We sat down recently with Ann Marie Wade, manager of Rest & Study at the BA. Ann Marie’s work touches many: Rest & Study guests; those planning for or attending Christian Science students’ association meetings; and participants in other activities at the BA or nearby.
The BA: Tell our readers a little about Rest & Study at the BA, Ann Marie.
Ann Marie Wade: We’re grateful to have witnessed steadily increasing use of Rest & Study. In the last year we have had about 800 guests check in for stays of varying lengths. As a total, these people stayed overnight more than 3,100 individual room nights.
The BA: What’s uppermost in thought as you do your work?
AMW: What’s key is that Rest & Study is really about providing a refuge. We attract those who are furthering a spiritual purpose. They want time away from the world for spiritual refreshment. They’re attending a meeting and want the time surrounding it to be supportive of quiet reflection and prayer. Or they may be working to see a healing become manifest in a situation where Christian Science nursing care is not required; or working on a project which otherwise needs the sanctuary the BA offers.
Actually, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bear witness to the universal activity of the Christ. Our guests last year came from 24 countries around the world and most of the states in the US. And in many ways this diverse group is all part of one family.
The BA: It sounds as though this activity is a popular one. In addition to the desire to seek and find refuge, what else contributes to the demand for these rooms?
AMW: Guests often express appreciation for the support of spiritual objectives made palpable in terms of love and kindness; and the skill and flexibility required to meet individual requirements.
Some newly renovated rooms with double beds and kitchenettes have also proved popular. Others like the variety of accommodations. As in a home, no two of our rooms are the same. We offer large and small, studio and suite. And they’re a real value. While rates are tied to the cost of providing service, they’re well below commercial establishments.
The BA: What would you like prospective guests to know?
AMW: Plan ahead! Guests are coming from everywhere, and more are realizing the need to reserve rooms in advance, for some dates as much as a year. We are seeing several full house weekends each year and have to turn away reservation requests.
