Church Dedications

Note: Christian Science churches are dedicated only when free from debt.

Columbia, South Carolina (First Church).

Members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Columbia, dedicated their beautiful church at 1114 Pickens Street on May 21, 1944, at the regular Sunday morning service.

Although extra seating had been provided, the church was overflowing with Christian Scientists and their friends, with a predominence of those in uniform.

The usual order of Sunday service was rendered still more impressive by the dedication address, which was read by the First Reader, and which follows in part: "Christian Science public meetings were held in Columbia as early as 1907. In 1916 a group of loyal students, grateful for their healings in Christian Science, met elected officers, and rented a room in the People's Bank Building, where they held Sunday services. Here, also, a Reading Room, a Sunday school, and Wednesday evening meetings were established.

"The society in Columbia was recognized by The Mother Church in March, 1918. Larger quarters were needed, and a new home was found over the Carolina Bank.

"The society became First Church of Christ, Scientist, Columbia, in 1922.

"The Christian Science Board of Directors gave to the church in Columbia the frame building which was erected and used by the Christian Science Camp Welfare Activities at Camp Jackson during the first World War. The lot and the expense of moving the building were paid for within two years.

The present structure of native stone, designed for extension, was built in 1927. At first, only the basement was made ready for use. Later the main floor was completed and hearts were grateful and glad.

"With the aid of a recent gift from the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy the membership has been able to remove all indebtedness.

"First Church of Christ, Scientist. Columbia, is hereby lovingly and reverently dedicated to the service of God."—The State.

Council Bluffs, Iowa (First Church).

When the members of First Church of Christ. Scientist, Council Bluffs, Iowa, held their dedicatory services in the morning and evening, on Sunday, May 21, 1944, the vision of a small group of believers in the doctrines of their Leader, Mary Baker Eddy was fulfilled.

It was in 1885 that meetings were first held in Council Bluffs, in the homes of the members of the group. Before the present form of worship was instituted in 1895, there were occasions when a sermon was delivered by one of Mrs. Eddy's students. These gatherings were held in what was then known as the Brown Block, between Pearl and Main Streets. Later a room was rented in the Sapp Block, Scott Street and Broadway, where the first Reading Room was opened.

In 1895 First Church of Christ, Scientist, Council Bluffs, was organized. Later it was reorganized as a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The meeting place was changed in 1906 to the church building which is now occupied by the Salvation Army on Seventh Street, but in 1907 larger quarters were found in the auditorium of the Public Library. Later, services were held in the Masonic Temple, and then in Eagles Hall on Main Street.

In 1911 a lot was purchased on Washington Avenue and First Street, and a building fund was established at that time. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on July 2, 1923,

On Easter Sunday. 1926, the first service was held in the Sunday school room. On June 10, 1932, services were held in the completed auditorium.

The bequests of friends, near and far, the contributions of members, gifts from the Sunday school, and a grant from the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy made the dedication of this edifice possible.

The Daily Nonpareil

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