Article January 10, 1953 Issue

MUSIC IN CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCHES

DORA S. FETZER

In the Manual of The Mother Church our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, states (Art. XIX, Sect. 1), "The music in The Mother Church shall not be operatic, but of an appropriate religious character and of a recognized standard of musical excellence; it shall be played in a dignified and suitable manner." Then follow the time regulations for the voluntary, postlude, and offertory. While each branch church is distinctly democratic, what is done in The Mother Church often serves as a guide to branch churches.

The writer, during several years of most joyous service as a musician in branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, learned to appreciate this By-Law regarding the music in The Mother Church, as well as the other statements of our beloved Leader on the subject of music. A study of the Holy Scriptures with reference to music also proved to be most enlightening.

Her deep desire was that healings might take place at the church services through the music, for she herself was finding much help while preparing it. To select music of an appropriate character, then to study and prepare it so that its expression will blend with the thought of the service as a whole, requires consecration of thought and desire. But when this ideal is attained one may humbly say at the time of the opening of the service with music, "Dear Father, let this be love's offering of praise to Thee." Under such circumstances it is not unusual to hear of a healing occurring during the musical part of the service.

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