Open house in a Christian Science Reading Room not only inspires and edifies those who attend but also blesses those who have given of their understanding and selfless service in preparation and support of the event. A librarian from New York writes: "There was such a happy, enthusiastic, and warm feeling about this open house, on the part of both the visitors and the attendants. We felt that real appreciation of our Reading Room was being evidenced, and we know that the seeds of appreciation will bear fruit."

Reports of other open houses substantiate the same results. From an executive board in California we hear:

"Open house in our Reading Room was held upon the completion of the new building which was constructed to house our Reading Room and Sunday School as well as a nursery for the little ones.

"We began our preparation by prayerfully considering the purpose of such an undertaking. The members of the committee studied references from the Bible and the works of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. As the result of this consecrated effort, it became apparent that each exhibit should bear a special healing message. Consequently, the following six subjects unfolded as the basis for displays: Daily Study, Healing, Embracing the World, History and Biography, For the Children, and Records.

"The membership too was asked to co-operate by working metaphysically for the occasion. It was recommended that the pamphlet entitled 'Church Growth and the Community' be thoughtfully read. Pictures of the new building, accompanied by a story, were placed in two local newspapers.

"During the evening of the open house a constant stream of guests visited the rooms, enjoying the exhibits as well as inspecting te new building. Fruitage is being evidenced in increased activity in the Reading Room as well as greater attendance in the Sunday School and at church services."

A branch church in Michigan reports:

"Invitations to open house held in our newly decorated Reading Room were worded to include family and friends. Large announcement cards were placed in the Reading Room windows, and an invitation was read from the desk.

" The two display windows were effectively arranged with this special occasion in mind. The theme of one was, of course, the LessonSermon, outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly, and the display in the other was centered around the thought of the universality of Christian Science. Colorful translations of The Heralds of Christian Science and pamphlets were spread at the base of a lighted globe of the world. Appropriate pages from recent copies of The Christian Science Monitor were also displayed.

"The normal arrangement of furnishings was left unchanged as much as possible in order to preserve the usual appearance of the sales and study rooms. Within the salesroom area were exhibited the colorful editions of the works of our beloved Leader; periodicals and pamphlets; our fine lending library; and a large arrangement of books and pamphlets for young people and children. The new gift certificate was introduced to the public for the first time.

"The study room was indeed an inviting sanctuary, in which was arranged a study unit comprised of the Bible, a copy of 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' by Mrs. Eddy, and the Quarterly, as well as a copy of the Church Manual by our Leader; also Bibles, Concordances, a Bible dictionary, and the biographies of Mrs. Eddy.

"Those who served were much gratified with the interest shown. It was noted that several pedestrians were attracted by the inviting and eye-catching arrangements of the display windows."

In referring to a special exhibit at open house in her Reading Room, another librarian from California writes :

"One feature which attracted much attention was a large wall map of the world. Ribbons led the eye from the different countries on the map to the translations of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, in five different languages, on the table below. From the comments, it was apparent that many of our guests did not know that this textbook was available in all these languages.

"The greatest interest in this display was shown by our visitors who were studying French, German, and Spanish. They realized they could improve their knowledge of the language and Christian Science at the same time."

From a librarian in Pennsylvania we hear: "One of the most gratifying developments resulting from the work done for the open house is the awakening of individual workers to the joy of such work and the growth in understanding of what Church really means. Steadfast study is continuing to alert us to do first things first and to recognize and be grateful for the progress already manifested."

The Master, Christ Jesus, said as much in another way (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."