First Church of Christ, Scientist

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Gazette Article by Field Beam, Winter 1998
Updated November 17, 2021

In 1866, Mary Baker Eddy founded Christian Science while she was healing after a serious accident. She used only prayer and biblical inspiration during her recovery. Several years later she wrote and published the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. In 1892, Eddy founded the First Church of Christ, Scientist — the Mother Church — in Boston, Massachusetts. Its by-laws, written by Eddy, provide for local (branch) churches to be established worldwide.

In April 1924, 75 Christian Scientists founded First Church of Christ, Scientist in Winnetka. The young church held worship services, Sunday school, and testimony meetings in the Masonic Temple, which stood at 700 Elm (where the Hadley Institute is located today).

After nine years of prayer, fund raising, and membership growth, in 1933 the church began construction of its edifice at Ridge Avenue and Cherry Street. Eight years after the groundbreaking, the Winnetka branch was debt-free and qualified for dedication. On February 2, 1941, the dedication was celebrated at three special services witnessed by more than one thousand participants.

Architect Spencer S. Beman designed the building. Beman was a charter member of the church, internationally recognized for his work on more than 20 churches nationwide and 75 houses throughout the North Shore. He favored Colonial Style New England churches, and his Winnetka building vividly reflects his devotion to the colonial design. Beman insisted on authenticity, and the Ridge Avenue church embodies some of his finest work. He created an artistic yet functional architectural gem, a substantial contribution to the ambience of the community.

The building’s exterior is beige brick and cut stone, with white trim and moldings in balance with its many tall, clear glass windows and work-of-art steeple. With a capacity of 548, the colonial auditorium has white wood pews, oak floors, crystal chandeliers, and two winding stairways. Because there are no icons, sculptures, candles, or other ecclesiastical fixtures in a Christian Science church, the interior is grandly simple.

The Christian Scientist congregation remained in the building until 2012, when it moved to 804 Elm. The building at 440 Ridge is now used by Grace Presbyterian Church.

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3 Responses to “First Church of Christ, Scientist”

  1. December 20, 2021 at 11:37 AM #

    I went to Sunday School there from 1958 through 1969 and loved it. The high school classes were on an upstairs balcony and overlooked the younger kids. Beautiful building and friends there.

  2. December 21, 2021 at 12:24 AM #

    I have fond memories of attending Sunday school there, especially one favorite during high school, William Howlett. It is a beautiful building.

  3. Mark Bohrer January 22, 2023 at 10:37 PM #

    I was also taught by William Howlett. I attended Sunday school for 10 years, 1964-1974. More than Christian Science, Sunday school teachers like Mr. Howlett taught me about generosity, kindness and how to be a decent human being.

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