Article February 20, 1926 Issue

Church Building in Christian Science

J. BALFOUR ELLIS

When a Christian Scientist reads the inscription, "Church of Christ, Scientist," on what we are wont to call a "church edifice," he may well pause to consider the long chain of loving thought, constructive effort, and spiritual activity which has brought about the result now apparent to physical sense. On another part of the building he may possibly find the words, "He sent his word, and healed them." In any case, that divine revelation is, of course, the reason for existence of every Christian Science church; and the one who has been healed by the Word of Truth may profitably turn back the pages of history to consider the primary idea of the Christian Church.

In no statement he made about the building of his Church did the Founder of Christianity make any reference to matter as a constructive element. Humility, combined with divinely regal authority over all manifestations of unlikeness to good, forgiving love, infinite compassion and forbearance, sympathetic tenderness—these were some of the qualities which the disciples beheld in their Master as they followed him throughout his ministry. These were the qualities which called forth the declaration from Peter, their spokesman, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And this declaration was met by that of Jesus the Christ, that on the understanding of the Christ, as yet not matured in Peter's thought, he would build his Church: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church."

Of this Church as symbolized in any material edifice, the years immediately succeeding this announcement afford no record. Its earliest services were its healing ministrations and demonstrations of such supply as would meet the human need, which the disciples had seen their Master accomplish as he went about Judea and Galilee, and which they in their turn were able to repeat.

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