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."

The foundation is of great importance when building. We must be sure that ours is the Rock, Christ, Truth, which is the only sure and firm foundation. Paul wrote to the Corinthians as follows: "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Then should storms arise and the winds of adversity blow, our structure will endure, because, like the house spoken of in our Lord's parable, it is founded upon a rock.

From the laying of the foundation until the finishing touches mark the completion of our church edifice, we can, if we will, learn valuable lessons, and thereby fit ourselves for even greater demonstrations. The writer of the message to the Hebrews recalled the admonition of God to Moses when he was instructed to build the tabernacle: "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." Mrs. Eddy has said in Science and Health (p. 248), "We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives." Therefore, it is well to pause often to observe if we are following the right pattern. Every good builder keeps the plan of the building he is erecting before him, and constantly refers to his book of specifications, so that he will make no mistakes or errors. Like the careful builder, we should have our model before us and faithfully study our Bible and our textbook; then will our spiritual structure be built according to the true pattern.

As the work progresses we should rejoice and be grateful. Christ Jesus always expressed gratitude; and our Leader had often written of gratitude, showing that she held a high regard for this quality of Christian character. Many are the ways for the expression of our gratitude, and not the least is by hearty and earnest support of church building, whether it be our own or another's.

Cooperation is a word frequently used in the world of business these days. It is defined as the act of working jointly together. So Christian Scientists should cooperate, for "all things work together for good to them that love God." When we all work together in the spirit of unity and loyalty, we shall indeed be expressing gratitude and be fitting ourselves to receive more blessings. To quote again from Science and Health (p. 518): "The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good."

While it is not possible for every one to engage in the active work of building a church edifice or to serve on a building committee, it is both the duty and the privilege of each church member daily to devote a portion of his time to Christianly metaphysical work in support of the demonstration. Mrs. Eddy always lays particular stress upon daily work. And who except Christ Jesus has ever been more faithful in this regard than our beloved Leader? We owe it to Christian Science, as well as to ourselves, to take up this obligation and to follow her example. It is the love we express and the interest we manifest in all Christian Science activities which constitute true building. Therefore let us be about our Father's business, and be worthy the name of Christian Scientist. For, are we not His reflection? As laborers together with God we can faithfully do our part, leaving the outcome to Him. As one of our hymns reads:—

"'T is He that works to will,
'T is He that works to do;
His is the power by which we act,
His be the glory too."

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