What is the Residential Program?
The Residential Program is a community of dedicated Christian Scientists who choose to lead active, independent lives in daily demonstration of the Science of Christianity.
What do you mean by “Independent Living?”
We define it as participating in a lifestyle that is distinct from the BA’s Christian Science nursing care and Christian Science nurses training departments, yet is part of the overall BA community, and operates side by side with those core-mission activities.
Residents take their meals in the dining room and participate in the daily activities that interest them, care for their individual needs, and travel to appointments and off campus activities.
What if temporary assistance is needed with daily activities?
Individual needs for assistance are considered on an individual basis. The Residential Program is not staffed to provide ongoing assistance at this time. When needed, residents find temporary assistance through the BA’s Visiting Christian Science Nursing Services, or the Boston-area Home Care for Christian Scientists services, or in some cases, through individual family members or friends.
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.
Currently, a few BA residents serve at the nearby Christian Science Reading Room in Newton, Massachusetts.
Are pets allowed?
This question can be addressed on a case by case basis.
Will I have an internet connection for my computer? Is there wireless service?
The BA makes satellite television and hard-wired internet connection available and has added wireless connection in most parts of the building for those with computers. There are also some computers available in common areas.
May I bring my own furnishings?
Residents bring their own furnishings and arrange their apartments as they wish.
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, 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 transportation to and from services at The Mother Church, planned activities, and for a nominal fee, to and from appointments. A special shopping trip is offered once or twice a month. Transportation to individual appointments can be arranged.
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.
What types of activities can residents participate in while living at the BA?
Residential activities are scheduled both on and off campus. Activities on campus include hymn sings and church services in the Original Building every Thursday and Sunday evening for residents, staff, and guests.
Residents can participate in a periodic writing workshop begun several years ago by a current resident. The Sparklers Writing Workshop draws individuals from the Residential Program and from other departments at the BA and outside the BA community. Residents enjoy a variety of discussion groups, and reading aloud programs. The Residential Program also hosts special concerts and talks on campus for residents and the BA community.
The entire BA community, including residents, guests, and visitors can enjoy meeting old and new friends at teas held on many Friday afternoons in the BA’s lobby. Residents enjoy seeing videos on a variety of inspirational, educational, and cultural subjects. Movies are shown every Friday and Saturday evenings. Speakers and guest artists appear here from time to time.
Residents can participate in a variety of activities off campus including the 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 are scheduled during the year. A special relationship with a local school offers the opportunity to interact with children and teachers. Trips are scheduled periodically to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony, Longyear Museum, and other museums, theaters, restaurants, and special attractions in the greater Boston area.
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, and there are special rates for visiting family members who stay at the facility. 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.
How do I apply for residency at the Benevolent Association?
The first step is to call and ask to speak with one of the Residential Directors, Tom or Marion Harvey, at 800-662-9937. They will answer any questions you may have about the program. They can also send you an informational packet and, if you desire, an application to be completed and returned. After the Residential Admissions Committee has given preliminary approval to an applicant, the next step is for you to select a two-week period when you can stay as a guest of the BA, consider the various accommodations, and participate in the parts of the activity program which interest you. This provides an opportunity for you to 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.
How do I contact the Directors for more information and an application?
You may call Residential 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: residential@chbenevolent.org
Doesn’t the BA have a “temporary resident” program? How does it work?
Yes, we do have a modest program offering limited space to a specific group of individuals. The program is designed to serve members of The Mother Church who are associated with The Mother Church or with Longyear Museum as employees, contractors, or interns. For further information, please call 800-662-9937 and ask to speak with the Residential Department.
What’s nearby?
The First Church of Christ, Scientist (The Mother Church)
The Christian Science Monitor offices
The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity
The Longyear Museum
- Boston Museum of Fine Arts
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- The Freedom Trail
- Boston Public Garden
- Quincy Market
- The North End
- Bike paths & Rail Trails
- New England Aquarium
- Duck Boat Tours
- Charles River Community boating
- Esplanade and Boston Pops
- Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace (1,100-acre chain of parks)
- Cape Cod, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the seacoast, fall foliage
- World-class cuisine
- Over 50 colleges & universities offer continuing education
