Article August 16, 1924 Issue

Church Building

MANTON EASTBURN HAMMOND

When the members of a Christian Science church decide to build, they endeavor to hold in thought the right concept of Church as given on page 583 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, as well as those words spoken by Jesus, "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." They are also mindful of the admonition of Paul to the Corinthians, "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Building a church edifice is a privilege which should be welcomed by every church member, for it offers an opportunity for growth to those engaged in the undertaking. All demonstration is marked by unfoldment; and as the material structure rises little by little and appears to mortal sense in beauty of form and outline, it becomes a symbol of the spiritual unfoldment of truth and love in the individual consciousness of the members.

The various steps taken by the builder also symbolize what must take place within ourselves, if we would build truly. The building site is first cleared. All that is not necessary or useful to the work is destroyed or otherwise disposed of. Likewise, for spiritual building, we must cast out and destroy all erroneous or uncharitable thoughts, retaining only those which are good and pure. After the site is prepared, the new material for the structure is then received; and the honest builder accepts only that which makes for as perfect a building as possible and will meet the requirements of the specifications. Thus should we accept only thoughts of love and truth. Thoughts inferior or unsuitable for the work may come to us, but we do not have to accept them. We should be continually on guard against any unkind or malicious thought which seeks to enter consciousness. Our beloved Leader has admonished us in Science and Health (p. 392): "Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously."

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