Did you know that the Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist has a history stretching back over a century? It is a story of faith community and adaptation.
Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist was established in 1914. Rogers Park residents wanted a church in their neighborhood. They were members of Seventh Church of Christ Scientist in Edgewater.
Initially the group established a Reading Room. Services were held in various locations. These included the Birchwood Country Club Armstrong School the Masonic buildings and the Rogers Park Women’s Club.
In 1922 the church built its own home. This was located at 1540 West Touhy. Today it is the Mar Gewargis Cathedral of the Holy Apostolic Assyrian Church.
The Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist thrived for over 50 years at the Touhy Avenue location. The congregation faced challenges like the Depression World War II and the post-war era.
By the 1970s the congregation needed a new building. It would better serve their outreach and spiritual vision. Unsolicited offers to buy the church property also appeared.
In 1980 the Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist sold the Touhy Avenue building. The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East bought it. Sunday services and Wednesday meetings moved to the old Birchwood Country Club building. This was where the congregation originally began at the home of the North Shore School.
Ground was broken at the current location in 1984. The first service in the new home occurred on Thanksgiving eve in 1985. The building dates only from the 1980s. Its address is 7036 North Ridge.
The Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist follows the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy. She pondered the nature of Christian Science after a dramatic recovery from injury. She attributed it to the healing power of prayer. In 1875 she published a book on spiritual healing. In 1879 she founded The First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston. It is known today as The Mother Church. The church spread throughout the United States and the world.
Chicago’s first congregation was founded in 1886. Members met for several years at the Sherman House hotel. They opened a church at 4017 South Drexel Boulevard in 1897.
Christian Science doctrine and practice differs from most other Christian denominations. It relies on spiritual healing. It lacks ordained clergy and sacramental rites. Each individual Christian Science church is democratically governed by its members. Members engaged in the full-time healing ministry are called Christian Science practitioners. Services are conducted by elected Readers. Services include a common weekly lesson. The Mother Church in Boston creates it. Christian Scientists around the world use it. The Mother Church is governed by a Board of Directors. Six members comprise it. They follow the Manual of The Mother Church. It has remained virtually unchanged since Mary Baker Eddy’s death.
Reading rooms are an important part of the Church of Christ Scientist. These bookstore-like settings provide a reflective atmosphere. The public can read the Bible and other inspired writings. Librarians are available to assist visitors. The Reading Room run by the Sixteenth Church is located at 5940 North Lincoln Avenue in West Ridge.
The Sixteenth Church of Christ Scientist stands as a testament to faith. It reflects community and adaptability over more than a century.