Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the By-law—A Message from the Trustees
As we mark this year the 100th anniversary of the Church Manual By-law “Christian Science Nurse,” we are reminded of Christ Jesus’ example showing us the spirituality, wisdom, and tenderness essential to ministering to the needs of others. We are so grateful to Mary Baker Eddy for discovering the divine Science that unfolds this wonderful practice of Christian Science nursing. And we extend our deep appreciation to all throughout the Field who are daily representing and supporting this healing practice.
Christian Science nursing was practiced well before the adoption of the By-law. Its tender loving expression of the Father-Mother God is innate to man as God’s reflection. The By-law states the requirements for its genuine practice. This By-law unifies members of The Mother Church who represent themselves as Christian Science nurses with one standard and its unlimited individual expression.
Since the adoption of the By-law, so much good has taken place in support of the healing practice of Christian Science nursing. The Christian Science Board of Directors established the first Christian Science Nursing Organization in 1916, when it founded the Christian Science Benevolent Association at Chestnut Hill in response to Mrs. Eddy’s expressed desire to the Board for such a healing refuge. The first Christian Science nurses training school began there shortly after the opening of the Benevolent Association.
After The Mother Church opened the second Benevolent Association, in San Francisco, Church members throughout the United States and in other countries followed this example in establishing facilities in their communities. Visiting Christian Science nursing services were established to respond to the needs of individuals in their homes. Christian Science nursing services have also been provided to people in their homes in many parts of the world by private-duty nurses.
The By-law has also been embraced in Christian Science camps and schools. And Christian Science nurses training is available through many varied avenues and programs in support of members of The Mother Church who are representing this By-law.
Countless healings of children and adults in all walks of life have been supported by and witnessed through the practice of Christian Science nursing in the city, suburbs, and countryside throughout the world. Accounts of many of these healings have been printed in The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel and The Herald of Christian Science. Many have been shared in Wednesday evening testimony meetings in Christian Science churches worldwide, and some have been just quietly and confidentially witnessed and cherished.
Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association is one of the many organizations that provide the refuge and services of Christian Science nursing through inpatient and outpatient care, as well as home calls. In response to the standard of the By-law, the BA offers Christian Science Nursing Arts training to support Christian Science nurses in all avenues of this practice.
We send our deepest thanks to every Christian Science nurse and to organizations that are supporting this healing ministry of Christian Science nursing and making it available to mankind.
—Board of Trustees, Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association
