Article April 22, 1933 Issue

Item of Interest

Due to the earthquake of Friday evening, March 10, which rendered the church edifices in Long Beach, California, unsafe for occupancy, the four Churches of Christ, Scientist, in that city united in a joint service the following Sunday afternoon at Houghton Park in North Long Beach, the Readers of First Church and soloist of Second Church officiating. An audience of approximately four hundred filled to capacity the grand-stand seats of the baseball park, others being seated on the grass. A special collection was taken for relief of earthquake sufferers. The service was most inspiring, and the several hundred who were there were helped to rise above the experiences through which they had recently passed.

A joint testimonial service of the four Churches of Christ, Scientist, was held in Bixby Park, Long Beach, at 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, the First Reader of Second Church officiating. An audience of approximately seven hundred filled the seats in front of the band stand to capacity. A loud-speaking system was used, and those who testified were requested to come before the microphone. Interesting testimonies of protection and escape from harm at the time of the earthquake, as well as testimonies of healing in Christian Science, were given. As this park was being used by the city as a refugee center, many interested spectators listened to the service, which was plainly heard through the amplifiers. Another joint Sunday service of the four churches was held on Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m., at Recreation Park in Long Beach.

Two Christian Science churches in California cities where the earthquake of March 10 was felt, were sponsoring lectures on Christian Science that evening. One of the lectures was given at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hermosa Beach, and when the first quake occurred, about six o'clock in the evening, a great deal of plaster dropped on the upholstered chairs and the carpet in the auditorium. Immediately a corps of volunteer workers assembled, including a number of strangers, and restored order to the auditorium. The doors were opened at 7.45 p.m., and the lecturer began to speak on scheduled time. Although there was another heavy quake, as well as some minor ones, during the lecture, it was continued without interruption. Very few persons left the auditorium, and no further damage was evident there. The other lecture was in Huntington Park; and it continued uninterrupted in spite of severe shakings. Though the audience was much smaller than usual, those present realized the assurance of divine protection. And they were comforted.

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