Bridgeton pioneer., 1897-09-30
BECOMES A HEALER.
Will Practice Healing Through
Christian Science.

Will Practice Healing Through
Christian Science.
A marked copy of the Kansas City
Journal tells an interesting story of
former Bridgeton boy, which is pub
lished below in full.
DR.. Frank L. Riley, about whom the
long article is written is a Bridgeton boy.
He is the son of Edgar J. Riley, of Wash
ington street. AS young man he was
an enthusiastic athlete, and was con-
nected with the local Y. M. G. A. Then
he went West and became gymnasium
instructor, and later studied medicine.
The article referred to is as follows:
DR.. Frank L. Riley, who has been
director of the physical training depart
ment of the Y. M. G. A. for the past five
years, secretary as well, has severed
his connection with the association, and
with his wife will leave in few DAYS for
Leeds, England, where both will begin
work as healers of the Christian Science
church.
This action on the part of DIR. Riley
will be heard by thousands of people to
whom he was known personally and by
reputation with profound amazement. No
intimation of had been allowed to escape
during the time he was in the employ of
the Y. M. G. A. The fact that he had
embraced the Christian Science faith was
known only to his most intimate friends,
and they were pledged to say nothing
until all connection with his former
work had been severed.
1T is true, SIR" said DIR. Riley, when
asked about the matter yesterday by a
reporter for The Journal, as he sat in his
room at the Y. M. G. A., "I am a full
fiedged Christian Science healer, and
Mrs. Riley and will go to London to
develop the work. am waiting now for
letter from Mrs. Eddy, at Concord, N.
H., and when that comes shall be ready
to go. ] have done but little healing so
far, only little practise in my own
family and among close friends, but Mrs.
Riley has been doing some, and has had
wonderful success, and made some really
wonderful cures"
DR.. Riley is practicing physician, and
has been directing his studies for many
years to the practice Of surgery, He had
intended going East this fall to take a
special course in surgery, but after be.
coming convinced that Christian Science
was the best field for his life work, he
will have no further use for his medical
studies. He will never again use drugs
Tor his patients, he says, but will pre-
serve his case of surgical instruments and
have them for such emergencies as
broken bones.
Since coming to Kansas City, DIR. Riley
has been member of DIR. Stanton's Pres
byterian church, and one of his most ac.
tive members. He will ask that church
for letter which he will present to the
Third Church of Christ, Scientist, and
maintain relationship with that organi-
lzation hereafter. His request for letter
in now and will be acted on as soon as
DIR. Stanton returns to the city.
II began investigating the science three
years ago." DR.. Riley said yesterday. II
had no use for its healing qualities for my
own relief, as do not suffer from any
ailment. My wife was afflicted and her
case baff1ed the physicians. She wore
glasses and her eyes bothered her. She
was given Christian Science treatment
for her eyes and was able to lay aside her
glasses and has had no use for them since.
Her other ailments disappeared with the
treatment and she has been completely
healed by it. That opened my eyes, for
knew OF the character of her ailments.
determined to investigate. Three years
OF reading, thought and study convinced
me that in Christian Science is the true
healing power. After mature thought,
thee months since embraced the faith
fully, and determined to give to it my
time and adopt it as my life work. In
that action Mrs. Riley fully assented and
we Will carry the work on together.
I'VE determined to go to Leeds for two
reasons. Mrs. Riley's parents live there,
and then the church was anxious to have
some teachers go to work in England.
we have five in Great Britain now, but
they are all women. I will be the first
man to go there as healer and teacher of
the faith. My parents are old-time Pres
pyterlans, and they are deeply disap-
pointed at my choice, but I can see no
other way. am fully convinced of the
right thing and can only be true to what
seems to be the proper thing for me to
do"
DIR. Riley came to Kansas City five
years ago from the Y. M. G. A. at Utica,
N. T., where he had completed his course
OF physical training and been in charge
OF that department. He has been tire
less worker for the association and has
built his department up wonderfully.
One year ago he assumed the duties of
general secretary and has managed the
affairs wisely and paid off the greater
part OF the entire debt of the association,
and made every department of it up to
date and thoroughly active.
He has also completed his course in
medicine and holds diploma from the
University Medical College of this city.