Why Men do not go to Church

with contributions from One Who Does Attend Church

Boston American

Newspapers and clergymen have busied themselves with the question at the top of this column, "Why do men not attend church?" Special commissions have been appointed to discuss the question with workingmen. Others have investigated the indifference to church attendance of business men.

It appears to be generally conceded that, in Protestant churches at least, the attendance of men is falling off steadily. We suggest to those interested that it might be worth while to consider the question of church attendance at a new kind of church,—the Christian Science Church.

In attendance at least, both of men and women, the Christian Scientists have none of the trouble that seems to be puzzling other denominations.

One great Christian Science Church of New York City, built at an expense of over a million dollars, is packed regularly with enormous audiences. Weather makes no difference, good or bad. Recently newspaper reporters were attracted to this church for news reasons. They reported an absolutely full attendance always, an absolute loyalty to the Founder of Christian Science. It might be worth the while of those investigating the church question to look into the attendance at Christian Science churches.

Why are they crowded and growing? What causes the enthusiasm at their gatherings, an enthusiasm shown in the proselytizing work of every member as well as in marvelously liberal contributions to church purposes.

The following letter received from a man very well known throughout this country, suggests these observations to-day:

To the Editor of the Boston American.

I suggest that you investigate the strength and growth of the Christian Science movement. What are its causes. I do not care to be quoted. Christian Scientists do not run into print indiscriminately. But you can easily verify my statements.

While attendance at other churches is falling off, our Christian Science churches grow in membership and attendance every day. There are no congregations whose members attend as regularly as ours, none in which the old and the young, even the little children, find so much happiness in the expression of religious faith.

I read recently a very honest review of a book which I subsequently bought. It is called "Some Truths and Wisdom of Christian Science," published by the Pulpit Press at No. 36 East Twenty-first Street, New York City.

The writer of the book is Margaret Beecher, a granddaughter of the great preacher. Beecher had no difficulty in keeping his church full. People found it hard to get in.

His granddaughter tells of her conversion to Christian Science and her belief that her grandfather if living would be a Christian Scientist.

I believe that she is right. For Beecher taught a cheerful and hopeful view of life and religion. I think those who are puzzling over non-attendance at the old school churches might find some enlightenment in this book, which presents a thesaurus of the best Christian Science thought.

Very truly.
One Who Does Attend Church.

If the name of the writer of that letter could be printed, it would interest the public considerably to learn that he had been converted to Christian Science.

There is no question that the Christian Scientists are a very closely united and enthusiastic body. There is no doubt whatever that their congregations grow and have great vitality. It might be worth while, as our correspondent—a man universally known in national politics—suggests, for those interested in religious questions to find out why it is that Mrs. Eddy's followers retain the enthusiasm that those of other denominations seem to lack.

Editorial in Boston American.

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