Article November 30, 1929 Issue

Guarded Channels of Truth

HARRY I. HUNT

In the early history of the Christian Science movement, rooms were provided in Boston where one might go and receive Christian Science treatment. In January, 1887, such rooms were opened by a group of Christian Scientists. In 1889, an announcement regarding similar rooms was made by the then Pastor, Mrs. Eddy, in Boston, where Christian Science literature might be read or purchased, and in that same year a number of churches in various parts of the country had followed Boston's example. It is noteworthy that the pioneers engaged in this early work supported it by each paying a certain sum per hour for the privilege of serving.

The official announcement of a "Christian Science Dispensary" appeared in The Christian Science Journal of July, 1889, in which it was stated: "Christian Science Literature is on the tables, free, to all who desire to read, and is also on sale, or for free distribution." These rooms were located in Temple Street, near Bowdoin Square, Boston, Massachusetts. It was not, however, until 1900 that Mrs. Eddy placed in the Church Manual the requirement that each branch church shall have a Reading Room, thus giving into the keeping of the branch churches this channel through which the revelation of Christian Science should flow to the world.

The first provision for the establishment of the Reading Room appeared in the fourteenth edition of the Manual, in 1900, in which a section was added to Article XXVIII relating to branch churches. It read in part as follows: "Section 10. The Churches of the Christian Science denomination shall have one reading room for each church."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
"Stately Science"
November 30, 1929
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit