Article February 11, 2002 Issue

'The first time I met Mrs. Eddy...'

I was born in Druskeniki, Province of Grodno, Russia. At the age of twelve years, I came to America, and for seven months after my arrival, I lived with my aunt, Fannie Phillips, in Lynn, Massachusetts.... The back yard of my aunt's home was opposite the back yard of the home of Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy.

The first time I met Mrs. Eddy was when I was less than three weeks in America. It happened one morning while I was hanging baby clothes on the clothesline in the back yard. I was singing a Russian song when Mrs. Eddy motioned to me to come over. She spoke to me but I could not understand, so I said to her, "I do not speak English."... On entering the house I told my aunt that the lovely lady... spoke to me and that I was sorry I could not understand as I liked the lady so much. My aunt appeared quite excited and warned me never to go near her....

Each time I would be hanging clothes on the line, I would endeavor to attract Mrs. Eddy's attention by singing my little song a little louder. Often I succeeded; Mrs. Eddy was indoors most of the time....

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