How influential was the state of New Hampshire—with its unique religious and civic heritage—for Mary Baker Eddy? In this episode we learn about the robust socio-religious history of the Granite State, where Eddy was born and raised, and where she returned to live decades later, as the founder of a new and fast-growing religious movement. We reflect on the aspects of her many New Hampshire connections, which inspired her profound gratitude, respect, and affection. These people and places had ongoing meaning for Eddy, both personally and in her mission of leading the young Christian Science church. Our expert guest, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nordbeck, brings fresh insight and also speaks with three staff members at The Mary Baker Eddy Library, who ask questions of interest for their personal and professional understanding.
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Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nordbeck is Moses Brown Professor of Ecclesiastical History Emerita at Andover Newton Seminary at Yale. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she served as dean of Lancaster and Andover Newton seminaries and is the author of the chapter “Origins of the Christian Denomination in New England” in the book Hidden Histories in the United Church of Christ, Vol. 2 (New York: United Church Press, 1987). She is also an editor of The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ.
Dorothy Rivera is Manager of Research and Exhibits for The Mary Baker Eddy Library. She began at the Library in 2014 as a researcher. She holds a master’s in history from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a bachelor’s in history and political science from Johns Hopkins University.
Laura Lapointe is Head of Educational Programs at The Mary Baker Eddy Library. Her background includes work in urban education and the arts, as well as experience in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. She holds a bachelor of fine arts in acting from New York University and a master of divinity from Andover Newton Theological School.
Dr. Barry R. Huff is Professor of Religious Studies at Principia College and a researcher at The Mary Baker Eddy Library. In 2022 and 2023 he researched Mary Baker Eddy and nineteenth-century biblical interpretation, through fellowships with the Library, the New England Regional Fellowship Consortium, and the Massachusetts Historical Society. His published essays focus on the book of Job, the reception history of the Bible, and Eddy’s biblical interpretation.
Collage (clockwise from left): Map of Sanbornton Bridge (detail from Map of Belknap County, New Hampshire), compiled and drawn from surveys by E.M. Woodford, 1860, Smith and Peavy Publishers. “The Uplands at Bow,” E.L. Henry. Illustration of the Rev. Enoch Corser, “The History of Boscawen and Webster from 1733 to 1878,” Charles Carleton Coffin, 1878, Concord, N.H.: Republican Press Association. “Receipt for contribution to Trustees Building Fund, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Concord, NH,” 1903, Subject File, Concord, New Hampshire: First Church of Christ, Scientist – Construction and Contributions. Guest headshots used by permission.
