Are Journal directories searchable online?

Library patrons sometimes ask us to research directory listings in The Christian Science Journal. Sometimes referred to as Journal “cards,” these have appeared in print issues since the magazine began in 1883. They provide contact information for Christian Science churches and Reading Rooms; Christian Science organizations at universities and colleges; Christian Science practitioners; and Christian Science nurses.

Inquirers are often interested in the history of a branch church or practitioner listing. But they may not have access to back issues of the printed magazines, such as those collected in bound volumes and available at many Reading Rooms.

Fortunately, it is now possible to research Journal directories at JSH-Online, the web portal to all Christian Science magazines. Here is how to find past directories:

1. Go to JSH-Online (subscriptions to may be purchased for one month or more).
2. Click on “JOURNAL” in the navigation bar.
3. On the Journal landing page, select “ARCHIVE” in the navigation bar. This will take you to thumbnails of Journal issues, arranged chronologically by year.
4. Click on the year of the issue you are interested in.
5. Select “Index & Directory Download.” This will take you to a PDF directory for that year.

Note that only one directory listing is available for each calendar year. If you need more precise information than can be found in an online listing, contact the Library. Our staff has access to detailed historical information on all Journal listings. Most of this information dates from about the year 1898 forward, up to the present day.¹