FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST The membrrs of the First Chruch of Christ, Scientist, their church property entirely cleared from debt, dedicated it Sunday, June 29, 1908, formally, with services both in the morning and evening.  The service rooms in the church, at the corner of Sixth and Perry streets, were crowded both in the morning and evening, and it was necessary to open the reading rooms to accommodate the members and visitors.  On this occasion the following article was read: The first knowledge of the healing work done through Christian Science was brought to this city by a lady in 1887.  Being at one of the hotels she was soon known as a practitioner and many people went to her for help.  One, a young girl, was lame, having one limb shorter than the other.  She decided to try the treatment and asked a lady friend to go with her.  Not believing the healing possible, but willing to help the girl all she could, she went.  To her amazement the limb was lengthened and healed.  When the girl brought her first pair of shoes, having both alike, this lady was present.  Believing it a wonderful cure, this friend determined to know what power caused it.  Inquiring of the practitioner she was told Mrs. Mary B. G. Eddy, of Boston, was the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" was the text book to get and study.  She sent for a copy but had it in the house six months before reading it.  In the meantime other literature had found its way to Davenport.  Many people read it, thinking it Christian Science, or something just as good.  Some of them were friends of the lady who sent for "Science and Health."  Following her advice they gave up this literature and teaching to study "Science and Health."  Christian Science now had a start.  From this time on meetings were held in private houses for the discussion of Christian Science.  Several teachers came and held classes.  None of them stayed longer than a few weeks or months.  Some read "Science and Health," some did not, but none of them were accredited teachers. The first to come with authority to teach was a student of Mrs. Eddy.  She spent three months in 1889, doing all she could to establish the work in that short time.  But no one came to stay until 1891, when two gentlemen moved here to live and with the intention of practicing Christian Science.  They opened the way for systematic work and teaching.  For the following year meetings were held in a private house.  Then room 21, Masonic Temple, was secured and First Church of Chirst, Scientist, of Davenport, was organized May 31, 1892, with sixteen charter members, about half of them from Rock Island, Illinois.  The first services were held Sunday mornings and Friday afternoons.  The afternoon testimony meetings were soon changed to Wednesday evenings, the same as now.  Interest in Christian Science - and attendance at the services - increased steadily until larter quarters were needed.  During the summer of 1895 the Sunday services were changed to Columbian hall, near Third and Brady streets.  In the fall the people from Rock Island felt they were strong enough to commence the work in that city.  So Wednesday evening meetings were begun, although they still attended Sunday services in Davenport. October 25, 1896, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Rock Island, Illinois, was formed.  This step forward took away about half the membership from the Davenport church.  Being the result of progress and strength, giving the promise of two churches where there had been only one, all rejoiced when the organization was completed.  Later on the Masonic Temple room was given up and all meetings held in Columbian hall.  The congregation grew until it was neccessary to find another place.  As there was no larger hall in the city it was necessary to buy or build.  So this fine location was secured.  This change brought greater interest and attendance at the services; more call for literature at the reading room.  This has continued until now the church has paid the debt incurred with the purchase of its property and is rejoicing in greater freedom and prosperity, both spiritual and financial than ever before.  The obstacles overcome have been many.  The usual course has been followed here, beginning with the interest and work of one - then a handful of people to hold meetings - resulting in the organization of the church.  Much gratitude should be given those who have worked earnestly and faithfully to accomplish this.  They are to be congratulated upon the work. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L