Article October 26, 1935 Issue

Branch Church Individuality

MABEL REED HYZER

A number of years ago the writer spent some time in a place where there was a very small Christian Science organization. The little group was very friendly, and presently, having in mind her experience as a member of a large branch church in another city, some of the local members approached her and asked for advice concerning a matter then being considered by the little society.

Earnestly desiring to be helpful, but with more zeal than wisdom, she eagerly told them at length what her experience had taught her concerning that particular question. What was her amazement to find, just a few days later, that her friendly counsel had resulted in what seemed to be much confusion in the little organization! She who had so wanted to be helpful then became very miserable, and was quite at a loss to know how her right desire could have led to so much discord.

However, some weeks of quiet study of the Bible and our Leader's works brought the explanation. The words Mrs. Eddy has written in Article XXIII, Section 10, of the Manual of The Mother Church pointed out her error in no unmistakable terms: "In Christian Science each branch church shall be distinctly democratic in its government, and no individual, and no other church shall interfere with its affairs."

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