The student of Christian Science soon discovers that he does not advance very far in his study of this great subject without a clear understanding of Church. Every member of a Church of Christ, Scientist, would do well to study frequently the definition of Church as found on page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

The first statement in this definition reads as follows: "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."

Enlightenment comes to the student through his search of the Bible for references regarding church. One such reference is found in the sixteenth chapter of St. Matthew. There it is related that Jesus inquired of his disciples, "Whom say ye that I am?" to which the impetuous disciple Simon replied, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus commended Simon and gave him a new name, stating, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The rock, or Christ, is the power which heals and saves, and upon which Jesus founded his church. Jesus' statement that the gates of hell should not prevail against his church shows that the true Church can never be touched by any form of error.

True Church is not a place; it is an ever-present idea. This fact was proved by the writer during his experience in the service during the Second World War. He had been active in branch church work, and when he entered the service he held to the truth that nothing could separate man from Church. He knew that since "the structure of Truth and Love" is everywhere present, he could find Church wherever he might be.

Within an hour after leaving with a group for a training camp, he noticed that the man directly in front of him on the train was reading a copy of The Christian Science Monitor. Upon inquiring, he learned that he was a student of Christian Science. Within a few minutes another Christian Scientist, attracted by the Monitor, introduced himself.

A few days later in training camp, as these three were on their way to meet with the Christian Science chaplain, having with them their copies of the Bible and Science and Health, a Seabee asked them, "Where do you fellows get together?" And thus another student joined the little group. The association of these four students lasted for many months, first in Alaska and then in the Aleutians. During all this time Christian Science services were conducted regularly. This was a period of great spiritual growth for the writer. Many times he found it necessary to apply what he knew of true Church, and he never failed to be blessed. When this association at last came to an end, other experiences followed, with greater opportunities to serve the Cause of Christian Science.

Many cherished memories of church services held under different conditions come to thought. All aided in keeping the truths of Christian Science vivid in thought and brought an inspiring sense of God's nearness and protection. Services on Sunday evenings in a little tent on Attu, the howl of the wind making it necessary for those reading to fairly shout in order to be heard; services on shipboard in the midst of the Pacific; one memorable midweek testimony meeting on Okinawa conducted by the light of three candles and the headlights of a jeep; a Sunday morning service in a bare room, the attendants sitting on the floor—these are but a few of the experiences. Whether attending a church service in a large city edifice or meeting with a fellow student on top of a knoll in the Aleutian twilight to read together the Lesson-Sermon provided in the Christian Science Quarterly, the writer has found "the structure of Truth and Love" to be ever present.

It is natural and normal for the student of Christian Science who has gained some understanding of true Church to desire affiliation with the Christian Science movement. This may be membership in The Mother Church, in a branch church or society, or participation in Christian Science services conducted by a group of students. He who earnestly strives to demonstrate the truths embodied in Church finds constant opportunity in which to serve the Cause of Christian Science.

The second part of our Leader's definition of Church, referring to the human organization, reads as follows: "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." The Christian Scientist's practice of his understanding of Church in daily living "affords proof of its utility." If he is faithful in this practice, the thought of those with whom he associates will be aroused to an apprehension of the healing Christ.