New-York tribune., 1921-02-27
By CHARLES A. STARR


With this in mind, I had taken
time to read several Christian Sci
ence sermons, which were published
recently in the Sunday editions of
the New York newspapers, by Mrs.
Augusta E. Stetson, C. S. D., to find
some clue to her position In the dis
pute.
Sent by Mrs. Eddy
learned that Mrs. Stetson had
been sent here many years ago by
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, and that
She, with her students, had built
First Church Of Christ, Scientist, at
Ninety-sixth Street and Central
Park West, at a. cost Of $1,250, 900,
and dedicated it, free of debt, as
soon as completed.
These sermons convinced me that
Mrs. Stetson understands and is
wholly loyal to the Science which
Mrs. Eddy gave to her followers.
and that she is convinced that the
product Of her versatile pen and
logic Of her presentation will give
much light to those whom she calls
doubters and seekers for Truth upon
a religion for which it is claimed
thasss, if demonstrable, every one will
be'eager to investigate and passes,
Desiring to secure an authorita-
tive statement regarding the mo-
mentous issues in the Christian Sci
ence Church, sought an interview
with Mrs. Stetson, who did not know
me. Perhaps I was moved also by a
desire to see if the Christian Science
teaching was being proved in unim-
paired faculties, health and pros
perity by this woman, whom a large
following claims as one Of New
York's valued citizens. Certainly it
has for years honored her for a
brave, unf1inching defense of ths re-
iigion which she believes and de-
clares Is Christ's gift to the world,
redlscovered by Mrs. Eddy. I there
fore rang the bell at the brick and
marble residence which, learned,
Mrs. Stetson built, owns, and has oc-
cupied for fifteen years.
Symbolism in Pictures
The entrance to the house Is
through a vestibule enclosed In glass.
This was filled with palms; ferns,
and dozens Of large Gala lilies. A
large oil painting on stone, and
framed in marble, corresponding in
shape to the arched windows, faced
the glass entrance door of the vesti-
bule. The subject was from the
twenty"second chapter Of Revelation.
"and he showed me pure river of
| water of life, clear as crystal, pro-
ceeding from the throne of God"
The river and the trees on either
side readily indicated the religious
sentiment Of the owner Of the house.
The solid mahogany door, which
gives entrance to Mrs. Stetson's
home, bears massive bronze
knocker, representing woman, who
holds down two lions, one with each
hand. One acquainted with SYM
bolism would at once apply this to
the great moral courage which Mrs.
Stetson must possess, to have car
ried on her Cause with such seeming
conspicuous success in the face of
obstacles.
was ushered into a beautiful
Louis XVI drawing room, the walls
of which were hung with rose du
Barry brocade satin. The five large
arched windows were draped with
heavy satin Of the same shade and
tillet lace.
Eight flutsd Corinthian columns
IN ivory tone gave architectural
dignity to the room. On the walls
were two large oil paintings. One,
by Hoffman, was picture of the boy
Christ disputing with the wise men
in the temple. The other was a.
shepherdess with her sheep. The
piano and harp, both in dull gold,
and the chairs, tables and ornaments
gave the observer an impression of
harmony and beauty to be found
cnly in home of refinement and
effluence.
Remarkable Woman
/ While enjoying the artistic fea-
lures Of this room, secretary In.
formed me that Mrs. Stetson would
see me in her library, which was
above the. drawing room. This room
also is spacious, and beautifully
furnished in red and gold. I was
most cordially received by Mrs. Stet-
son, who remarked that while she
rarely allowed herself to be inter
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