The Work in Cripple Creek, Col.

I am reminded by one of our church members who lives in Nova Scotia, that it has been a long time since she has seen any word in the Sentinel from Cripple Creek. It seems strange that we are unready to give when we are so thankful for the receiving, for we do appreciate those faithful workers at headquarters who are ceaselessly laboring to send us such helpful words through those everwelcome friends the Journal, Sentinel, and Quarterly. And just at this time when our ever-faithful, loving, tireless Leader has given us this new revision of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" to make clearer and brighter this heavenward way, we are filled with earnest longings to express our loving appreciation; and how better can we do it, than to be more earnest in our endeavors, more wide-awake, obedient, according to "Miscellaneous Writings," p. 117: "Never absent from your post, never off guard, never ill-humored, never unready to work for God," — being "faithful over a few things,"— the few things given us to do?

The coming and going of the ordinary mining camp makes us feel at times that our growth numerically is slow; but this teaches us to look to God more, and certainly this is a helpful lesson. Our membership at organization in July, 1896, was 14; admitted to membership, 52; dismissed, 15; making our present membership, 51.

The first money given for our building fund was in February, 1899. We purchased a most desirable lot, and completed the reading room, or front of the church proper, and have been holding our services there since October, 1900. We have completed the stone foundation for the auditorium at a total expense of over five thousand dollars, all paid, and we hope to enclose the whole this year.

If mortal mind had been listened to we should never have attempted any church building; but truly, if God be for us, who or what can be against us? Our church completed will cost over ten thousand dollars. We feel that we have proven that God can "furnish a table in the wilderness," and in Cripple Creek. Our expenses are quite large each month, but are promptly met. We have a very happy Sabbath School of about forty members in six classes. They contributed one hunderd dollars to the building fund. We have many good workers.

At our Wednesday evening meeting, March 5, the following testimonies were given. One lady had overcome her intense fear of burns. On coming into Science she threw away all medicines except one for burns. One day her little girl scalded her arm very badly; she made the demonstration, destroyed the fear, then threw away the medicine, and was free.

A healer had been called to a patient suffering intense pain. She had been told by the doctors that there was no help for her without an operation. The first treatment stopped the pain, and the next day she walked to the healer's house, and in a few days was entirely well.

Another lady told of a case of healing after the third stroke of paralysis.

A gentleman said he had the grip five years before, and was left an invalid. He was under different doctors' care all the time for five years, with no relief. Becoming tired of this he decided to try Christian Science. After reading Science and Health through once, he forgot to swear, also forgot to call for his beer. Although many said one could not be healed by reading the book, he knew to the contrary by experience. He was a traveling man, and had seen happy results from little seed sown as he went about. He had several men under him, and the change in their lives had been marvelous; not one drank, only two or three smoked, and not one used profane language.

Another gentleman had been thrown from a horse, there was no one near, and he was unconscious for an hour. He finally became semi-conscious; could form no idea where he was or what had happened; but he did have a clear conception of his relation to God, and was soon restored and able to go on his way.

A case of heart trouble was healed in one treatment. The patient said he felt as though his old heart had been taken out and a new one put in.

Another told of the transformation of a neighbor who had, through Christian Science, given up his belief in a literal hell; and of one who had never known God until she came into Christian Science. Another was very thankful for the spiritual light Christian Science had thrown upon the Bible.

The healing of two cases of chronic sick headache was related.

A lady had been told by the doctors that she could never walk. Science had dispelled that illusion, and brought love into her heart, where hatred once reigned.

One told of a case of extreme deafness which was cured in one treatment.

We know that as a church we are learning daily more of this Love lesson, and that our one desire is to be more loving, obedient, and whole-souled in this blessed work.

Josephine T. Moore, Cripple Creek, Col.

Progress at Joplin, Mo.

In August, 1899, First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Joplin, Mo., numbered seventeen members with an average attendance of about twelve. In February of the present year, we began holding services in our new audience room, with a membership of eighty, and an average attendance of about one hunderd and ten; and it is with fervent thankfulness we can say that we have been blessed in all ways.

The need of a larger audience room was pressing, when the lease of the present one was offered, and to be secured must be accepted at once. In this quite an outlay was involved, as the room would have to be remodeled and furnished. Our disbursements having been large during the past year, we had no funds on hand; but we have a source of supply that never yet has failed us, and we accepted the lease. Again the supply sufficed, we were able to make all needed improvements in the room and buy the desired furniture. Our church is in arrears for nothing whatever, and an encouraging balance remains in the treasury. Thankful as we are for these signs of strength and growth, we are more grateful still for the spiritual power and unity which our church evinces.

It is with deepest love and thankfulness that we send this little message to our sister churches. Our hearts are full of gratitude to the Publishing Committee and the lecturers in the Field, who, by their earnest endeavor have made so much possible to us. To the dear Mother in Israel, through whose self-immolation and pure desires this great peace and rest has come to earth's tired children, we feel a thankfulness beyond the power of words.

Edith C. O'Neill, Clerk pro tem.