Church Dedications

Note: Christian Science churches are dedicated only when free from debt.

St. Louis, Missouri (Eighth Church).

Eighth Church of Christ, Scientist, St. Louis, dedicated its edifice on Sunday, March 12, 1944.

It is a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and was organized in 1926.

The building, which is of Italian Renaissance architectural design, was erected during the years 1928-1930, at a cost of approximately $403,000.

Three special services were held on March 12, during which a brief historical sketch was read at each service preceding the Lesson-Sermon on "Substance."

St. Louis Star-Times

Missoula, Montana (First Church).

A simple dedication of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Missoula, took place on Sunday, April 9, 1944. During the morning and evening services a brief statement was read, which follows in part:

"The history of this church shows steady progress. Public services have been held regularly since 1897. This church was recognized as a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1901. Since that date a suitable Reading Room has been maintained continuously.

"The building was completed and opened in January, 1937. The entire cost of the property and construction has been defrayed by liberal contributions from members and through a grant from the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy."

The Daily Missoulian

Dumont, New Jersey (First Church).

Special services dedicating the church building of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Dumont, erected sixteen years ago at 203 Washington Avenue, were held on April 2, 1944, in the morning and in the afternoon.

Both dedicatory services included the reading of an outline of the church's history and a short dedication message.

Foundation of the society in Dumont dates back to 1916, when a small group of Christian Science students started to meet weekly in the homes of members. The present church site was purchased in 1919.

The society was incorporated in July, 1920, and, upon completion of the Masonic Temple building, services were held there regularly from November 21, 1920, until the present church building was opened on Sunday, April 1, 1923.

In 1931 the status of the society was changed to that of a church, upon approval of the Directors of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The New Jersey Times

Watsonville, California (First Church).

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Watsonville, dedicated its church on Sunday, April 16, 1944, at the morning service.

In addition to the regular Sunday service a short history of the church was read by the First Reader, as follows:

"In 1899 a few persons in this locality who had become students of Christian Science met at the home of one of their number to hold Christian Science services, which were conducted similarly to our present Wednesday evening meetings. These meetings, held at various locations, were continued at irregular intervals, until, on March 14, 1902, those interested voted to organize a Christian Science Society in Watsonville. Here Sunday services and Wednesday testimony meetings were conducted regularly, a Sunday school was organized, and a Reading Room opened.

"On August 22, 1907, charter members organized and incorporated First Church of Christ, Scientist, Watsonville, California, a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.

"Later, services were held in Odd Fellows Hall and the Marinovich Building, and then in the Woman's clubhouse on Brennan Street, September 1. 1920, where the church remained until the completion of the present church edifice. The lot at 230 East Lake Avenue was purchased in July, 1925, and the building commenced in April, 1931. Opening services were held in the morning and afternoon of August 9 of the same year. A Christian Science Reading Room is maintained in the same building.

"We gratefully acknowledge all donations and contributions from friends and members of this church which have made it possible to dedicate our church at this time."—Watsonville Register-Pajaronian.

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