From the Collections
Stories and behind-the-scenes information on the rich holdings of our Library archives.

Tokens of Recognition and Love: Gifts for Mary Baker Eddy and Calvin Frye
On July 10, 1903, Calvin Frye, Mary Baker Eddy’s longtime assistant, sent a note to William B. Johnson, Clerk of The Mother Church and a member of the Christian Science Board of Directors…

“Slight Inventions”: The Fiction of Clara Louise Burnham
The American author Clara Louise Burnham wrote 26 novels between the years 1881 and 1925.

“I was a verse-maker”: Mary Baker Eddy’s poems
Mary Baker Eddy’s love for poetry began when she was a young girl, and she continued writing and editing her poems throughout her life…
The History of Weddings and Funerals in Christian Science Churches
We have found no comments by Mary Baker Eddy in her writings regarding branch churches holding weddings or funerals in their edifices. There has never been a wedding held in The Mother Church; on rare occasions, there have been memorial services. For example, as...
The History of the Cross and Crown Emblem
Here’s some fascinating background on a familiar design

A Tale from Cañon City
Among the decorative arts pieces on display in Mary Baker Eddy’s study at Pleasant View, her home in Concord, New Hampshire, was a large photographic print of the Royal Gorge, Colorado.

Little Mementos of the Past
The Library’s collections include objects Mary Baker Eddy gave to others, as well as many gifts she received herself.

An Ivory Pigeon for Eddy’s “Bright Bearer of Messages”
Of the many men and women who worked for Mary Baker Eddy, few were as devoted as Laura Sargent.

A Mustache Cup
Out of all the china/dishware found in the Library’s collections there is only a single example of a mustache cup.
Yale Automobile
We’ve already written about Mary Baker Eddy’s horses, and featured an exhibit about one of her carriages, leaving another transportation topic yet undiscussed: horseless carriages, or automobiles.

Women’s Suffrage and Matilda Hindman
Read about Mary Baker Eddy’s early support of women’s rights.

Thankfulness during wartime struggles
Read how a church in Holland received help and encouragement during World War II.

Eddy and the poetry of Felicia Hemans
Read how poet Felicia Hemans influenced the discoverer of Christian Science.

“The Business of the Day”: George W. Glover’s Life in Charleston, South Carolina
George Glover, Mary Baker Eddy’s first husband, had many career interests and his letters give us some insight into his days and pursuits.

Map of Boston and Adjacent Cities in 1881
Mary Baker Eddy had great affection for the largest city in Massachusetts—and she had high hopes for it.