Article March 23, 1935 Issue

Church Building and Healing

GEORGE DEVEREUX BRYSON

When Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, it was voted on her motion "to organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Church Manual, p. 17). Each branch of The Mother Church is progressing, and will continue to progress, as its membership responds anew to this inspired demand. A church which starts in humble quarters and grows by its healing work will surely be brought forth "into a large place" because, as the Psalmist says, "he [the Lord] delighted in" it. When this time comes, the building of its edifice will be a joyous experience to members, for it will be the spontaneous expression of grateful hearts and enlightened understanding. Thus the edifice itself will stand as a witness to the healing and regenerative power of Christian Science.

When, and only when, this important work of Christ-healing is being faithfully done, the members can approach their building project with the deep-lying conviction that, spiritually speaking, the church is, to a very large extent, already built. Their task, then, will be to erect and dedicate their edifice as a visible proof of healing work already well done, for every case of sickness healed by Christian Science in that community has measurably revealed the spiritual foundation already laid. Every sin or fault overcome has been as a boulder blasted away, and joyous voices raised in gratitude have echoed Love's sweetest chimes.

The love and compassion which are essential in Christian Science healing work find in church building a further opportunity for expression. From the healing of the individual, thought turns in the spirit of universal love to the entire community, indeed to the world, and repeats invitation of the prophet, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." The members, having received so much good from Christian Science, long to share this good more largely with their neighbors. Grateful hearts reach out naturally to give to others of the blessings which have been so bountifully poured upon them. Here is one contribution which each and every member can make to the building work—a contribution more important than money, and one which enriches the giver—that of greater love for every fellow member, greater gratitude to all those loyal workers who are so unselfishly serving God and the Cause of Christian Science in whatever capacity, and a greater expression of love to every stranger.

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