“Aims and hopes” took material form in Shanghai. Here stands First Church of Christ Scientist. For over twenty years, a dedicated group met, and their vision materialized in this edifice.
First Church of Christ Scientist, Shanghai held its opening service on November 4, 1934. The location was at the corner of Avenue and Kiaochow roads. It became the first Christian Science church in China. The opening was also a dedication. The building was complete and debt-free.
The cornerstone was laid on March 22, 1934. Elliott Hazzard, Architects designed the structure. The curved facade shows classic Roman influences. Brick covered in plaster forms the construction. The exterior looks like buff limestone.
Bronze letters above the entrance read “First Church of Christ Scientist”. Artistic wrought-iron lanterns flank the doorway. The semi-circular plan suits the building site. This shape proved ideal. It allows convenient seating focused on the Readers’ desk.
The interior of First Church of Christ Scientist is modern. Yet, it aims for quiet dignity. The design is simple and restrained. It creates an atmosphere of repose. The entire building achieves decorative and classic design. Its subdued furnishings add to Shanghai’s architecture.
Before this building, Christian Science presence grew steadily. In 1914, the first public Christian Science Reading Room opened. A Reading Room has been maintained ever since. The first free public lecture on Christian Science occurred in 1915.
By 1928, the Society had enough members. It organized as First Church of Christ Scientists, Shanghai. Services took place in the Masonic Hall on the Bund. Later, after demolition, they moved to the Royal Asiatic Society’s building on Museum Road. Today, it is Huqiu Road.
When the American Masonic Temple was built on Route Dufour, now Urumqi Road S, the congregation arranged to hold services there. The First Church of Christ Scientist of Boston was closely linked. For years, they resided in Mary Baker Eddy’s home. She founded Christian Science.
On December 2, 1934, a lecture occurred at 9:15 PM. It took place in this new church edifice. The speaker came from The First Church of Christ Scientist of Boston.