Article October 27, 1923 Issue

From the Directors

Reading Room Work

The Christian Science Board of Directors

It is evident that the Church Manual, the work of Mrs. Eddy, has been more thoroughly studied during the past few years than ever before; and it is gratifying to note that those appointed to direct the affairs of branch churches and societies are giving the Manual first consideration in carrying on the work. The lectures, the distribution of literature, the work of the Sunday school, the church services,—all are being conducted with due regard for our Leader's demonstration of the Manual, which enables every function of our great movement to be carried on in the easiest and most harmonious way possible.

In the larger cities there is always opportunity for cooperation among the churches. It is the desire of every branch church to have its Reading Room supported and patronized by its entire membership and by as many others as possible. Article XXI, Section 1, of the Manual stipulates that each church shall have its own Reading Room, and that "two or more churches may unite in having Reading Rooms, provided these rooms are well located." But there is no provision in the Manual permitting any branch church to maintain a Reading Room in another town where a branch church is located; and it does not seem advisable that branch churches in different towns should unite for a joint Reading Room.

In The Mother Church Reading Rooms the librarians are usually practitioners; but these librarians are careful to keep their work as practitioners separate from their service as librarians, thus fulfilling both the spirit and the letter of the By-law, Article XXIII, Section 11, of the Manual, which reads: "Teachers and practitioners of Christian Science shall not have their offices or rooms in the branch churches, in the reading-rooms, nor in rooms connected therewith." By-law, Article XXI, Section 2, of the Manual, which refers specifically to librarians in charge of the Reading Rooms of The Mother Church, states, "He or she shall have no bad habits, shall have had experience in the Field, shall be well educated, and a devout Christian Scientist."

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