Article September 22, 1923 Issue

Among the Churches

Current Notes

Correspondence

Wheaton, Ill. (First Church).—The first recorded history of the organization now known as First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Wheaton, Illinois, states that in August, 1902, six persons met in a Wheaton home and discussed the desirability of holding Christian Science meetings in Wheaton. It was decided to look over the field carefully, and consider the matter prayerfully, and take time to deliberate all things according to divine wisdom. The propelling power which prompted this was gratitude for definite healing work and a desire to share with others the great discovery of the new-old truth which has so much promise for mankind. That earnest and prayerful thought followed this resolution, and that there was great reliance on divine wisdom is evidenced by the sequence of events which has marked the steps of growth and progress to this day. As the members leaned on divine wisdom, the orderly steps were soon made plain.

It is not without significance that the first business of the new organization was a decision to invite a lecturer to give a public lecture on Christian Science. The records also show that the society began at once the systematic support of the State Committee on Publication and also made a pledge to the Building Fund of The Mother Church. The prompt recognition of these privileges is proof of the love and the loyalty that existed. The activity of Love was again manifest when, within a comparatively short time, a Sunday school was established with eight pupils. At a meeting held in June, 1904, the desirability of becoming a branch church was unanimously approved. The new charter was granted in December, 1904. In March, 1906, a Christian Science Reading Room was established.

Up to the time of the completion of the extension to The Mother Church the collection on the first Sunday of each month was a contribution to that Building Fund. When The Mother Church was completed and the fund closed, the first Sunday's collection was thereafter set aside for a building fund for this church. In 1914 the lot on which the edifice now stands was purchased, and a definite purpose to build as soon as practicable became the objective. As divine Mind led and plans ripened, complete plans for a new church edifice were presented to the membership, and a definite motion made authorizing the board to build. Ground was broken in the early fall of 1916, and the edifice was completed and opening services held in July, 1917.

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