Article April 27, 1918 Issue

A Notable Service

On Sunday, February 17, 1918, there took place on one of the battleships stationed at Boston Navy Yard, Charles-town, Massachusetts, the first official Christian Science service to be held in the United States Navy. The ship was rigged for church, and at a few minutes before half past ten o'clock the bugle call for divine service was sounded. At the same time the church flag which bears the cross was raised, this flag being the only one which is ever hoisted above the Stars and Stripes. It remained flying throughout the duration of the service, to indicate that divine worship was in progress aboard the ship.

The reading desk consisted of two steel barrels and several flat gratings covering with an American flag. A piano was available for hymns and solo, and chairs and benches were provided for the audience. Chaplain Richard J. Davis, U.S.N., acted as first reader, and Lieut. Samuel W. Burgess as second reader. With the exception of a few guests the audience was composed of naval officers and seamen to the number of about thirty or forty. All felt the deepest gratitude and joy that Christian Science services are now made possible for the men of the Navy.

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