“Ever wonder about the story behind this serene building?” I ask gesturing towards the Sixth Church of Christ Scientist.
Sixth Church of Christ Scientist stands as a beacon of faith near American University in northwest Washington D.C. It is a branch of The First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston. This is also known as The Mother Church.
The Mother Church was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. Mary Baker Eddy discovered Christian Science in the late 1800s in New England. Imagine a moment of profound realization. Eddy experienced instantaneous healing after a fall on ice. Doctors diagnosed her with fatal internal injuries.
She described her healing as a discovery. She later named this discovery Christian Science. Eddy said that the Bible was her textbook. It answered her questions about how she was healed. She apprehended Jesus’ teaching and demonstration in their spiritual meaning. She also discovered the Principle and rule of spiritual Science and metaphysical healing. She named it Christian because it is compassionate helpful and spiritual.
The First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston is the Mother Church of Christian Science. It was established by Mary Baker Eddy. It was reestablished as an international organization by Eddy in 1892. The church building was constructed in 1895. A domed extension was added later. This was between 1903 and 1906.
The Mother Church controls Christian Science. All local Churches of Christ Scientist are considered branches. The laws of the church its organizations and activities are discussed in the Manual of The Mother Church. Eddy first prepared it in 1895. She later revised it. Eddy also provided for the establishment of a self-perpetuating Board of Directors. It administers all the activities of the Mother Church.
In 1908 Eddy established The Christian Science Monitor newspaper. This was a protest against the sensationalism of the popular press.
Today Sixth Church of Christ Scientist continues its mission. Church services are also available online via Zoom.
At Sixth Church of Christ Scientist services include sermons drawn from the Bible. Passages from the Christian Science textbook are also read. The textbook is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The service also features live pipe organ and piano music. Uplifting hymns are sung together.
Wednesday Testimony Meetings provide thoughtful readings from the Bible and Christian Science textbook. People share how they use Christian Science in their lives.
Sixth Church of Christ Scientist stands as a testament to faith healing and community. It welcomes all who seek spiritual understanding and comfort.