Christian Science Church

In the heart of Boston, the Christian Science Church stands as a testament to a unique faith. The Christian Science Church, also known as The First Church of Christ, Scientist, isn’t just a local place of worship. It’s the Mother Church, the administrative heart of Christian Science worldwide. Founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy, this church’s history is intertwined with the very development of the Christian Science Plaza. Its presence is undeniable. The massive Mother Church Extension, completed in 1906, dwarfs the original 1894 structure. Designed to fit a kite-shaped lot, the original church features a 126-foot steeple and an octagonal auditorium that seats 900. The granite used in its construction comes from New Hampshire, Mary Baker Eddy’s home state. The Mother Church Extension is a marvel in itself. The dome, a prominent feature of the Boston skyline, houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs, built in 1952 by the Aeolian-Skinner Company. This sanctuary can accommodate a congregation of 3,000. The Christian Science Plaza, a 13.5-acre space designed by I.M. Pei & Partners, is more than just the church buildings. The plaza includes a reflecting pool, a colonnade, the Administration Building, and Reflection Hall. This entire complex showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles, from the Romanesque Revival of the Original Mother Church to the Italian Renaissance influence on the Mother Church Extension and the Brutalist design of the surrounding plaza. The church’s influence extends beyond its physical presence. The Christian Science Monitor, a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper, was founded by Eddy in 1908 as a response to sensationalist journalism. The church, through its Christian Science Publishing Society, continues to support the Monitor. It also publishes other publications, demonstrating its commitment to communication and its unique perspective on world events. The Christian Science Church in Boston is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a vibrant hub of faith, history, and architectural significance.