In the review of Dr. Elwood Worcester's exceedingly interesting...

Hon. C. Augustus Norwood, Committee on Publication for The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts,—Boston, Massachusetts

Christian Leader

In the review of Dr. Elwood Worcester's exceedingly interesting autobiography in the May 21 issue of your periodical, reference was made to Dr. Worcester's statement that he could find no evidence of Christian Science relief work during the period when the Emmanuel Church of Boston was spending a liberal sum for relief of sufferers from the Chelsea fire of 1908. Dr. Worcester states, in this connection, that he does not wish to do Christian Scientists an injustice, and I am sure that you and your reviewer feel likewise.

Christian Scientists have contributed to relief work in many public disasters so inconspicuously that they have not been given credit by some observers. One is reminded, in this connection, of the statement of Dr. Lyman P. Powell, rector of St. Margaret's Church in New York City: "The interest taken by Christian Scientists in other lands, other folds, and in all who need, is of the Scriptural type. They are averse to making the left hand acquainted with what the right hand does!" (Mary Baker Eddy: A Life Size Portrait, p. 281.)

By turning back to the newspaper reports of the relief work following the Chelsea fire, references may readily be found to contributions by Christian Scientists. For instance: An article in the Boston Transcript of April 16, 1908, headed "Church Work Effective," begins with the statement, "The Chelsea Christian Science Church, backed by The Mother Church, whose First Reader has given assurances of all necessary support, is actively engaged in relief work both among its own people who have lost their homes and for others." The Boston Daily Globe of the same date, in reporting "Other Contributions," listed four Christian Science churches for substantial amounts. The Boston American of April 21 carried an article headed "Mrs. Eddy Aids Newton Fund for Chelsea Victims." An interesting incident of contributions by Christian Scientists was an early contribution by telegraph from a Christian Science church in San Francisco which had been through a similar experience.

Dr. Worcester's statement that he found a booth managed by Christian Scientists "for the sale of their books" indicates simply that he did not appreciate the purpose of the booth, which he must have observed casually. Such booths, as well as Christian Science Reading Rooms (regularly maintained by all Churches of Christ, Scientist), are not maintained at a profit, but for the benefit of those ready to accept the encouraging and healing message of Christian Science, which is available to all through the authorized and approved literature of the Christian Science Mother Church organization.

Mrs. Eddy taught, "The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 113), and her followers realize that they cannot progress individually or promote Christian Science except as they are actuated by loving motives.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit