Article April 4, 1931 Issue

Extracts from Reports of Christian Science Committees on Publication for the Year Ended September 30, 1930

Not since the establishment of this office in the year 1900 has there been such an almost complete cessation of critical, unfriendly, or misleading news or comments regarding Christian Science as during the past year. This applies equally to the daily press, medical journals, and religious periodicals. This in itself has been gratifying; but of equal and probably greater importance is the fact that more constructive news relating to the Christian Science church and its affairs has been printed by the press in this district than during any former year. This news has included accounts of church building, church dedications, establishment of Reading Rooms, sketches of the growth and activities of the Christian Science church in certain cities and communities, as well as a considerable number of reprints from our periodicals.

An encouraging development has been the increased space editors are devoting to full reports of our lectures and to abridged reports of our Lesson-Sermon. The reports of our Lesson-Sermon are printed by many editors as a part of their religious page, and appear with other denominational sermons. A striking proof of the high news value editors place upon the teaching of Christian Science is the fact that notwithstanding the increasing value of newspaper space, a large number of publishers devote approximately a full page to a report of our lectures. Naturally, editors are always pleased to receive letters expressing appreciation for the printing of these reports. Two of the world's greatest news services, namely, the Associated Press and the United Press, evinced marked interest in securing and sending out news regarding the recent opening of the Sanatorium of the Christian Science Benevolent Association on Pacific Coast. A story authorized by The Christian Science Board of Directors, describing the Sanatorium and stating its purpose, together with a picture thereof, was distributed by this office to approximately two hundred and eighty editors, practically all of whom printed it in full.

The dissemination of correct information concerning Mrs. Eddy is an effective method of counteracting misleading statements. The placing of the biography, "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" by Sibyl Wilbur, on sale at various bookstores, as was done during the year, permitted the public readily to obtain accurate data regarding our Leader. Through the coöperation of Christian Science churches in Los Angeles, sixty copies of this book have been given through this office to editors, ministers, and others, each copy being inscribed with words of presentation. The cordial reception of the gift copies by newspaper men is evidenced by their replies. One publisher said that it should be well read among the force "because the first two employees to note its presence have asked the privilege of reading it." An editor said, "It is a wonderful book and is being read by my family and friends." A managing editor indicated that he would enjoy reading it; he wrote that his newspaper had enjoyed a most pleasant relationship with the Christian Science churches, and expressed the hope that "this friendly spirit may never wane." A general manager of another newspaper gave assurances that he would "very much enjoy reading the biography of this remarkable and brilliant woman."

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
Editorial
Evidence
April 4, 1931
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit