Editorial June 5, 1948 Issue

WELCOME!

John Randall Dunn

Those who knew personally the beloved Leader of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, invariably testify to her graciousness as a hostess and to the welcoming sense her loyal students ever felt when coming into her presence. In June, 1903, at the time of the Annual Meeting of The Mother Church, some three thousand Christian Scientists journeyed to Mrs. Eddy's home in Concord, New Hampshire, and were greeted by her from the balcony of Pleasant View. Many, of course, are familiar with the picture taken that day of the Leader standing with arms and hands outstretched towards her loving followers, who thronged the grassy slopes beneath the balcony of her home. Then it was that her clear voice rang out with the message recorded in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 170), which reads in part: "Beloved Brethren:—Welcome home! To your home in my heart! Welcome to Pleasant View, but not to varying views."

At each recurring Annual Meeting season, may not Christian Scientists journeying to Boston—yes, and those whose hearts are at headquarters even though they personally cannot be present—may not they hear and feel their loving Leader's welcome as of yore? May not they be reminded of the celestial welcome that ever awaits the student who strives to turn from the "varying views" of material beliefs, fears, and superstitions, and seeks the Christianly scientific concept of God and the sons of God?

A delightsome word is "welcome." Divide or transpose its syllables and it cannot fail to express a sense of well-being and well-coming. A dictionary statement as to its derivation includes this: "One who comes so as to please another's will." Thrice welcome, therefore, should be the message of Christian Science with its promise of present-day deliverance from discord, heartache, and despair. It is a well-comer; it comes well, indeed; it is a visitor bringing only blessing to the truly hungering heart. But does not a good housewife see to it that her dwelling is made ready for a welcome guest? Is there not generally some sweeping and tidying up to be done?

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