Ask a Researcher
Answers to questions our research team has received.
Mary Baker Eddy’s Sentiments towards gifts
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article by Senior Research Archivist Judy Huenneke in The Christian Science Journal that examines Eddy, Christmas gifts, and gratitude.
The Creation of Four Periodicals by the Christian Science Church
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines the Manual By-laws on "Church periodicals."
The development of the Quarterly
Below is a timeline that charts the early history of the Christian Science Quarterly. This publication contains the weekly Lesson-Sermons distributed by The Christian Science Publishing Society, which Mary Baker Eddy designated for study outside of church services:...
Appendix of the Church Manual
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines the origin of the last section of the Manual of The Mother Church, the Appendix.
The Significance of the Lord’s Prayer to Christian Scientists
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in the Christian Science Journal that describes Mary Baker Eddy's relationship with this particular prayer.
The Role of Readers in Christian Science Church Services
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines Articles of the Manual of The Mother Church that pertain to the role of Church Readers.
How did Christian Science teaching become formalized?
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that describes the evolution of Christian Science healing. It was part of a series giving context to the Church Manual.
Myth: A Phone in Mary Baker Eddy’s Tomb
There is a long standing and false rumor that a telephone was installed in Mary Baker Eddy’s tomb at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While the rumor is false, it seems to be based on circumstances after her death on December 3, 1910. Following...
The Publication of Eddy’s Poem, “The Old Man of the Mountain”
Mary Baker Eddy’s poem “The Old Man of the Mountain” was first published in The Floral Wreath, and Ladies' Monthly Magazine, July, 1844. The author is listed as “Mrs. G. W. Glover”—Mary Baker Eddy was married to George Washington Glover until his death in 1844. Along...
The Evolution of the Tenets of Christian Science
In the chapter titled “Recapitulation” in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy asks and answers a series of questions as she offers a summary of her theology. Page 497 of this chapter includes the following: Question. — Have Christian...
Did Mary Baker Eddy treat Sunday like any other day?
The answer is yes … and no.
Can you give some background on the Ark Edition of “Science and Health”?
It was an early revision of the Christian Science textbook.
Have Christian Science churches ever had choirs?
The answer is yes. Here’s the story.
Did Mary Baker Eddy ever play any sports or games?
Even a religious leader likes to play games sometimes.
What was Eddy’s Approach to Business?
Mary Baker Eddy’s business acumen just might surprise you.