Appendix to Part I as Chronicled by the Newspapers

Table of Contents

Page 65

1     [Boston Journal, June 19, 1902]

       AN ASTONISHING MOTION

3     Assembled in the largest church business meeting ever
       held in Boston — perhaps the largest ever held in the
       United States — the members of The First Church of
6     Christ, Scientist, Boston, The Mother Church of the de-
       nomination, voted yesterday afternoon to raise any part
       of two million dollars that might be needed to build
9     in this city a church edifice capable of seating between
       four and five thousand persons. This astonishing motion
       was passed with both unanimity and assurance. It was
12    not even talked over, beyond two brief explanations why
       the building was needed. Learning that a big church was
       required, the money to provide it was pledged with the
15    readiness and despatch of an ordinary mortal passing out
       a nickel for carfare.

       [Boston Globe, April, 1903]

       PROGRESSIVE STEPS

       The last parcel in the block bounded by Falmouth,
       Norway, and St. Paul Streets, in the shape of a triangle,
21    has passed to the ownership of the Christian Science
       church, the deed being taken by Ira O. Knapp et al.,

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1     trustees. The purchase of this parcel, which is known as
       the Hotel Brookline, a four-story brick building also in the
3     shape of a triangle, gives to the above society the ownership
       of the entire block.

       During the past two weeks considerable activity has
6     been going on in property on these streets, no less than
       ten estates having been conveyed by deed to the Christian
       Science church, and now comes the purchase of the last
9     parcel on St. Paul Street by the above society, which
       gives them the ownership of the entire block.

       Just what use the society will make of the property
12    has not been stated, but it is said that a number of changes
       will be made that will enable the church to expand, and
       to do so it was necessary to have this property. No block
15    is so well situated for church purposes as this one, being
       in a fine part of the city.

       [Boston Post, June 6, 1906]

       THE FINISHING TOUCHES

       Artisans and artists are working night and day and
       craftsmen are hurrying on with their work to make the
21    spacious and elegant edifice complete for the elaborate
       observances of Sunday, when six services will be held,
       and when the words of Mary Baker Eddy will come from
24    her beautiful home, Pleasant View, in Concord, N. H.,
       welcoming her children and giving her blessing to the
       structure.

27    The services of Sunday will mark an epoch in the history
       of Christian Science. Since the discovery by Mrs. Eddy,
       many beautiful houses of worship have been erected, but
30    never before has such a grand church been built as that

Page 67

1     which raises its dome above the city at the corner of
       Falmouth and Norway Streets.

3                     [Boston Post]

       Description of the Extension

       Extension of The Mother Church

6     Cost ……………………………………………………………………….$2,000,000
       Shape, triangular …………………………………………….. 220x220x236 ft.
       Height ………………………………………………………………………….. 224 ft.
9     Area of site …………………………………………………………..40,000 sq. ft.
       Seating capacity ………………………………………………………………5,000
       Checking facilities ……………………………………………. 3,000 garments

12            Notable Dates in Christian Science

       Christian Science discovered ……………………………………………..1866
       First church organized ……………………………………………………….1879
15    First church erected …………………………………………………………..1894
       Corner-stone of cathedral laid …………………………………………….1904
       Cathedral to be dedicated …………………………………………………..1906

18    Two million dollars was set aside for the building of this
       addition to The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and the
       money was used in giving Boston an edifice that is a
21    marvel of architectural beauty. But one church in the
       country exceeds it in seating capacity, and, while vaster
       sums of money were spent in other instances, never was
24    a more artistic effect reached.

       This new temple, begun nearly two years ago, will in
       its simple grandeur surpass any church edifice erected
27    in this city. Notwithstanding its enormous size, it is so
       proportionately built that its massiveness is unnoticed
       in the graceful outlines.

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1     Built in the Italian Renaissance style, the interior of
       this church is carried out with the end in view of impressing
3     the audiences with the beauty and strength of the design.
       The great auditorium, with its high-domed ceiling, sup-
       ported on four arches springing from the tops of great
6     stone piers, contains about one mile and a half of pews.

       The dome surmounting the building is more than twice
       the size of the dome on the State House, having a diameter
9     of eighty-two feet and a height of fifty-one feet.

       The top of the dome is two hundred and twenty-four feet
       above the street, and reaches an altitude twenty-nine feet
12    higher than that of the State House.

       The old church at the corner of Falmouth and Norway
       Streets, with a seating capacity of twelve hundred, built
15    twelve years ago, will remain as it was, and Mrs. Eddy’s
       famous room will be undisturbed.

       The Readers’ platform is of a beautiful foreign marble,
18    and the color scheme for all the auditorium is of a warm
       gray, to harmonize with the Bedford stone which enters
       so largely into the interior finish.

21    The great organ is placed back of the Readers’ platform
       and above the Readers’ special rooms. It has an archi-
       tectural stone screen and contributes not a little to the
24    imposing effect of the interior.

       Bedford stone and marble form the interior finish, with
       elaborate plaster work for the great arches and ceilings.
27    The floors of the first story are of marble.

       There are twelve exits and seven broad marble stair-
       ways, the latter framed of iron and finished with bronze,
30    marble, and Bedford stone.

       Bronze is used in the lighting fixtures, and the pews and
       principal woodwork are of mahogany.

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1     The church is unusually well lighted, and one of the
       extraordinary features is the eight bronze chains, each
3     suspending seventy-two lamps, each lamp of thirty-two
       candle-power.

       Where ceiling or roof and side walls come together no
6     sharp angles are visible, such meetings presenting an oval
       and dome appearance and forming a gently curved and
       panelled surface, whereon are placed inscriptions illustra-
9     tive of the faith of Christian Science.

       Two large marble plates with Scripture quotations are
       also placed on the two sides of the organ.

12    Everywhere within the building where conditions per-
       mitted it pure white marble was used, and the hammer
       and chisel of the sculptor added magnificent carvings to
15    the rich beauty of the interior.

       The auditorium contains seven galleries, two on either
       side and three at the back, yet not a single pillar or post
18    anywhere in the vast space interrupts the view of the
       platform from any seat.

       Another unusual feature is the foyer, where five thousand
21    people can freely move. Adjoining this foyer are the
       Sunday School and the administration offices, while in
       the basement is a cloak-room of the capacity of three
24    thousand wraps.

       [Boston Globe]

       AN IDEA OF THE SIZE

27    If one would get an idea of the size of this building and
       the manner in which the dome seems to dominate the
       entire city, the best point of view is on top of the tower
30    in Mt. Auburn cemetery in Cambridge, some four miles
       away. From this point the building and dome can be seen

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1     in their relation to the city itself, and it certainly looks
       imposing.

3     One thing is certain: for a religion which has been
       organized only thirty years, and which erected its first
       church only twelve years ago, Christian Science has more
6     fine church edifices to its credit in the same time than
       any other denomination in the world, and they are all
       paid for.

9       [Boston Evening Transcript]

       THE CHIMES

       The chimes for the new Christian Science temple are
12    worthy of the dome. The effect on all within earshot is
       quite remarkable. They say that workingmen stopped
       in the street and stood in silent admiration while the
15    chimes were being tested the other day. Millet’s
       “Angelus” had living reproductions on every corner in
       the neighborhood.

18       [Boston Post]

       MAGNIFICENCE OF THE ORGAN

       The new church is replete with rare bits of art, chosen
21    from the works of both ancient and modern masters, but
       there is nothing more wonderful than the organ which
       has been installed. Nowhere in the world is there a more
24    beautiful, more musical, or more capable instrument.
       In reality it is a combination of six organs, with four
       manuals, seventy-two stops, nineteen couplers, nineteen
27    adjustable combination pistons, three balanced swells,
       a grand crescendo pedal, seven combination pedals, and
       forty-five hundred and thirty-eight pipes, the largest of
30    which is thirty-two feet long. Attached to the organ is

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1     a set of cathedral chimes, stationed in one of the towers,
       and some of the most intricate discoveries of organ
3     builders enable the organist to produce the most beautiful
       effects by means of the bells. There is also a solo organ
       attached.

6        [Boston Journal]

       ITS ARCHITECTURE

       There is no need of fussing about the underlying spirit
9     that built the Christian Science cathedral. We can all
       agree that it is a stunning piece of architecture and a
       great adornment to the city.

12       [Boston Globe]

       UNIQUE INTERIOR

       When these people enter this new cathedral or temple
15    which has been in process of construction, they will find
       themselves in one of the most imposing church edifices
       in the country — yes, in the world. For in its interior
18    architecture it is different from any other church in the
       world. In fact, nearly all the traditions of church interior
       architecture have been set aside in this temple, for here
21    are neither nave, aisles, nor transept — just one vast audi-
       torium which will seat exactly five thousand and twelve
       people on floor and galleries, and seat them comfort-
24    ably. And what is more, every person seated in the
       auditorium, either on floor or galleries, can see and hear
       the two Readers who conduct the services on the platform
27    in front of the great organ.

       This was the aim and object of the architect: to con-
       struct an auditorium that would seat five thousand people,
30    each of whom could see the Readers, and with such nicely

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1     adjusted acoustic properties that each person could hear
       what was said. To do this it was necessary to set aside
3     the traditions of interior church architecture.

       [Boston Post]

       GATES OF BOSTON OPEN

6     The gates of Boston are open wide in welcome to
       nobility. Never before has the city been more fre-
       quented by members of the titled aristocracy of the
9     old world than it is now. From all the centres of Europe
       there are streaming into town lords and ladies who
       come to attend the dedication of the new church for
12    Christian Scientists.

       [Boston Globe]

       CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS HAVE ALL THE MONEY NEEDED

15    “Please do not send us any more money — we have
       enough!”

       Briefly that is the notice which Stephen A. Chase,
18    treasurer of the building fund of the new Christian Sci-
       ence temple, sent forth to the thirty thousand or more
       Christian Scientists who have come to Boston to attend
21    the dedication exercises, and also through the Chris-
       tian Science Sentinel to members of the church all over
       the world.

24    This means that nearly two million dollars has
       been subscribed for the new building, and that every
       cent of it was paid in before the work was actually
27    completed.

       That is the way the Christian Scientists began when
       they erected the first church in Boston twelve years ago

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1     — The Mother Church. Then it was found necessary
       to issue a similar notice or order, and even to return
3     more than ten thousand dollars which had been over-
       subscribed. They have erected dozens of churches all
       over this country and in other countries since that time,
6     but it is claimed that very few of them owe a cent.

       If you ask a Christian Scientist how they do it, the
       reply will be in the form of a quotation from Science
9     and Health (p. 494), “Divine Love always has met and
       always will meet every human need.”

       [Boston Globe]

       THE GREAT GATHERING

       Christian Scientists are flocking from all over the
       world to Boston to-day, as they have been for several
15    days past and will be for several days to come, to attend
       the June meetings of The Mother Church and the dedica-
       tion of the new temple.

18    The headquarters was thrown open to visitors this
       forenoon in Horticultural Hall, corner of Huntington
       and Massachusetts Avenues. It is in charge of G. D.
21    Robertson, and here the visitors will receive all information
       concerning rooms and board, hotels, railroads, etc. There
       is here also a post-office to which all mail may be directed,
24    and telegraph and telephone service.

       [Boston Evening Transcript]

       SPECIAL TRAINS COMING

27    Special trains and extra sections of trains are due to
       arrive in Boston to-night, bearing the first instalments of
       the crowds of Christian Scientists from the central and

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1     western sections of this country. Those from abroad
       and from the far West to a large degree are already in
3     Boston. From now until Saturday night the inrush will
       be from the sections within two or three days’ ride, and
       no doubt the night trains of Saturday will bring con-
6     siderable numbers of belated church members from New
       York and elsewhere who will arrive in this city just about
       in time for the first Sunday service.

9             [Boston Evening Transcript]

       INTERESTING AND AGREEABLE VISITORS

       The Christian Scientists are here in force, and they are
12    very interesting and agreeable visitors, even to those who
       are unable to accompany them in their triumph of mind
       over matter. Boston is indebted to them for one of the
15    finest architectural achievements in this or any other city,
       and other denominations might profit by their example of
       paying for their church before dedicating it. It is a monu-
18    ment to the sincerity of their faith; and the pride and
       satisfaction that is not only evident from their addresses
       but reflected in their faces, is justifiable. They are an
21    intelligent and a happy appearing body, and even if those
       outside are unable to believe that they have escaped from
       the bondage of the material world, it would be idle to
24    attempt to deny them the satisfaction that springs from
       a belief in such emancipation. Our present relations with
       them are as the guests of the city, and as such they are
27    welcome.

       Within two weeks we have had here the representatives
       of the two poles of healing, the material and the mental,
30    and each is interesting, one for its hopefulness and the
       other for its novelty. Whatever opinions we may enter-

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1     tain of the value of the latter, we cannot well withhold
       our respectful acknowledgment of its enthusiasm, its
3     energy, and its faith in its fundamentals. Its votaries
       are certainly holding the centre of the stage this week.

       [Boston Globe]

       READILY ACCOMMODATED

       Yesterday was a busy day at the headquarters of the
       Christian Scientists in Horticultural Hall. They poured
9     into the city from every direction and most of them
       headed straight for Horticultural Hall, where they were
       assigned rooms in hotels or lodging-houses, if they had
12    not already been provided for. So perfect have been all
       the preliminary arrangements for the handling of a great
       number of visitors that there has not been the slightest
15    hitch in the matter of securing accommodations. And
       if there was it would not make much difference, for these
       people would take it all very good-naturedly. They
18    do not get excited over trifles. They are very patient and
       good-natured. Crowded as the hall was yesterday, and
       warm as the day was, there was not the slightest evidence
21    of temper, no matter how far they had travelled or what
       discomforts they might have endured in their travels.

       [Boston Evening Transcript]

       BIG CHURCH IS PAID FOR

       According to the custom of the Christian Scientists, the
       big addition to The Mother Church will be dedicated
27    to-morrow free from debt. No church has ever yet been
       dedicated by this denomination with any part of the
       expense of its construction remaining unprovided for, and

Page 76

1     it went without saying that the same practice would be
       followed with this new two-million-dollar edifice, the
3     largest of them all. Up to within ten days the notices
       that more money was needed had been in circulation,
       and new contributions were constantly being received;
6     but on June 2 it became evident to the Board of Direct-
       ors that enough money was on hand to provide for the
       entire cost of the building, and the formal announcement
9     was made that no more contributions to the building fund
       were needed. That it was received with rejoicing by the
       thousands of church members and their friends only feebly
12    expresses the gratification.

       A similar decision was reached and published at the
       time of the dedication of The Mother Church in 1895, all
15    of which goes to show the earnestness and loyalty which
       Christian Scientists manifest in the support of their
       church work, and which enables them to dedicate their
18    churches free of debt without exception. The estimated
       cost of the extension of The Mother Church was pledged
       by the members assembled in their annual church meeting
21    in Boston, in 1902, and all contributions have been
       voluntary.

       [New York Herald]

       GIANT TEMPLE FOR SCIENTISTS

       There will be dedicated in Boston to-morrow the
       first great monument to Christian Science, the new two-
27    million-dollar cathedral erected by the devotees of a
       religion which twenty-seven years ago was founded in
       Boston by Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy with a membership
30    of twenty-six persons.

       The new structure, which is now completed, has for

Page 77

1     months been the cynosure of all eyes because of its great
       size, beautiful architecture, and the novelty of the cult
3     which it represents. This temple is one of the largest in
       the world. It has a seating capacity of over five thousand.
       In this respect it leads the Auditorium of Chicago. Be-
6     side it the dome of the Massachusetts State House, which
       is the leading landmark of Boston, pales into insignificance,
       as its dimensions are only half as great.

9     From all over the world Christian Scientists are rapidly
       gathering in this city to participate in the most notable
       feature in the life of their cult. From beyond the Rockies,
12    from Canada, from Great Britain, and practically every
       civilized country, daily trainloads of pilgrims are pouring
       into Boston, and it is estimated that not less than twenty-
15    five thousand visitors will participate in the dedication.

       [New York World]

       DEDICATION DAY

18    Over the heads of a multitude which began to gather at
       daybreak and which filled the streets leading to the mag-
       nificent temple of the Christian Science church, there
21    pealed from the chimes a first hymn of thanksgiving at
       six o’clock this morning. It was dedication day, and
       Christian Scientists from all quarters of the globe were
24    present to participate in the occasion.

       It was estimated that nearly forty thousand believers
       had gathered in Boston. Word was conveyed to them that
27    the temple would open its doors absolutely free of debt,
       every penny of the two million dollars required to build
       the imposing edifice in the Back Bay district having
30    been secured by voluntary subscription.

Page 78

1     The seating capacity of the temple is five thousand,
       and in order that all might participate in the dedication,
3     six services, identical in character, were held during the
       morning, afternoon, and evening.

       The worshippers saw an imposing structure of gray
6     stone with a massive dome rising to a height of two
       hundred and twenty-four feet and visible from every
       quarter of the city. The multitude passed through the
9     twelve entrances beneath a series of arches in the sev-
       eral façades. They looked upon an interior done in soft
       gray with decorative carvings peculiarly rich and im-
12    pressive. The seating is accomplished in a semi-circular
       sweep of mahogany pews and in triple galleries.

       The offertory taken at the beginning of the services
15    found every basket piled high with bank-notes, everybody
       contributing, and none proffering small change.

       At the close of the Lesson-Sermon, and in accordance
18    with the custom of the Christian Science church, the
       entire congregation knelt in silent communion, followed
       by the audible repetition of the Lord’s Prayer. One of
21    the remarkable features of the services was the congre-
       gation singing in perfect unison. The acoustic properties
       of the temple, in spite of its vast interior, were found to
24    be perfect.

       [Boston Globe]

       CHILDREN’S SERVICE

27    No mere words can convey the peculiar impressiveness
       of the half past twelve service; the little children, awed by
       the grandeur of the great room in which they were seated,
30    drinking in every word of the exercises and apparently
       understanding all they heard, joining with their shrill

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1     voices in the singing and responsive reading, and then, at
       the last, kneeling for silent communion before the pews, in
3     absolute stillness, their eyes closed and their solemn little
       faces turned upward.

       [Norfolk (Neb.) Tribune]

       ON A FAR HIGHER PEDESTAL

       To those who seem to see no good in Christian Science,
       it must stagger their faith not a little to read the account
9     of the dedication of the vast temple located in the heart
       of the city of Boston, the supposed fountain of knowledge
       and seat of learning of America; the spectacle of thirty
12    thousand people assembling to gain admission to the
       temple shows an enthusiasm for Christian Science seldom
       witnessed anywhere in the world on any occasion; and
15    this occurred in staid old Boston, and the fact was heralded
       in flaming headlines in the leading newspapers of the
       world. According to the despatches, that assembly was
18    not a gathering of “the vulgar throng;” the intelligence
       and wisdom of the country were there. There certainly
       must be something more than a fad in Christian Science,
21    which was placed upon a far higher pedestal by that
       demonstration than it ever occupied before.

       [Boston Herald]

       THE WEDNESDAY EVENING MEETINGS

       Quietly, without a trace of fanaticism, making their
       remarkable statements with a simplicity which sprang
27    from the conviction that they would be believed, scores of
       Christian Scientists told of cures from diseases, physical
       and mental, at the testimony meetings that marked the

Page 80

1     close of their visit to Boston; cures that carried one back
       to the age of miracles. To hear prosperous, contented
3     men and women, people of substance and of standing,
       earnestly assure thousands of auditors that they had been
       cured of blindness, of consumption in its advanced stages,
6     of heart disease, of cancer; that they had felt no pain
       when having broken bones set; that when wasted unto
       death they had been made whole, constituted a severe tax
9     upon frail human credulity, yet they were believed.

       Meetings were held in the extension of The Mother
       Church, in the extension vestry, in the old auditorium
12    of The Mother Church, in The Mother Church vestry,
       Horticultural Hall (Exhibition Hall), Horticultural Hall
       (Lecture Hall), Jordan Hall, Potter Hall, Howe and
15    Woolson Halls, Chickering Hall.

       At each of the meetings the introductory services were
       identical, consisting of hymns, an appropriate reading
18    from the Bible, and selections from “Science and Health
       with Key to the Scriptures” by Mrs. Mary Baker
       Eddy.

21    Fifteen thousand Scientists crowded into the auditorium
       of the extension of The Mother Church, into the old
       church, into Horticultural Hall, Jordan Hall, Potter Hall,
24    Woolson Hall, and Chickering Hall, and it took ten
       meetings to accommodate the great throngs who wanted
       to give testimony or who wanted to hear it. And when
27    these places had all been filled, there were many hundreds
       waiting vainly in the streets. A few were upon the scene
       as early as three o’clock in the afternoon to secure seats
30    in the main body of the church, where the largest meeting
       was held, and long before seven the auditorium was com-
       fortably filled.

Page 81

1     Upon entering The Mother Church one was immediately
       struck with the air of well-being and of prosperity of the
3     great congregation. The Scientists fairly radiate good
       nature and healthy satisfaction with life. No pessimistic
       faces there! So ingrained is this good nature, so complete
6     this self-abnegation, that at the very height of fervor, when
       bursting with a desire to testify to the benefits and the
       healing power of the faith, one of them would pause and
9     laughingly give precedence to another who had been the
       first to catch the Reader’s eye.

       When Mr. McCrackan announced at the main meet-
12    ing that they were ready to receive testimony, up
       leaped half a dozen Scientists. They had been told to
       name, before beginning, the places where they lived.
15    “Indianapolis!” “Des Moines!” “Glasgow!” “Cuba!”
       “Dresden!” “Peoria!” they cried. No more cosmo-
       politan audience ever sat in Boston.

18    Those who poured out their debts of gratitude for ills
       cured, for hearts lifted up, spoke simply and gratefully,
       but occasionally the voices would ring out in a way there
21    was no mistaking. In those people was the depth of
       sincerity, and, when they sang, the volume of holy song
       rose tingling to the great dome, swelling as one voice.
24    It was a practical demonstration of the Scientist claims,
       a fitting close to a memorable week.

       If an attempt were made to give any account of the
27    marvellous cures narrated at the meetings of the Scien-
       tists, or wherever two or more of them are met together,
       it would be impossible to convey a conception of the
30    fervor of belief with which each tells his or her experi-
       ence. These are tales of people of standing and of
       substance, professional men, hard-headed shrewd busi-

Page 82

1     ness men. Yet they all have the same stories of their
       conversion, either through a cure to themselves or to
3     one near and dear to them.

       [Boston Herald]

       EXODUS BEGINS

6     For a while this morning it looked as though all the
       Christian Scientists who have been crowding Boston
       the last week were trying to get away at the same
9     time. Hotels, boarding-houses, and private houses
       were disgorging trunks and smaller articles of baggage
       so fast that it was a matter of wonder where there
12    could be secured express wagons enough to accommo-
       date the demand.

       At the dedicatory services of The Mother Church
15    extension on Sunday, and at the sessions of the annual
       meeting, Tuesday, it was the pride of the Church Direct-
       ors that the edifice was emptied of its crowds in some-
18    thing like ten minutes. It would seem that this ability
       to get away when the entertainment is over is a dis-
       tinguishing characteristic of Christian Scientists, for at
21    noon to-day [June 14] the indications were that Boston
       would be emptied of its twenty thousand and more vis-
       itors by midnight to-night.

24    Transportation facilities at the two stations were taxed
       to the utmost from early morning, and trains pulled out
       of the city in double sections.

27    Although the Scientists came to Boston in such numbers
       and are departing with such remarkable expedition, their
       going will not be noticeable to the residents of Boston,
30    except perhaps those living in the streets leading directly

Page 83

1     to Horticultural Hall. This fact will be due to the
       custom Christian Scientists have of never going about
3     labelled. Ordinarily the holding of a great convention
       is patent to every one residing in the convention city.
       Up at Horticultural Hall the one hundred and fifty
6     members of the local arrangement committee wore tiny
       white, unmarked buttons, for their own self-identification,
       otherwise there has been no flaunting of badges or
9     insignia of any kind. Christian Scientists frequently
       wear a small pin, but this is usually hidden away in
       the laces of the women’s frocks, and the men go
12    entirely unadorned.

       Therefore, with the exception of the street-car men
       and policemen, who will doubtless have fewer questions
15    as to locality to answer, and the hotel and restaurant
       keepers, who will have time to rest and sleep, the pub-
       lic at large will scarcely realize that the Scientists have
18    gone.

       WHAT THE BOSTON EDITORS SAID

       [Boston Daily Advertiser]

21    The meeting of the Christian Scientists in this city
       naturally takes on a tone of deserved satisfaction, in view
       of the announcement, which has just been made, that the
24    two million dollars needed for the construction of the new
       temple has been raised even before the building itself has
       been completed.

27    The thirty thousand visitors have other evidences of
       the strength and growth of their organization, which has
       made steady gains in recent years. But of this particu-
30    lar example of the readiness of the members to bear
       each his or her share of the necessary expense of church

Page 84

1     work, the facts speak more plainly than mere assertion
       could. Nothing is more of a drag on a church than a
3     heavy debt, the interest on which calls for practically all
       the resources of the institution. Many a clergyman can
       testify from his own experience how a “church debt”
6     cramps and retards and holds back work that would
       otherwise be done. It is a rule in some denominations
       that a church edifice may not be formally dedicated until
9     it be wholly free from debt. And the experience of many
       generations has affirmed its wisdom.

       [Boston Herald]

12    Boston is the Mecca for Christian Scientists all over the
       world. The new temple is something to be proud of. Its
       stately cupola is a fitting crown for the other architec-
15    tural efforts in that section of the Back Bay.

       [Boston Evening Record]

       Boston is near to another great demonstration of the
18    growth of the Christian Science idea in numbers, wealth,
       vigor, and faithful adherence. It is a remarkable story
       which the gathering here tells. Its very magnitude and
21    the cheerful optimism and energy of its followers im-
       press even the man who cannot reconcile himself to
       the methods and tenets of the sect. Its hold and
24    development are most notable.

       [Boston Post]

       The gathering of Christian Scientists for the dedication
27    of the beautiful structure on Falmouth Street, which is
       to take place on Sunday, is notable in many ways. It

Page 85

1     is remarkable in the character of the assembling mem-
       bership, in its widely international range, and in the
3     significance of the occasion.

       The growth of this cult is the marvel of the age. Thirty
       years ago it was comparatively unknown; one church
6     and a mere handful of members measured its vogue.
       To-day its adherents number probably a million, its
       churches have risen by hundreds, and its congregations
9     meet in Europe and in the antipodes, as from the Atlantic
       to the Pacific on this continent.

       One does not need to accept the doctrines of Mrs.
12    Eddy to recognize the fact that this wonderful woman
       is a world power. This is conclusive; it is conspicu-
       ously manifest. And here in Boston the zeal and
15    enthusiasm of the followers of this creed have been
       manifested in the building of a church structure which
       will hold place among the architectural beauties of the
18    country.

       [Boston Herald]

       Another glory for Boston, another “landmark” set
21    in the illustrious list for future generations to reverence
       and admire! The Science church has become the great
       centre of attraction, not merely for its thousands of wor-
24    shippers, but for a multitude of strangers to whom this
       historic city is the Mecca of their love and duty. Last
       Sunday it was entirely credible that the spirit of faith
27    and brotherhood rested on this structure, which is abso-
       lutely unique in its symmetrical and appropriate design.
       Aside from every other consideration, this church, with
30    its noble dome of pure gray tint, forming one of the
       few perfect sky-lines in an American city, is doubly

Page 86

1     welcomed. Henceforth the greeting of admiring eyes,
       too often unaccustomed to fine architectural effects, will
3     be constant and sincere.

       As Boston has ever loved its golden State House
       dome, so will it now find pleasure in this new symbol,
6     brooding elevation, guarding as it were, embracing as it
       may be, the hosts of a new religion.

       [Boston Globe]

9     Thousands of Christian Scientists have been pouring
       into Boston in the past few days to be present at the
       dedication yesterday of their new two-million-dollar
12    church, and to take part in the subsequent ceremonies and
       exercises. Not only was every cent of the estimated cost
       contributed before the actual work was completed, but
15    the treasurer of the building fund of the great temple
       appealed to his brethren to give no more money, since he
       had enough. This must be regarded as an extraordinary
18    achievement, and one which indicates plainly enough the
       generosity of the devotion that the Christian Scientists
       maintain towards their church.

21               [Boston Post]

       The dedication of the edifice of the Christian Scientists
       on the Back Bay has proved one of the most interest-
24    ing and in some of its aspects the most notable of such
       occasions.

       The attendance at the ceremonies yesterday was re-
27    markable, probably unprecedented, as regards numbers.
       Not even the great size of the auditorium could accom-
       modate the throng of participants. At each of the iden-
30    tical services, repeated at intervals from early morning

Page 87

1     until the evening, the attendance was greater than the
       building could contain. And the transportation facilities
3     of the town have been strained to their utmost to care
       for the multitudes going and coming.

       The temporary increase of the population of Boston has
6     been apparent to the most casual observer. And so, we
       think, must be the characteristics of this crowd of visitors.
       It is a pleasant, congenial, quietly happy, well-to-do,
9     intellectual, and cheerfully contented multitude that has
       invaded the town. There are among them visitors of
       title and distinction, but one does not notice these unless
12    they are pointed out. The impression created is that of
       a great gathering of people we like to know and like to
       have here.

15    We congratulate these comfortable acquaintances upon
       the fact that they have their costly church fully paid for,
       and we feel that Boston is to be congratulated upon the
18    acquisition of an edifice so handsome architecturally.

       [Boston Herald]

       I do not think I have ever seen more cheerful looking
21    groups of people than I have met in Boston during the
       past few days. Their happy faces would make sunshine
       on the grayest day. If Christian Science gives such
24    serene, beautiful expressions, it would not be a bad thing
       if all the world turned to the new religion. There is one
       thing about it: it is certainly imbued with the spirit of
27    unselfishness and helpfulness, and, whatever one’s special
       creed may be, there is nothing antagonistic to it in this
       doctrine of health, happiness, and in the cheerful doing
30    of good.

Page 88

       GENERAL EDITORIAL OPINION

       [Montreal (Can.) Gazette]

3     Twenty thousand Christian Scientists have assembled
       at Boston to attend the opening of their great new
       temple. Christian Science, as now before this conti-
6     nent, is the development of a short lifetime. It shows
       strength in all parts, and among classes above the aver-
       age in intelligence.

9              [Concord (N. H.) Monitor]

       The dedication, Sunday, in Boston, of the new Mother
       Church of the Christian Science faith was a ceremonial of
12    far more than usual ecclesiastic significance. The edifice
       itself is so rich in the architectural symbolisms of aspira-
       tion and faith, its proportions are so large, and its accom-
15    modations are so wide, that its dedication abounds in
       remarkable external manifestations which must arrest
       public attention. But externals constitute the smallest
18    feature of the Christian Science faith, and this beau-
       tiful temple, striking as are its beauties, is only a slight
       and material development in evidence of that beauty and
21    serenity of faith, life, and love which finds its temple in
       the heart of all that increasing host who have found the
       truths of Christian Science to be a marvellous revelation
24    given to this generation by a noble and devoted woman,
       to whom they rightfully turn with respect and affection.

       [Brooklyn (N. Y.) Eagle]

27    The stoutest enemies of Christian Science will confess
       at least an aesthetic debt to that great and growing cult,
       which is implied in the building of a great church in Bos-

Page 89

1     ton. This church is one of the largest and seemliest in
       America, and in its size, if not in its aspect, it may be
3     held to symbolize that faith which is so much a faith
       that all facts inhospitable to it are deemed by its pro-
       fessors not to exist at all. The building is of light stone,
6     with a dome over two hundred and twenty feet high, a
       chime of bells, and one of the largest organs in the world.
       The architect has joined lightness and grace to solidity,
9     and the edifice needs only an open space about it, such
       as one finds in the English cathedrals, to achieve its
       extreme of beauty. A sect that leaves such a monument
12    has not lived in vain.

       A remarkable thing in this building is that, although
       it cost two million dollars, it is not blanketed with debts
15    and mortgages. Everything, even to the flagstones in
       front of it, is paid for, and subscriptions are not solic-
       ited. Here is an occasion for joy that marks it as dif-
18    ferent from almost all other of the Christian churches,
       where petitions for money are almost as constant as
       petitions for divine mercy.

21            [Denver (Col.) News]

       The dedication of the new Mother Church of the
       Christian Scientists in Boston is not a matter of interest
24    to that city alone, but to the nation; not to the nation
       alone, but to the world; not to this time alone, but to
       history.

27    The growth of this form of religious faith has been one of
       the marvels of the last quarter century. It is, in some
       respects, the greatest religious phenomenon of all history.
30    That a woman should found a religious movement of
       international sway; that its followers should number

Page 90

1     many thousands during her lifetime; that hundreds of
       great buildings should be filled at every meeting Sun-
3     days or on week-days with devout worshippers, wooed
       by no eloquence of orator or magnetic ritual, — all these
       things are new, utterly new, in the history of religious
6     expression.

       Unaccountable? Hardly so. Whatever else it is, this
       faith is real and is given very real tests. Thousands upon
9     thousands believe that it has cured them of diseases many
       and diverse. All the passionate love for life with which
       nature endows the children of men, grips hold of their
12    faith and insures fidelity in pain or death for self or dear
       ones. But, while health-seeking is the door to this gospel
       for many, it is not the only source of appeal. A faith
15    which teaches that hate is atheism, that discord is poison-
       ous, that gloom is sin, has a mission that can be readily
       grasped by sick or well.

18    The world is enormously richer for this reincarnation of
       the old, old gospel of “on earth peace, good will toward
       men.”

21             [Terre Haute (Ind.) Star]

       The dedication of The Mother Church of Christian
       Science at Boston, with its paid-up cost of two million
24    dollars and its tremendous outpouring of eager commu-
       nicants from all over the civilized world, is an event of
       impressiveness and momentous significance. The historic
27    place of Mrs. Eddy as the Founder of a great denomination
       can no longer be questioned, and the sources of her power
       and following can be readily apprehended. Prominent
30    among these is the denomination’s peculiar department of
       healing, the efficacy of which to some extent is established

Page 91

1     beyond cavil. The immense membership of the body is
       proof positive that it supplies these persons, most of
3     whom were already nominal Christians, something they
       did not find in other communions. It affords refutation
       of the notion that spiritual and mystic mediation has
6     been drowned out in this so-called commercial age. The
       Christian Scientists set a good example to other denomi-
       nations in requiring their church edifices to be fully paid
9     for before they are dedicated. It is to be said for Chris-
       tian Science that no person’s spiritual aspirations were
       ever deadened or his moral standards debased through
12    its agency. Its communicants are cheerful and shed
       sunshine about them — no insignificant element in true
       Christianity.

15            [Lafayette (Ind.) Journal]

       The dedication of a Christian Science temple at Boston
       serves to call attention to one of the most remarkable
18    religious movements that this country or any other country
       has ever known. It has not been very many years since
       Christian Science was announced as a discovery of Mary
21    Baker Eddy of Concord, N. H. The few thousand persons
       who followed Mrs. Eddy during the first years of her
       preaching were the objects of much ridicule, but despite
24    the obstacles put in the way the church has continued to
       grow. Its growth in numbers is remarkable, but even
       stranger is its increase in wealth. The temple which has
27    just been dedicated at Boston cost two million dollars,
       and is one of the finest places of worship in the world,
       at least it is the largest in New England. This Mother
30    Church is absolutely free from debt. After but a few
       years, Christian Science has congregations in every im-

Page 92

1     portant town and city of the United States. Of course
       the new idea will never have determined its real position
3     in the doctrines of the world until it has stood the test of
       time. But its beginning has been impressive, and that
       large numbers of intelligent men and women should be
6     converted to it makes it appear that Science cannot
       be brushed aside by ridicule alone.

       [Springfield (Mass.) Republican]

9     The prodigious convention of Christian Scientists in
       Boston is a portent worthy of perhaps even more interest
       than it has evoked in that city, where a new temple to
12    Isis and Osiris would be hardly more than a day’s wonder.
       With the swift growth of the new faith the public has in
       a general way been familiar; it is but a few years ago that
15    the astonishing revelation was made that since 1890 its
       following had increased from an insignificant number to
       hundreds of thousands, a rate at which every other sect in
18    the country would soon be left behind. But mere statistics
       give a feeble impression in comparison with so huge and
       concrete a demonstration as the dedication of this vast
21    temple. The statistics have been ridiculed by the hostile
       as mere guesswork, but one cannot sneer away the two-
       million-dollar stone edifice or the thirty thousand wor-
24    shippers who entered its portals Sunday.

       [Rochester (N. Y.) Post Express]

       There are two things to be said in favor of Christian
27    Science. Its growth has been wonderfully rapid, and due
       apparently to nothing save the desire in the human heart
       for some such comfort as it promises. Christian Scientists,

Page 93

1     as a class, so far as the writer knows them, are happy,
       gentle, and virtuous. They are multiplying without
3     efforts at proselytizing; they are in no wise at war with
       society; and they have little of the spirit of bigotry. The
       dedication of their great church in Boston is a material
6     evidence of their prosperity; and it may be said that if
       their opinions seem visionary, there is nothing in them
       to attract any class save the moderately well-to-do, the
9     intelligent, and the well-behaved. It has been said
       cynically that a religion prospers according to the pledges
       which it holds out to its votaries; and though Christian
12    Science promises nothing in the way of gratifying the
       passions or attaining dominion over others, yet it has
       rare lures for weary hearts, — physical health and spiritual
15    peace.

       [Topeka (Kan.) Daily Capital]

       Those of us who do not accept the doctrine of Christian
18    Science are possibly too prone to approach it in a spirit
       of levity, too often disposed to touch upon it with the
       tongue of facetiousness. Too often we see only its ridic-
21    ulous phases, attaching meanwhile no importance to
       the saneness and common sense which underlie many of
       the practices in its name. And many of us have missed
24    entirely its tremendous growth and the part it has come
       to play in the economy of our social and religious life.

       To those of us who have overlooked these essentials of
27    its hold upon the public, certain statistics brought to light
       by the great meeting of the church now being held in
       Boston will come in the nature of a revelation. In 1890
       the faith had but an insignificant following. To-day its
30       adherents number hundreds of thousands, and if the

Page 94

1     growth continues in like proportion through another
       decade every other sect will be left behind in the race for
3     numerical supremacy. The figures given out by the
       church itself have been ridiculed by the hostile as mere
       guesswork, but some of the evidence appears in the con-
6     crete and cannot be combated. “One cannot sneer away
       the two-million-dollar stone edifice or the thirty thousand
       worshippers who entered its portals Sunday,” says the
9     Springfield Republican. Neither can we overlook the
       steady, consistent growth of the sect in every commu-
       nity in which it has found a foothold. In the adherence
12    of its converts to the faith, and in the absence of dissent
       among them in the interpretation of its tenets, there is
       also much to convince the skeptic.

15            [Albany (N.Y.) Knickerbocker]

       The remarkable growth and the apparent permanency
       of Christian Science were noted in the recent dedication in
18    Boston of the magnificent new temple of the cult. When
       the doors were opened to the public, the structure was free
       from debt. While the dedicatory services were being
21    held at different hours of the day, forty thousand Chris-
       tian Scientists from every State in the Union and from
       many foreign countries were in attendance.

24    Although Mrs. Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science,
       was not in attendance, she sent greetings in which she
       declared that the “crowning ultimate” of the church
27    “rises to a mental monument, a superstructure high above
       the work of men’s hands, even the outcome of their
       hearts, giving to the material a spiritual significance —
30    the speed, beauty, and achievements of goodness.”

       But a few years ago, men there were who predicted that

Page 95

1     Christian Science would soon be included among the cults
       which flourish for a time like a green bay-tree, and are
3     then forgotten. Those predictions have not been verified.
       The church which has been built upon the tenets first
       presented by Mrs. Eddy is being constantly strengthened
6     by members who represent the intelligence of many
       communities in different parts of the world.

       [Mexican Herald, City of Mexico, Mex.]

9     The dedication of the magnificent Christian Science
       church in Boston has brought that cheerful and pros-
       perous body of believers before the press gallery of com-
12    mentators. They have built a huge church, which has
       cost them about two million dollars, and it has a dome
       which rivals that of the famous old Massachusetts State
15    House. During the great assembly of forty thousand
       Christian Scientists in Boston they were described in the
       newspapers of the Hub as a contented and well-dressed
18    body of people.

       The faith of these people is certainly great. They go
       about telling of miracles performed in this twentieth cen-
21    tury when “advanced” clergymen of other denominations
       are avowing their disbelief in the miraculous.

       The higher critics and the men of science may think
24    they can banish faith in the supernatural, but no religion
       of growth and vitality exists without faith in the things
       unseen.

27            [Sandusky (Ohio) Star-Journal]

       It is doubtful if, since the days of the primitive Chris-
       tians, there has been such a wonderful demonstration of
30    religious faith and enlightened zeal as that exhibited at

Page 96

1     Boston, Sunday, when forty thousand Christian Scientists
       from all parts of the world assembled to participate in
3     the dedication of the extension of The Mother Church
       of that denomination. These people were of the highest
       order of intelligence, many of them prominent figures in
6     the social and business world, and none of them afflicted
       with the slightest trace of fanaticism. The gathering
       can in no sense, save one, be compared with those of
9     Mecca and the Hindu shrines, where fanaticism domi-
       nates everything else. The one point of resemblance is
       that the Christian Scientists are thoroughly in earnest
12    and take joy in attesting their faith in the creed of the
       church of their choice. It is a faith based upon rea-
       son, and reached only through intelligent and unbiased
15    study and comparison with other creeds.

       A remarkable feature, perhaps the most remarkable, of
       the gathering was the generosity of its adherents towards
18    their church. The building they were in Boston to dedi-
       cate cost approximately two million dollars. Members
       were invited to contribute what they could to pay for it.
21    The money was sent in such quantities that before the day
       set for the dedication arrived the fund was full to over-
       flowing and the members were asked to quit giving.

24            &nbsp[Peoria (Ill.) Journal]

       It is the custom to sneer at Christian Science, but it is
       evident that the cult will soon be beyond the sneering
27    point. The dedication of what is known as The Mother
       Church extension in Boston, the other day, was attended
       by people from all parts of the United States. And they
30    were people of intelligence.

       The fact is that Christian Science just goes a little

Page 97

1     beyond what almost every one is inclined to admit. The
       best physicians now admit the power of mind over matter.
3     They believe that firm faith on the part of a sick per-
       son, for instance, will go far towards making the patient
       well. These same physicians, however, ridicule the idea
6     of a patient getting well without the use of medicine.
       It has yet to be shown that of the sick who abjure
       medicine a larger proportion have died than among
9     those who were medically treated. The Journal has
       kept no books on the subject, and is not a Christian
       Scientist, but believes that if the figures could be given
12    they might show that the Scientists have a little the
       advantage so far as this goes.

       [Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Neb.]

15    Zion’s Herald, a rather bitter critic of Mrs. Eddy and
       her cult, speaks of “the audacious, stupendous, inex-
       plicable faith of this well-dressed, good-looking, emi-
18    nently respectable, evidently wealthy congregation in
       their teacher and her utterances.” The opening of the
       new Mother Church of the Christian Science faith
21    at Boston has opened the eyes of the country anew to
       the growth of the new church and the zeal of its
       membership.

24            [Athol (Mass.) Transcript]

       The Christian Scientists who descended upon Boston
       to the number of forty thousand last week to dedicate the
27    new temple, just built at a cost of two million dollars, have
       mostly departed, but Boston has not yet recovered from
       the effects produced by that stupendous gathering. The
30    incidents witnessed during the week were calculated to

Page 98

1     impress the most determined skeptic. Forty thousand
       people truly make up a mighty host, but these, it is de-
3     clared, are but a twentieth of the Christian Science army
       in this country to-day, and this is the wonderful growth
       of less than a score of years. Christian Science may be
6     anything that its foes try to prove it to be, but that mag-
       nificent church, holding five thousand people, dedicated
       free from debt, and the centre of an enthusiasm and rever-
9     ence of worship such as religious annals hardly parallel
       in modern times, is a tangible reality, and critics who
       seek the light must have done with scoffs and jeers if
12    they would deal with the phenomenon with any effect.

       [Portland (Ore.) Telegram]

       The last issue of the Christian Science Sentinel contains
15    a rather remarkable announcement to the effect that
       friends were requested to send no more money for the
       building of the church which was recently dedicated at
18    Boston. This structure cost about two million dollars,
       and all of the funds required to build it were raised in a
       little less than three years. It was dedicated absolutely
21    free of debt, and no member of the church anywhere,
       in this country or elsewhere, was asked to contribute a
       dollar. Contributions were entirely voluntary. No re-
24    sort was had to any of the latter-day methods of raising
       money. The record is one of which any church might
       well be proud.

27            [Portland (Me.) Advertiser]

       The erection in Boston of the two-million-dollar church
       of the Christian Scientists and its dedication free from
30    debt has been a wonderful achievement, but as our con-

Page 99

1     temporary, the Boston Times, comments, it is but one of
       the marvellous, great, and really good things that this
3     sect is doing. It says: “A faith which is able to raise
       its believers above the suffering of petty ills; a religion
       that makes the merry heart that doeth good like a
6     medicine, not a necessity, but a pleasure and an essen-
       tial; a cult able to promote its faith with so great an
       aggregation of good and beneficial works, is welcomed
9     within our midst and bidden Godspeed.”

       [Denver (Col.) Republican]

       Christian Scientists are a remarkably optimistic body
12    of people, and it must be said in their behalf that they
       are enthusiasts whenever their form of religion is con-
       cerned. They have recently built a splendid cathedral in
15    Boston, seating five thousand people, at a cost of two
       million dollars, and when it was dedicated there was not a
       cent of indebtedness left. Thirty thousand of the faith,
18    coming from all parts of the world, attended the dedicatory
       exercises, and the press reports state that the contribution
       baskets when passed around were literally stuffed and
21    jammed with money.

       Less than a generation ago there was not a Christian
       Science church in the land. To-day there are hundreds
24    of such churches. The denomination has grown with a
       rapidity that is startling, and the end is not yet.

       [Bridgeport (Conn.) Standard]

27    Facts and figures are stubborn things, and ignore them
       as we may their existence points out their meaning and
       leaves no choice but the acceptance of them at their
30    face value. The recent dedication of a Christian Science

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1     temple in Boston has inevitably brought out in connection
       with the event some of the facts and figures belonging to
3     it, which are as remarkable in their aggregate as they are
       unmistakable in their trend. The temple recently dedi-
       cated at Boston cost about two million dollars and is
6     therefore the property of no poverty-stricken sect. On
       the Sunday of the dedication, thirty thousand worshippers
       were present in the building, coming from all, or nearly
9     all, parts of the country, and representing a vast number
       of the followers of the cult.

       It is only twenty-five years, or thereabout, since the
12    Christian Science sect made its appearance as a dis-
       tinctive organization among religious bodies, but its
       members are numbered by thousands to-day, and they
15    are very generally of a class who are reputable, intelli-
       gent, and who think for themselves.