The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-06-11
TEMPLE IS DEDICATED.
Opening of New Church Brings 10000
Christian Scientists to Boston.

Boston, June 11.-One of the most
remarkable religious demonstrations
ever witnessed in New England took
place Sunday when the new Christian
Scientist temple in the Back Bay dis
trict was dedicated From all parts of
the world came people to be at the
dedicatory services. It was estimated
that more than 40, 900 Christian Scien-
lists were In the city.
Six services were held to accommo-
date the vast throng but even then
thousands we're unable to gain admis-
sion to the temple. The seating ca
pacity of the edif1ce exceeds 5000 and
at each service hundreds stood in the
aisles and in the rear of the church.
The first service WAS held at o'clock
AS early as o'clock hundreds of
Christian Scientists were standing in
line waiting patiently for the doors TO
open. At o'clock there were at least
1000 in the street opposite the church
and an hour later the number had
swollen to 5000. At there were
TO- 900 persons waiting. As quickly as
one. service was completed and the con
gregation had left the church was filed
again and there were thousands on the
outside who were unable to get in.
The services were identical and each
service was two hours in length. The
occasion combined both the annual
communion and the dedicatory exer-
cises. It consisted of the usual Chris
tan Science opening exercises the
dedicatory address prepared by Mrs.
Mary Baker C. Eddy and read by w. D.
McCracken. first reader of the church.
and a lesson sermon specially prepared
for the occasion.
At the close of the lesson sermon
in addition to the usual custom of the
church, in response to an invitation
from the first reader the entire con-
gregation knelt In silent communion,
following the Lords Prayer. The
congregational singing was a feature
of the service. At the close of each
service Edward A. Kimban, of Chi
cago, presented a reply of thanks to
Mrs. Eddy for her dedicatory address
and for her general work in behalf of
the church. In her address referring
to the dedication of the new temple,
Mrs. Eddy wrote:
Beloved, am not with you in pro-
pria persona at this memorable dedf-
cation and communion service but I
am with you in spirit and in truth.
lovingly thanking your generosity and
fidelity and saying virtually what the
prophet said
CONTINUE to choose whom We will
serve
you have dextrously and wisely
provided for the mother Church Of
Christ Scientist, a magnificent temple
wherein to enter and pray. Greatly
impressed and encouraged thereby.
deeply do I thank you for this proof
OF your progress. unity anu rove
"The edifice of the mother Church
of Christ, Scientist. began with the
cross. its extension is the GROWING
ultimate rise to mental monument.
a superstructure high above the works
of mans hands. even the outcome of
their hearts giving to the material a
special significance; the special beauty
and achievement of goodness=Tne-
thinks this chuch is the one edffice
on earth which most prefgures self
-
a glimpse of glory
The temple. which is entirely free
from debt. is one of the most impos-
ing structures in Boston and is said
to be the largest church in New Eng
land Christian Scientists all over the
world have aided in it's construction
which has occupied more than two
years