Ask a Researcher
Answers to questions our research team has received.
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.
The Significance of Mary Baker Eddy’s Carriage
To best answer this question, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal published during the Library's exhibition, Private Carriage, Public Journey.
The Origination of the Quote “Sculptors of Life are We.”
We are often asked about the poem Mary Baker Eddy quotes on page 7 in her sermon The People’s Idea of God. The poem was apparently first published in the periodical Missionary Herald in 1851 under the title “A Beautiful Thought,” at which time the byline appeared as...
The Development of the scientific statement of being
The question “What is the scientific statement of being?” is found in the chapter “Recapitulation” in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (page 468 in current editions). This statement is also read as part of every Christian Science Sunday...
Church Manual Article VIII, Section 12: “Obnoxious Books”
To best answer this inquiry, we can point you toward an article in The Christian Science Journal that explains the meaning of this phrase in the By-Laws, as well as the story behind its inclusion in the Manual.
What is the background on Eddy’s article “Contagion”?
Here’s some research that gives context.
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.