Church Dedications

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

Fairbanks, Alaska (First Church).

In 1903, within a year after the establishment of the mining camp of Fairbanks, interest in Christian Science first appeared.

Two lots were staked in the original townsite by a member of The Mother Church, and with the assistance of two other members the construction of a log cabin for use as a Christian Science Reading Room was started immediately.

The Reading Room was opened, and much interest was aroused in Christian Science in spite of the fact that literature was from two to six months old when it arrived.

Informal services were held the following year, and the first public service was held in the summer of 1906. Regular services were held from then on, and later Wednesday evening meetings were added. The log cabin was soon doubled in size.

On April 18, 1913, a Christian Science Society was organized and recognized as a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The present church property was purchased from the Methodist Episcopal Church on March 11, 1925, and the building used as it was for a number of years. It was remodeled in 1933. In that same year the society was incorporated as First Church of Christ, Scientist, Fairbanks, under the laws of the Territory of Alaska.

The church building burned in 1937, and temporary quarters were occupied until the present structure was built in 1940. Completion was delayed by the war, but this has been accomplished during the past year.

The above history was a part of the dedication services held on Sunday, June 25, 1950. A special evening service was held in addition to the regular morning service in the church edifice on Third Avenue opposite the Federal Building.

Jessen's Weekly

Westfield, New York (Society).

The dedication of Christian Science Society. Westfield, took place on Sunday, June 25, 1950, at the regular morning service, which was repeated in the afternoon. The First Reader read the following history of Christian Science in Westfield:

The history of Christian Science in Westfield dates back to 1904, when a small group met in private homes to hold services. After several months the group, having increased considerably, decided to secure a place where the public could be welcomed, and a room on the second floor of business block on North Portage Street was rented.

A couple of years later two large rooms on the third floor of a store on East Main Street were rented; there the Sunday School was started.

Under the dates of December 11, 1911, and January 3, 1912, the original nine members formed the nucleus of Christian Science Society, Westfield, recognized as such by The Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 30, 1912.

Later a ground-floor location was taken at 4 South Portage Street, and a Reading Room was provided.

In 1947 the former German Evangelical and Reformed Church building at 35 Chestnut Street was purchased and rebuilt into the present church edifice. In March, 1948, services were held in the Reading Room, and in June, 1948, services were held in the church auditorium.

The Westfield Republican

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Christian Science Exhibit in Washington, D. C.

November 25, 1950

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