In the mid 60s I became a member of this church and began attending weekly services.
The founder of Christian Science was Mary Baker Eddy. The religion is based on restoring the lost element of Christian Healing as practiced by Jesus Christ. Mary Baker Eddy wrote the Christian Science Textbook "Science and Health with keys to the scriptures " This book along with the bible, comprises all sermons and bible lessons. The bible lessons are published quarterly in 17 languages with weekly lessons and read daily.
Mary Baker Eddy was also the author of numerous other works. In addition to the Christian Science Quarterly, other periodicals available are the Sentinel and the Journal which list all churches and practitioners and the World renowned and respected newspaper The Christian Science Monitor.
I was brought up in the Methodist Church, for which I still have the utmost regard.
Over time I heard Mum and Dad casually mention Uncle Bernard's Christian Science religious ideals and his high morals. For example he would not hold stocks of any company that dealt with alcohol or tobacco.
The subject caught my curiosity, but of course in those days we had no internet to jump on, to obtain more information.
As is often the case, in life threatening situations we all turn to a religious solution, as I did following the vehicle accident.
Christian Science immediately made so much sense to me. We have all learned of the healing powers of Jesus Christ and how he passes on these powers to his disciples. This appellation was not restricted to the few short years Jesus Christ was on earth, but for all time.
When reading the Christian Science text book, you quickly understand the importance of Spiritual Reality. Over the years, I have turned to Christian Science on many occasions, sometimes with the help of a practitioner and sometimes on my own, but always with a good resolution. (Not always what I had in mind, but the best possible outcome).
Unfortunately periodically I have drifted away from the fold, when not diligently watching my priorities, but like the " prodigal son" have always been welcomed back.
I was once told, I want the best of both worlds, in as much as I receive help from the medical profession as well as Christian Science. I can't argue with that and do recognize there is something of a conflict. But there again I do not profess to be perfect, just a lost lamb trying to find my way. Sufficient to say I am most appreciative of all help received, from any well intended origin.
But one thing that was instilled in me with the blessings received, is an unshakable belief in God. I would have liked to share some of these experiences, but they are a little too personal to publish.
When I moved into my apartment at Mellows Close I am just a 15 minute walk from the Christian Science church. Some in the congregation remember me, although we have all stacked on many years. Others where children in the Sunday School at the time.
The organist Marjory, reminds me I took equipment to their home to move a big tree and replant. Their neighbours warned it would never survive the move. Over forty years later it is still thriving. A year later she reports it was blown down in a major wind storm. Ain't nature fickle. At least the warranty had expired, so I was off the hook.
Sometimes when I am dealing with a mini crisis, I will open the Christian Science text book at any page and start reading. Answers will come to me from the pages. Mary Baker Eddy had to be divinely guided in writing this manuscript. When working with a practitioner he/she will give specific passages to read.
When I first returned to the Peterborough church, I could not see to read the hymns, so just stood silently and listened. Then when I could see, I enjoyed belting out the lyrics. Marjory says she knows when I am in the congregation, although she is concealed behind the organ.
Also now of course I can start my day with the bible lessons again. When I was in the snow business and needed to rush out for a snow storm, the bible lessons came first. When I travel the Christian Science text book and the bible are up there with the passport.