The Mother Church

The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Mary Baker Eddy, who published the Christian Science textbook in 1875, established what became known as The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1879. Under the system of government she detailed in the Manual of The Mother Church, all other Christian Science churches and societies (currently numbering about 2,000) around the world are branches of The Mother Church. Together, The Mother Church and its branches comprise the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Sunday church services

The Mother Church, located near the corner of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues in Boston’s Back Bay, holds Sunday services at 10 o’clock in the morning and at 7 o’clock in the evening (the evening service, omitted in July and August, is a repetition of the morning service). The services last about an hour and, like the services in branch churches, include hymns, prayer, and the reading of selected passages (focused on a particular topic) from the Bible and Science and Health. These readings are the sermon ( see a sample from this week’s sermon). Anyone is welcome to attend services at The Mother Church. You also can listen to the Sunday morning service online from 1 p.m. EDT (1700 UTC) Sunday throughout the week.

Wednesday testimony meetings

In addition to Sunday services, The Mother Church holds Wednesday testimony meetings at noon and 7:30 p.m. At these meetings, which also include readings from the Bible and Science and Health, those attending can explain how Christian Science has helped and healed them. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sunday School

Sunday School for those up to the age of 20 is held at the same times as the Sunday services. Students learn about God and their relationship with this Father-Mother who is divine Love itself—a Love that’s central to healing in Christian Science. Sunday School pupils discover how they can rely on God in their everyday lives, no matter what they face. more

Christian Science Reading Room

The Mother Church also runs a Christian Science Reading Room open to the public at 194 Massachusetts Avenue, a short distance from the church. There people can read and purchase the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy’s writings. Bible reference works as well as Christian Science magazines and other items related to Christian Science are available too. The Christian Science Monitor, a daily international newspaper, is also on sale. Staff members are always happy to help and to answer your questions. more