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Answers to questions our research team has received.
The People of Mary Baker Eddy’s Household
The attached PDF gives the approximate times of service for members of Mary Baker Eddy's household. The list has been compiled from a number of sources in the archival collection. Please contact the Research staff if you need more detailed information about these...
American Christian Science Architecture and its Influence
To best address this topic, we have reproduced an article on the topic by author and former Library Fellow, Paul Ivey. A brief biography of the author is also available. Building Respectability: Christian Science Architecture in the U. S. A. and its Influence in...
What is the background to the By-Law titled “Formulas Forbidden”?
The Mary Baker Eddy Library wrote this article for the September 2009 Christian Science Journal. It discusses Mary Baker Eddy's reasons for prohibiting the use of formulaic treatments in Christian Science healing.
What are the origins of Christian Science Sunday School?
Read about events that took place over the course of almost 30 years.
Architects Behind the Buildings of the Christian Science Plaza
Several architects were involved in the design of the buildings on the Christian Science Plaza. The Original Edifice of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, was completed in December 1894. Franklin Welch of Malden, Massachusetts, was the architect with a little...
Mary Baker Eddy’s Vision of the Role of Her Church in the World
Featured below, an article written by Library researcher Mike Davis for theChristian Science Sentinel, "Church that Embodies the Healing Christ Today."
The significance of the Manual of The Mother Church
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that served as an introduction to a series of articles on the Manual.
Article VIII, Section 15: “Church Organizations Ample” and Article VIII, Section 16, “Joining Another Society”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you towards an article in The Christian Science Journal that discusses the balance between Christian Scientists' duties to the Church and their participation in other organizations.
Article X, Section 1: “No Unauthorized Debating”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that examines the origin of this provision and its historical context at the turn of the last century.
Article XXII: “Relation and Duties of Members to Pastor Emeritus”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that highlights sections of the Manual that speak to Eddy's continuing role in Christian Science.
Did Joseph Armstrong heal people of smallpox?
Here is background that suggests he did.
Did Eddy use Webster’s 1828 dictionary?
The answer is somewhat nuanced.
Did Eddy regularly read a hymn at bedtime?
Here’s information that suggests she did.
How did Christian Scientists respond to the 1918–1919 Spanish flu?
Here is information from a variety of sources.
What is the origin of the Explanatory Note found in the Christian Science Quarterly?
See how this text evolved to what is currently read.