Article November 7, 1931 Issue

Church Membership

F. COLBURN PINKHAM

There comes to each one who has been healed by Christian Science the momentous question, Shall I become a member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and of a branch Church of Christ, Scientist? Fear, doubt, procrastination, selfishness, would argue against this important step, and thereby deprive the individual and the church of a happy, profitable, and necessary relationship.

Without The Mother Church and its branches, what would become of our movement? The church services, Reading Rooms, Sunday schools, periodicals, lectures, practice and teaching of Christian Science could not be unitedly established to bless humanity. Even Mrs. Eddy's textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and her other writings would be less widely available to the hungering thousands of weary searchers after the satisfying truths of divine Science. One turns, however, from the contemplation of such a situation as impossible. And yet in the measure of his individual part the responsibility for the availability of the great good which The Mother Church and its branches afford rests upon each one who has touched the healing garment of the Christ.

Most of us are grateful for some faithful practitioner who has lovingly, patiently, and wisely helped us to overcome our fears and doubts until our feet were firmly placed on the rock of Christ, Truth. What might become of these fruitful sentinels, these unselfish followers of our dear Leader? Unprotected and unaided by the Committees on Publication, might not the untruthful statement made against the practice of Christian Science, if unanswered, lead to laws that would prohibit the healing ministrations of practitioners? And how lovingly, wisely, promptly, misrepresentations in the press or from the platform are refuted by these Committees on Publication, alert defenders of the faith! The heart overflows in gratitude for the protecting arms of The Mother Church when one contemplates the great, indispensable work it so quietly and wisely performs under the loving care of our devoted Christian Science Board of Directors.

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