Love more self-sacrificingly; in other words, he need only lift the Christ, Truth, above the earthly claims of material law more fully, to draw all men unto it, to leaven the lump of human pride, self-will, and fear, and to convince mortals that Jesus' promises of brotherly love and salvation are now being fulfilled through Christian Science.
I have the honor to introduced to you as the next president of The Mother Church, one whose faithfulness and loyalty to the high standard of Christian Science have been long tested and abundantly proved, and who has been widely esteemed and respected in the world of business which has been his special sphere of usefulness, Edward A. Merritt, C.S.B., of Cleveland, Ohio.
In response Mr. Merritt said:—
Our retiring president has very graciously tendered to me his portfolio, and I am very much honored in receiving it. He has left me with a splendid Board of Directors and other officers of this church, and with a steadily increasing membership.
Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, left us the legacy which we will always remember and seek and follow— the understanding of the Christ that there is one infinite Mind, and because this Mind is infinite, it is sufficient for all. Furthermore, that Life is eternal, that Truth and Love are infinite, sufficient for all. It is the duty of all Christian Scientists to become active in this understanding of the Christ. This means that we shall all think right, and right thinking means that we shall think according to the divine Principle of thought.
It is plain to us that God does not know the evil thoughts which people believe they think. Such thoughts are not in the realm of Mind. Any one who believes that he thinks evil, thinks nothing. We know that God is with us, within; that we are attaining in some degree the Mind of the Christ: that is, "God with us." This is the only God we can possibly have; it is the right sense of Life which is Life with us, the right sense of Truth and Love which means the perfection of Truth and Love with us.
The organization of Christian Science outwardly is manifesting increasing numbers— inwardly its growth is more spiritual. I am persuaded that this is the fact because I believe Christian Scientists today are more faithful in their work, more diligent in their study of our Leader's writings, and these we could not get along without. Christian Scientists have more to be thankful for today than any other people on the face of the globe, from the simple fact that they know something about Christian Science. They have been touched in some measure with the spirit of Truth and Love.
Perhaps Christian Scientists may in some degree act with more assurance than they should in reference to our cause, but we know that in divine Mind there is no menace to the cause; we should therefore intelligently resist the belief that evil is or can be true. The success of our cause rests upon individual Christian Scientists, and each one should know day by day the truth of being with the same sincerity as though the entire cause depended upon him; he should manifest purely the activity of the Christ. We all know that what the Christian Scientist knows about God constitutes his true individuality.
Our Leader has reflected great wisdom in reference to this organization. For instance, she left with us the Manual of The Mother Church. This Manual, a production of Mrs. Eddy, is for the guidance of the members and for the government of the cause of Christian Science, and according to the Foreword, which is an extract from Mrs. Eddy's "Miscellaneous Writings," the Manual is sufficient for the race— there need be no further changes.
In her wisdom Mrs. Eddy provided that The Christian Science Board of Directors should be the first officers of the church, and she knew well each member of that board. They are endeavoring to fulfil the provisions of the Manual with loyalty. Let us assist them in every possible way. Let us give unfaltering, unreserved fealty, loyalty, and fidelity, that we may reflect the one infinite Mind.
We know that divine Love is constantly and instantly defining itself in us, —divine Love is with us, —and we cannot forget that as in Job's experience "Satan came also," so Satan tempted the Master. Can we hope to escape? Then let us be diligent, in order that our cause may not be honeycombed with the claims of personal sense or evil of any nature. It is our duty as faithful Christian Scientists intelligently to resist any contamination of our cause. Satan would be subtle in the attempt to destroy our spiritual progress by presenting to you and me claims of resentment, criticism, and contention in our work; but God never sent contention or rivalry to us. God is Love, and we should know enough to know that we should intelligently resist the belief that error is true in any degree. We should be constant in our intelligent affirmation of the truth, and constant in our intelligent denial of the claims of error. We should recognize evil as nothing.
The world seems to be in a mental state of excitement and animosity. Jesus warned his disciples that they would "hear of wars and rumors of wars;" but he also said, "See that ye be not troubled," and, "Let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains," —flee to the understanding of the purity of God and of His power. It would almost seem that the seven vials of wrath are being poured upon the earth, that the armies of Armageddon are gathered in battle, according to Revelation, sixteenth chapter, but let us not forget it is also related therein that this is "the battle of that great day of God Almighty." What then, we may well ask, should be the nature of the thought and the demeanor of Christian Scientists?
Much has been said about neutrality, and we know that there is only one way to be neutral. The activity of the Christ shows us the way, and there is no other. The neutrality of Spirit reflected by man is the understanding of Truth, and we know that Truth alone can overcome evil. Our Leader tells us (Science and Health, p. 340 ) that "one infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; . . . ends wars." In the belief of mortal mind, war is only an outward expression of anger, hatred, malice, revenge. All of these are unknown to the purity of divine Mind and its infinite manifestation; they are unknown, unreal, untrue. Spiritual man is the only man there is and that man is immortal, the true image of divine Love, manifesting liberty and freedom in his pursuit of the understanding of the Christ. Christian Scientists must be more active than ever, must "at all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good" (Science and Health, p. 571 ).
We are marching to the rhythm of Mind, and we know that we cannot be separated from the divine Mind, from divine Love. Let me remind you that we should not fail to recognize the claims of evil as false, and never to impute them to person. It is too easy for mortals to claim that the person is evil; but that is not true. The claim of evil is false, and that which is false can never be true. Christian Scientists should become more consecrated to the cause than ever before. It is necessary to keep thought in close touch with God, and like the Israelites of old before the walls of Jericho, let us know that Truth is the only power, the power which protects, guides, and governs our cause; let us remind ourselves constantly of the Master's promise, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Let us, then, as loyal Christian Scientists, promise ourselves that we will pray the "Daily Prayer" of the Manual (Art. VIII, Sect. 4 ); that we will keep the "Rule for Motives and Acts" (Art. VIII, Sect. 1 ); that we will keep the solemn import of the sixth tenet of our church (Manual, p. 16), and if it is necessary to mete out justice, let it be tempered with mercy and charity.
Let us endeavor to give our whole support to those who uphold the provisions of the Manual, and cooperate with them, not personally, but according to the divine Principle of Truth and Love. Let us rejoice always in the privilege of being Christian Scientists. The church binds us together with the bands of Soul. That is where God is. In our Lesson of yesterday there was given to us from the gospel of St. John this verse: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." There is our true position of reflection— Love is substance. We live only as we love. We have life only as we love.
In "Pulpit and Press" (p. 10 ) our Leader declares: "Christian Scientists, you have planted your standard on the rock of Christ, the true, the spiritual idea." Error would like to interfere with the progress of our work and substitute evil for our consciousness of Truth and Love; but we can always know that the divine consciousness is the only consciousness, that the right body, the right church, are included in the divine consciousness. Nothing false can enter therein.
Our Leader tells us in her latest book, "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 185 ): "Truth, Life, and Love are formidable, wherever thought, felt, spoken, or written, —in the pulpit, in the court-room, by the wayside, or in our homes. They are the victors never to be vanquished."
Report of the Treasurer
The report of the Treasurer, which was given by Mr. Dickey, showed that the finances of the church were in their usual satisfactory condition.
The publishing house building fund has been consumed in the erection of the latest addition to the publishing house, and no further contributions are being solicited, as the funds is closed.
In regard to the fund for the monument to Mrs. Eddy, the Treasurer reported that, including interest, the amount totaled $75,604.43. A selection from the many designs submitted has been made, notice of which will be given in the periodicals in the near future.
The Salem relief fund showed that contributions of $9,608.43 in cash, together with large quantities of clothing and merchandise, were made by Christian Scientists for the benefit of sufferers from the fire in Salem, Mass., in June, 1914. These contributions were distributed through a committee appointed by First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Salem, and the fund has been closed. The work of this committee was greatly appreciated by the officials and citizens of Salem.
On Oct. 24, 1914, a notice was published in the Christian Science Sentinel, which provided an opportunity for Christian Scientists to send contributions to the different countries suffering as a result of the European war. In November, 1914, the Directors of The Mother Church sent William D. McCrackan to Europe for the purpose of appointing relief committees to distribute this fund. The work was organized and is now being conducted by Christian Scientists in most of the European countries affected by the war. Up to the present time the sum of $127,667.94 has been contributed; the disbursements have amounted to $122,740.66, leaving a balance on hand of $4,927.28.
The following countries have shared in the distribution of this fund: England, France, Germany, German-speaking Switzerland, French-speaking Switzerland, Holland, and Denmark. The needs of those for whose benefit this fund was established are still apparent, and further contributions will be gratefully received.
The Treasurer also read the report of the auditors, which is given below.
Report of the Auditors
"We have audited the books and accounts of the Treasurer of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., from June 1, 1914, to June 1, 1915, and herewith certify to the correctness of the same.
"Edwin L. Pride & Co. Inc., "By Edwin L. Pride, "Certified Public Accountants. "June 4, 1915."
Report of the Clerk of The Mother Church
By Mr. Dittemore.— To report each year the continuous numerical growth and prosperity of this church, is but to record an inevitable fact, since The Church of Christ, Scientist, is what it is. The real Mother Church— an ideal in Mind, expressed and reflected in the consciousness of its members by works rather than words— is the most mighty force on earth today. This scientific fact is in no way altered because the world has not yet clearly discerned the source of the rays which are bringing it resisted blessings. Never will Christian Scientists be able to repeat more gratefully than at this period our Leader's words, "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings" (Science and Health, Pref., p. vii).
The world is proving the teaching of Christian Science, that human efficiency without divine direction is a bruised reed upon which humanity cannot lean. The present complex material systems are no more adequate for human salvation than when patriarchs and prophets of God's chosen people in ages past demonstrated to the uncertain thinkers of that day that neither reliance upon physical strength nor faith in the substantiality of worldly resources is equal to the protection and preservation of men or nations.
It has been much in evidence during the past year that Christian Scientists more fully appreciate the importance of restricting church-membership to those who have demonstrated their worthiness and eligibility beyond all question of doubt. To those whose previous experience and circumstances are for the present delaying their enrollment in active membership with The Mother Church, it should be said that nothing can delay or interfere with unity of purpose which is at-one-ment in consciousness with the ideals and aspirations for which The Church of Christ, Scientist, stands. Through an understanding of Christian Science we have learned that "whatever blesses one blesses all" (Science and Health, p. 206 ), and the ultimate solution of every problem of church-membership depends largely upon the vigilance of the members of this church, which is a necessary accompaniment of real spiritual growth and discernment.
New Christian Science organizations have been formed during the year to the number of 86. Included in these are new organizations in England, Canada, Australia, and Germany. The columns of The Christian Science Journal show an increase during the year of 168 practitioners engaged exclusively in the healing work.
Fifteen hundred and thirty Christian Science lectures have been given during the past twelve months. The attendance at these lectures has been about 1,200,000 persons, an increase over the estimated attendance of last year of approximately 175,000. Many of these lectures have been given in distant localities, where the subject of Christian Science had not been publicly presented before.
Our Leader has provided four principal avenues of activity through which the members of The Mother Church may present the Science of Christianity to the world, these being the church services, the reading-rooms, the public lectures on Christian Science, and the Christian Science publications. Much of interest might be said on these subjects if time would permit, or if their discussion were strictly within the purpose of this report. It may here be mentioned with gratitude, however, that during the year a greater number of Christian Scientists have complied with our Leader's loving request that "every Christian Scientist . . . subscribe for and read our daily newspaper [The Christian Science Monitor]" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 352 ), thus assisting in bringing to pass the earlier fulfilment of the spiritually discerned purpose of Mrs. Eddy in founding the Monitor, viz.: "to spread undivided" throughout the earth "the Science that operates unspent" (The First Church of Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 353 ).
The real direction of this great movement is in the hands of divine Mind, which is the only director. The constant realization of this fundamental fact must express itself in ways of inestimably far-reaching benefit. Therefore the abiding consciousness of this verity, in this great period of the world's development, is a constant responsibility of every member of The Mother Church.
Our Leader, while editor of The Christian Science Journal, once caused to be published therein (see Vol. III, p. 41) these prophetic words, which never were more appropriate for our consideration than today:—
"Earthly thrones tremble on their bases in these days of rebellion against despotism. It would seem as if the kingdoms of the world were all being weighed in balances to determine what boasted strength is real and what pretended. . . . All these rumblings of discord, to the watchers on Mount Zion, come fraught with assurance of the onward march of righteousness.
"Whether the people recognize the Presence or not, it is here, making for their freedom. And not the dominion of acknowledged kings and princes alone is threatened— but the dominion of man over man in any form must give way to the liberty, fraternity, and equality, toward which the unseen law, spiritual and eternal, forces humanity."
Report of the Trustees Under The Will of Mrs. Eddy
By Mr. Neal, chairman.— At the annual meeting of The Mother Church last year, the Trustees under the Will of Mrs. Eddy announced their intention immediately to put into active operation four lines of work. They wish now to report progress in those and in some other lines of activity which have since been adopted.
First, it was decided to assist in paying the traveling expenses of the lecturers, on calls to fields outside of the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. During the year help has been granted in this way for seventy-one lectures, including those given in Great Britain. In each case the amount of the lecturer's traveling expenses, in excess of twenty-five dollars, has been paid from the trust fund. The total amount of money so spent was $7,574.06. Had it not been for the war, in which so many countries are engaged, many more lectures would have been given in Europe, but the lecturers felt it unwise to accept invitations to go abroad, when the conditions of travel were as difficult as they have been for some time.
Second, it was agreed to contribute to the churches and societies toward the free distribution of Christian Science literature. As a result there has been paid to nine hundred and five churches and societies 60 per cent of the sum which they spent for literature and postage during the ten months ending Oct. 31, 1914. The total amount expended in this work has been $66,186.15.
Third, the expressed wish to aid lending libraries under the direction of Christian Science churches and societies, has resulted in ten hundred and twenty-one of such lending libraries receiving from this fund books, pamphlets, and periodicals as follows:—
Science and Health, 3,421; German translation of Science and Health, 681; "Miscellaneous Writings," 1,437; "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," 1,391; Concordance to Science and Health, 757; "Unity of Good," 1,225; "Retrospection and Introspection," 1,155; "Pulpit and Press," 1,122; "Rudimental Divine Science," 1,096; "Rudimental Divine Science for the Blind," 287; "No and Yes," 1,155; Messages to The Mother Church, 1,194; "Christian Healing and The People's Idea of God," 1,152; Church Manuals, 518; "Christ and Christmas," 556; "Poems" by Mary Baker Eddy, 637; "Personal Contagion," 1,371; "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy," 2,710; "Editorial Comments," 955; "Christian Science: Its Legal Status," 514; "The Mother Church," 951; pamphlets, 19,220; Christian Science Hymnal, 462, making a total of 43,600 copies, besides 169 annual subscriptions to The Christian Science Quarterly.
In addition, there have been sent free to 2,262 public libraries, books and periodicals as follows:—
Science and Health, 2,635; German translation of Science and Health, 991; "Miscellaneous Writings," 1,633; "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," 1,716; "Unity of Good," 1,553; "Retrospection and Introspection," 1,433; "Pulpit and Press," 1,417; "Rudimental Divine Science," 1,502; "Rudimental Divine Science for the Blind," 554; "No and Yes," 1,436; Messages to The Mother Church, 1,457; "Christian Healing and The People's Idea of God," 1,566; "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy," 1,506, making a total of 19,399 copies, together with 3,546 annual subscriptions to The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, The Christian Science Monitor, Der Herold der Christian Science, and The Christian Science Quarterly.
Fourth, the decision to assist in erecting new church buildings was announced, and in response two hundred and sixty-four churches and societies have requested application blanks, thus indicating their interest in this privilege. Up to date, twenty-six churches have applied for assistance. Half of the applications received are not yet in proper legal form to be voted upon, but the other half have been approved, and the sum of $34,178.70 has been set apart for their use. In no case, however, will the sum voted by the Trustees be paid, until that amount, plus the funds in the church treasury, is sufficient to free the church from debt.
Other work done which was not referred to at the last annual meeting, includes the free distribution of Christian Science literature to soldiers, sailors, and prisoners in all the countries engaged in the European war. The total number of Journals, Sentinels, Monitors, Herolds, and pamphlets so distributed has been 436,708. Certain churches and societies in the war zone, which have suffered great loss of financial support on account of the war, have been voted temporary assistance, the Trustees having already paid over to them for church maintenance the sum of $14,050.
In a few days a circular letter will be sent to all Christian Science churches and societies, making the following announcement:—
"The Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy, in their administration of the fund established by Mrs. Eddy 'for the purpose of more effectually promoting and extending the religion of Christian Science as taught by' her, have voted to encourage an increase in the lecture work by offering to pay to any Christian Science church or society, which gives one more lecture from Jan. 1, 1914, to Dec. 31, 1914, inclusive, than it gave from Jan. 1, 1914, to Dec. 31, 1914, inclusive, a sum not to exceed $100 toward the expense of said lecture. This arrangement includes societies which did not give a lecture during the year ending Dec. 31, 1914, also churches and societies giving their lecture on and after Jan. 1, 1915."
Reports from the Field
The president having announced that the meeting was now open for reports from the field, a portion of the written reports which had been received were read by John W. Doorly of Leeds, Yorkshire, England, and in substance were as follows:—
First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Buffalo, N. Y., reported greater spiritual progress and the use of its new edifice seating twelve hundred. It also mentioned that twenty-five of its former members had organized Second Church of Christ, Scientist, of that city.
The distribution of a large amount of literature to the soldiers going to the front, to those returning wounded and for recuperation, and to the hospitals and prison camps, was reported by First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Berlin, Germany. An unbroken attendance at the meetings of the church was also remarked.
Letters from First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago, telling of the distribution of seven thousand pieces of literature in one month, and from First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Edinburgh, Scotland, were next read.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Montreal, Quebec, recounted putting literature before the soldiers in the training camps, with the result that the glad message of peace had been carried to many, and placing other literature on the outgoing steamers carrying soldiers. Christian Science, it said, was calling forth wide-spread interest.
Sixteenth Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago, reported holding its first service during the past year.
Second Church of Christ, Scientist, of Indianapolis, wrote that its services were so largely attended that it had found it necessary to adopt automobile service to convey the overflow attendance to First Church of Christ, Scientist, in that city, also that two sessions of the Sunday school were necessary.
Other reports read were from First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Norfolk, Va., Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago, the twelve Churches of Christ, Scientist, of Greater New York city (which made mention of a lecture given at Sing Sing prison), and First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Wilmington, Del. A letter from five Churches of Christ, Scientist, of Minneapolis, stated that the space in the reading room had been doubled, that the new edifice of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of that city was nearing completion, and that the new building of Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist, had been occupied since Jan. 1. 1915.
Reports from the field were then given from the audience. The speakers were from Sydney, Australia; Havana, Cuba; Reno, Nev.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; Baltimore, Md.; Long Beach, Cal.; Second Church, Boston, Mass.; London, England. The last mentioned expressed thanks for contributions of money from Christian Scientists in the United States which, he said, enabled many to secure work. He added that the distribution of Christian Science literature among the soldiers and sailors and in the prison camps had brought many inquiries from those who saw the benefits reflected by those who had read the various articles.
Following these reports the Doxology was sung, and the meeting adjourned.
