AMONG THE CHURCHES

SAN DIEGO, CAL.

Free from debt, the beautiful new Christian Science church, erected and equipped at the southwest corner of Second and Laurel streets, at a cost of $85,000, was dedicated with appropriate services at ten o'clock yesterday morning [Nov. 24]. The services were impressive in their simplicity and elevating in effect, being witnessed and participated in by a congregation which taxed the seating capacity of the spacious auditorium.

Charles L. Kirtland, First Reader, delivered a short address, giving a sketch of the growth of the congregation in San Diego. His remarks were in part as follows, —

Christian Science was introduced into San Diego in 1887, the first public services being held in Good Templars Hall on Third street; afterward services were continued at the residence of Frank Gale, and later at 1907 E street. The Sunday School was organized in 1890 with twenty-two children. In December, 1892, the church was formally organized under the name of "Church of Christ, Scientist," with twenty-five charter members, and legally incorporated, in 1897, under the laws of the state, as "First Church of Christ, Scientist, of San Diego, Cal." In 1898 regular services were conducted in the Jewish synagogue on Second street and a reading-room was established. About this time a building lot, located at the corner of Third and Ash streets, was purchased for $1500. The corner-stone for the new church home was laid on the last day of the year 1904, the opening services being held just one year later in 1905, and the church formally dedicated Sept. 30, 1906, at a total cost of about $9000.

The need for much larger quarters was very soon apparent, and after careful consideration the land upon which this building stands, valued at $8000, was selected and lovingly donated to the church by one of its members. On July 21, 1909, ground was broken on this building site, and on the morning of Oct. 25, 1909, just as the bright morning sun rose over the mountains in the east, the cornerstone was laid, with simple and sacred ceremony.

San Diego Mirror

DETROIT, MICH.

Through growth and loving unity, Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Detroit, was formed early in 1910. The contracts have now been let for a beautiful structure, costing in all $60,000. The location is central for the eastern part of the city and on the boulevard, as it starts from the river and island park, a most sightly and convenient spot. It is expected to be ready for services by July next, and will seat eight hundred persons.—Correspondence.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Little Rock, Ark., has completed a chapel on Twentieth and Louisiana streets, with a seating capacity of two hundred and forty-eight. Two years ago a corner lot was purchased and paid for. Oct. 1, 1910, the contract for building the chapel was let, and the edifice was completed Nov. 15, the first service being held Nov. 20.—Correspondence.

NEW BEDFORD, MASS.

The last payment has been made by First Church of Christ, Scientist, of this city on a mortgage of $2500 on its lot at the corner of County and Mill streets. The lot was purchased a year ago for $6000, and the money has been raised entirely by voluntary contributions. Enough money remains in the treasury to form an excellent nucleus for the building fund.—Standard.

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