Church Dedications

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

The New Era

Essex, Connecticut (First Church).

Christian Science Society, Essex, formally dedicated their church edifice on Prospect Street, on Sunday, June 29, 1947. Two services were held, one in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. At these services it was announced that the society had complied with all the necessary requirements and had been recognized by The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, as First Church of Christ, Scientist, Essex.

In November, 1944, a very small group started to hold Wednesday evening testimony meetings in private homes. By December they had outgrown these meeting places, and since there seemed to be a real need in the community, they voted to engage a public hall and hold Sunday services too.

On the last Sunday of December, 1944, they held their first Sunday service in the King's Daughters Hall; the Sunday School, which had been conducted regularly in one of the homes, was held in the same building at the same hour.

In May, 1945, they moved to the old Town Hall on Prospect Street. In June of the same year they were recognized by The Mother Church as a branch society.

Because of heating difficulties they moved to the Odd Fellows Hall over the Essex Hardware. It seemed that a suitable church home must be found. A search was made to find a well-located lot on which to build. A lot was purchased, and steps were then taken to start building the church edifice. An architect was engaged to draw plans for a New England colonial building of red brick with a slate roof and white trim.

On March 1, 1946, ground was broken, and on July 27 services were held in the new building. During the summer and fall the grounds were landscaped, cork floors were laid, and an organ was installed. On March 1, 1947, all bills were paid.—The New Era.

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