The First Church of Christ, Scientist
January 2024
Dear Fellow Members of The Mother Church,
James J. Rome learned about Christian Science in the late 1800s after he moved from his native Scotland to the United States. He later became both a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science. By 1906 he lived just a few blocks from the construction site in Boston that was soon to be the Extension of The Mother Church, and as he later recounted, he was asked by a member of the Christian Science Board of Directors “to do a little watching at the church” when the completion of the project was in doubt.
After the church building was finished and dedicated—on time—Mr. Rome wrote a letter of gratitude to Mary Baker Eddy that included these words: “But what of this magnificent structure? Whence did it come? To me it is the result of the love that trembled in one human heart when it whispered: ‘Dear God, may I not take this precious truth and give it to my brothers and sisters?’ How can we ever thank God enough for such an one,—ever thank you enough for your unselfed love” (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 60–62).
I, too, think of what Mrs. Eddy has done for us, establishing a church to preserve, unadulterated, the precious Science she discovered, so that it continues to bless us and all of humanity for all generations.
As I have learnt more of our Leader’s life and her selfless dedication to her discovery of divine Science, which she named Christian Science, I have realized more of my need to grow, to explore this Science. Sometimes it feels like the exploration is cutting through a dense jungle, but with perseverance and dedication the sunlight breaks through, and I feel a spiritualization in thought—my heart is warmed, uplifted, and I have grasped yet another truth to help heal.
I also find I long to share Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy with community members, to expand the blessings that our pastor, the Holy Bible and Science and Health, brings us, enabling us to commune one-on-one with God, no intermediary needed.
While I was speaking to someone I met through business, they asked what a Christian Science practitioner does. I happened to have a copy of Science and Health with me. After explaining a little, I opened the textbook to “the scientific statement of being” (p. 468) and showed it to them. “It makes perfect sense,” was the response. They now have that copy of the book.
Mrs. Eddy reminds us: “Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences. . . . Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks” (Science and Health, p. 570).
This statement echoes Christ Jesus’ words, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
As we join together in support of our Mother Church and all its healing activities, we can express our gratitude for the discovery of Christian Science. How? Through living the love that we have for each other, and for the whole human family.
With my loving regards for you all,
Anne Melville
President of The Mother Church
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