The BA’s Residential Program for independent, active, practicing Christian Scientists had its genesis at the BA in the mid-1970s after the closing of Pleasant View in Concord, New Hampshire. That’s when a number of its former residents, long-time workers for the Cause, moved to the BA.

As a constituent part of a Christian Science nursing organization, the Residential Department is often asked how its independent living program relates to Mary Baker Eddy’s Church Manual By-law, “Christian Science Nurse” (Art. VIII, Sect. 31). Residential Directors, Tom and Marion Harvey, discussed this subject recently.

“In considering this question,” Marion explains, “it’s important to recognize that the residents have a role to play in supporting the BA’s mission.* Being in the BA ‘household’ where there is this specific and overarching focus on the By-law, ‘Christian Science Nurse,’ provides a wonderful opportunity for our residents and our department’s staff to recognize that our practice of Christian Science as a way of life, and the healings and progress that result, are supported by the By-law.”

Tom adds, “We find the By-law’s three key operative phrases very helpful in all we do. We begin by ensuring we are consistently putting to work each day our ‘demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice.’ Such a practice contributes substantially to what we call ‘independent living.’ And from this practice we expect to be gaining the understanding of the ‘practical wisdom’ required to take ‘proper care’ of all that enters thought in need of healing, adjusting, harmonizing, uplifting. In this way we embrace our own experience, that of the BA community and whatever else our thought includes in the local, national, and world communities of which we are a part.”

* The BA’s mission statement reads, “Our Mission is to provide a refuge and services that minister to the needs of mankind with Christian Science nursing.”

Click here to read the Manual By-law “Christian Science Nurse.”