Item of Interest August 19, 1939 Issue

Item of Interest

When a Christian Science lecture is to be given by a branch organization of The Mother Church, careful preparation is made to make sure that every step connected with this activity shall proceed with harmony and dignity. Prayerful work is done by the lecture committee and membership in the expectancy that the words of truth given out by the lecturer shall reach the receptive thought and bear "fruit an hundredfold."

The preparatory work would naturally include thoughtful attention to providing adequate seating facilities for the stranger and the newcomer to Christian Science. Sometimes it has been found that the audience at a Christian Science lecture consists largely of members of branch churches and societies in near-by towns, who have come early in order to obtain desirable seats. Then, when strangers arrive, near the time for the lecture to begin, they are obliged to sit or stand in adjoining rooms or corridors, where it is sometimes difficult to hear the lecture. Thus all the expected benefit may not be received. And yet it was for these very guests that the lecture was planned. If a Christian Scientist were accompanying a friend who was attending his first Christian Science lecture, he naturally would wish that friend to have every facility for receiving the message, and would cheerfully give up his own seat, if necessary. He is just as eager, of course, that all other newcomers shall likewise have ample opportunity to partake of the "feast of Soul" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 263) that has been prepared.

Various methods have been adopted in the endeavor to ensure satisfactory seating of strangers at our lectures. One branch church last year gave two lectures in a large near-by theater to which the general public was invited. In addition, two lectures were given in the auditorium of its own edifice, announcement for which was made only in its own local district. In this way provision was made for a larger percentage of strangers to hear these two lectures, instead of having the auditorium filled with members of other branch churches. Personal invitations were extended by members to receptive individuals of their acquaintance in the neighborhood. Every effort was made to care adequately for these guests; the best seats were reserved for strangers. It was noticed that many residents and tradespeople in the immediate vicinity attended these two lectures. In The Mother Church it has been the custom, for several years, to reserve until ten minutes before the time for the lecture a section of seats on the auditorium floor for newcomers and those who have a special need of being seated well to the front. Tickets are given out for these reserved seats. Many branch churches have followed a similar practice. The members of the church sponsoring the lecture are the hosts and hostesses, and they, of course, would be present to welcome their guests and see that they are properly seated.

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