First Church of Christ Scientist

In the heart of Boston, the First Church of Christ, Scientist stands as a testament to the power of faith and healing. This magnificent structure, also known as the Mother Church, isn’t just a building. It’s the epicenter of Christian Science, a religion founded right here in Boston by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. First Church of Christ, Scientist was established just a few years later, in 1892. The original church building, a beautiful Romanesque structure made of gray granite, was completed in 1894. It could hold 900 people within its walls. But the congregation grew quickly. Just over a decade later, a much larger extension was added. This striking domed extension, completed between 1903 and 1906, seats a staggering 3,000 people. Its neoclassical design stands in gentle contrast to the original building. Both structures reside on a fourteen-acre plaza, a serene space in the bustling Back Bay. The First Church of Christ, Scientist oversees all other Christian Science churches worldwide. They are considered branches of this Mother Church. The church’s rules and operations are detailed in the Manual of The Mother Church, written by Eddy herself. Interestingly, the First Church of Christ, Scientist is also connected to the world of journalism. In 1908, Mary Baker Eddy founded The Christian Science Monitor. She intended the newspaper as a counterpoint to the sensationalism of the popular press. The church continues to publish and support this Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper. They also produce four other publications. This dedication to balanced and insightful reporting speaks to the church’s broader mission of promoting understanding and healing. Even today, the First Church of Christ, Scientist continues to inspire and serve its community, a beacon of faith in the heart of Boston.