FAQs
1. How would you describe “Independent Living” at the BA?
Our residents are dedicated Christian Scientists who choose to lead active lives in daily demonstration of the Science of Christianity. They participate in a lifestyle that is distinct from the BA’s Christian Science nursing care and Christian Science nurses training services, yet is part of the overall BA community, and functions side by side with those core-mission activities.
Residents take their meals in the dining room, care for their individual needs, participate in the daily activities that interest them, and have options for travel to appointments and off campus activities.
2. What are the costs of living at the BA?
BA-Cost-Comparison-Worksheet.pdf
3. What if temporary assistance is needed with daily activities?
Individual needs for assistance are considered on an individual basis. The Independent Living Department is not staffed to provide ongoing assistance at this time. When needed, residents find temporary assistance through the BA’s Visiting Christian Science Nursing Service, or the Boston-area Home Care for Christian Scientists services, or in some cases, through individual family members or friends.
4. Is membership in The Mother Church or a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, required for residency?
Yes, membership in The Mother Church is required and branch church membership is strongly encouraged. Regular transportation to The Mother Church services is provided on both Sundays and Wednesdays. Members of local branches can often arrange to provide transportation to their services as well.
Some residents enjoy local membership in The Mother Church, a unique privilege for those living in the Boston area. Local members find opportunities to serve in a variety of ways including ushering, Sunday School teaching, and serving in the Reading Room or Children’s Room. Membership in one of the local-area branch churches also provides opportunities to serve.
5. What are the benefits of living at the BA?
There are many…
- Location near The Mother Church, the Mary Baker Eddy Library, Longyear Museum, and a number of local branch churches and Reading Rooms.
- Access to many cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment activities and sites in the greater Boston and New England area, as well as to many on-campus activities and events. To see more about specific types of activities, click here.
- A great emphasis on an over-arching aspect of life at the BA – feeling at home in this special Christian Science community composed of those visiting, living, training (as Christian Science nurses), and working here.
- The fact that the core mission of the BA stems from a By-law in the Church Manual by Mary Baker Eddy (see p. 49, “Christian Science Nurse”), which affords everyone here an opportunity to be aligned with this healing mission, supporting not only individual spiritual progress but also blessing the community and the world.
6. Are pets allowed?
This question can be addressed on a case by case basis.
7. Will I have an internet connection for my computer? Is there wireless service? Do you provide a cable TV connection?
The BA provides a satellite television connection in each studio, suite, or apartment, and Wi-Fi Internet service is available throughout the building for those with computers. There are also televisions and computers in common areas.
8. May I bring my own furnishings?
Residents are expected to provide their own furnishings and may arrange their space as they wish.
9. May I bring my own car?
Yes. Some residents have cars, although many choose not to bring them. Outdoor parking is included. The Benevolent Association is well-located near shopping malls, hair salons, nail salons, shoe repair shops, dry cleaners, tailors, hardware stores, dentists, optometrists, theatres, and restaurants. Some are right in the neighborhood and most others are within a ten to twenty minute drive of the BA.
The BA provides free transportation to and from church services at The Mother Church, planned activities, and appointments that are within a 15-minute (one-way) drive from the BA. Special shopping trips are offered from time to time, based on interest or need.
Public transit is also available. The BA is located near a stop on the MBTA rapid transit line which has stops near The Mother Church, the Copley shopping districts, and many downtown locations. There is also a bus stop at the foot of the BA driveway, providing an alternative method for getting into town. Taxis can be called if desired.
10. What types of activities can residents participate in while living at the BA?
Independent Living activities are scheduled both on and off campus. Activities and entertainment on campus include:
- occasional hymn sings and testimony meetings
- weekly broadcasts of The Mother Church’s Sunday morning services and Wednesday testimony meetings
- live chats broadcast from spirituality.com
- monthly “Conversations in Literature”
- Friday and Saturday evening movie showings, along with special-subject video showings throughout the week
- presentations by volunteers on different subjects such as astronomy, quilting, baseball, music, and various service projects
- concerts from graduate students at New England Conservatory, scheduled during the academic year
- special appearances by speakers and guest artists
- occasional live music for listening/singing along to in the dining room
- …and more!
All of these events are open to staff and guests. Sometimes the wider BA community is also included.
Residents can participate in a variety of activities off campus as well, including services at The Mother Church, Annual Meeting, and local members’ meetings of The Mother Church. A number of nearby branch churches offer the possibility of church membership and participation. Community-service projects can be scheduled during the year. Trips are scheduled periodically to one of our local public libraries, to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony, Longyear Museum, the Mary Baker Eddy Library, and other museums, theaters, restaurants, and special attractions in the greater Boston area.
11. Can friends and family members visit a resident at the BA?
The BA welcomes family members and friends to the facility. Guest accommodations are available to those visiting our campus. Residents are free to invite their guests to enjoy the attractive and comfortable community spaces, including the reception area, smaller sitting rooms and large living room, and to have their meals in our dining room.
12. How do I apply for Independent Living?
The first step is to call and ask to speak with one of the Independent Living Directors, Tom or Marion Harvey, at 800-662-9937 or, send them an email – independent@chbenevolent.org. They will answer any questions you may have about Independent Living at the BA. They can send you an informational packet and, if you desire, an application to be completed and returned. After the Independent Living Admissions Committee has given preliminary approval to an applicant, the recommended next step, especially for those unfamiliar with the BA, is for you to plan a visit here to consider the various accommodations, survey and participate as you wish in available activities, enjoy meeting the residents at meals in the dining room and explore our historic buildings and grounds.
A complimentary 3-day stay is available for this purpose, intended to help you decide whether the program will meet your needs. The final step is for you and the BA, together, to determine whether to move forward with a commitment.
13. How do I contact the Directors for more information and an application?
You may call Independent Living Directors Tom and Marion Harvey at 800-662-9937 for more information or for an application, or you may write to them at:
Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association
910 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Phone: 617-734-5600 or 800-662-9937
E-mail: independent@chbenevolent.org
14. What’s nearby?
The First Church of Christ, Scientist (The Mother Church)
…and much more!
