Editorial October 19, 1929 Issue

Christian Science Reading Rooms

Duncan Sinclair

CHRISTIAN Science Reading Rooms are established wherever there are Christian Science churches; for Article XXI, Section 1, of the Church Manual (p. 63) definitely states that "each church of the Christian Science denomination shall have a Reading Room." And what a blessing our Reading Rooms have proved themselves to be to the sick, the sinning, the distressed, the disconsolate! To many the Christian Science Reading Room has been like an oasis in a dreary desert land. Finding the way there, perhaps after much sorrow and tribulation, probably after much fervent prayer to God for guidance and help, they have read from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and perceived the allness of God, good, and the illusory nature of evil; and with the revelation has come a healing and the beginning of a new life, a life in which the shackles of erroneous belief are discarded for the freedom and happiness of enlightened spiritual understanding.

Our Reading Rooms exist to bless mankind through Christian Science. They are supported by our churches and are under the supervision of the directors of these churches, representing the church membership. Hence every member has a financial responsibility with regard to them. He also cooperates through the mental work he does for them, and by his sympathetic visits to them. Each church appoints its librarian, and if necessary its assistant librarians, selected in accordance with Article XXI, Section 2, of the Manual, and upon these falls most of the work of the Reading Room; but church members should recognize the loving support this work requires, and give it heartily and unstintedly.

The Reading Rooms should have as good a situation as possible. Christian Science stands for the best. Does it not teach the perfection of God and man? The Reading Rooms should therefore have clean surroundings and worthy neighbors, and be placed within ready reach of humanity, so that busy men and women may be able to claim their hospitality whenever a spare few minutes present themselves. The Reading Rooms should be attractive, too, comfortably furnished and well lighted, for it has to be remembered that since all classes come to Christian Science all classes may use the Reading Rooms.

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