Article July 20, 1957 Issue

Children When Twelve Years Old

Many reports are being received which indicate that more and more pupils of the Sunday School are becoming members of The Mother Church and of its branches. It is always a joy to know that a child has taken this step, when he is ready, as a result of his spiritual growth.

One branch church reports that in the past year seven pupils have become members of the church and several have made application for membership in The Mother Church. A church in Australia reports that of six pupils who left the Sunday School at the age of twenty during the last year, four have joined the church. Another church writes, "Our Sunday School is overflowing, and young people who have gone out from it are among our most active church workers."

It is a Sunday School teacher's privilege and duty to provide instruction for the pupils which will prepare them for assuming the responsibility of church membership. For our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. IV, Sect. 3) has made the provision that "children who have arrived at the age of twelve years, who are approved, and whose applications are countersigned by one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students, by a Director, or by a student of the Board of Education, may be admitted to membership with The Mother Church." Local branch church by-laws, as well as state laws, need to be considered when a minor is seeking membership in a branch church.

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