A Tribute to Mary Baker Eddy

Listening to the readings at the Wednesday testimony meeting on July 14, 2021, entitled, “Our Safety Is to Dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High,” I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for Mary Baker Eddy, for her exemplary life and love for Christian Science.

From Mrs. Eddy’s Message for 1902 Gary read, “In the eighties, anonymous letters mailed to me contained threats to blow up the hall where I preached; yet I never lost my faith in God, and neither informed the police of these letters nor sought the protection of the laws of my country. I leaned on God, and was safe.” (page 15:1-5) Mrs. Eddy did not go to the authorities nor did she even let it interfere with her work for God and mankind. For that reason, God protected her and members of her household. What an example of how to handle hate and aggressive mental suggestions of any kind. Love destroys hate, no matter where or who it is coming from.

Before I came to the Plainfield Church, I knew very little about Mary Baker Eddy. I got a glimpse of who she is by reading Science and Health with Keys to the Scriptures. Her writings are inspirational and a revelation to the world. But her life story was exemplary. She lived a humble life. Her story will touch you really deeply and make you want to be a better person. I love listening to stories of her life whenever they are read, many of which were events that led to her discovery of Christian Science. It’s always a privilege.

That’s why I am very grateful for the Longyear Museum for the work they are doing in preserving and retelling these wonderful stories about the life of Mary Baker Eddy — her household, and her generosity. Many of them are videos in documentary format, and I have had the privilege of viewing a few.

When I first visited her home at Chestnut Hill and saw her room, where many demonstrations and healing work were done, once again I was humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude and love for who she is. It was a revealing moment to me, and knowing that she lived such a life of humility, I couldn’t hold back emotions. I was overwhelmed. Every bit of self pride I had in me was completely gone. That’s why I have the utmost respect and gratitude for her. I adore her for all that she went through, for the persecutions she had to endure, and for her perseverance in following the footsteps of Christ, the way-shower, thus setting an example for us to follow. She wrote in the Blue Book, on page 173, “Follow my teachings only so far as they follow Christ’s in word and deed.” For these reasons we gathered here at this testimony meeting. For these reasons we owe her endless gratitude.

I also have the same gratitude and reverence for Doris White Evans for her life of service to God in following Mrs. Eddy’s footsteps, and her love for Christian Science, which led to our independence. I am grateful for everyone who is taking part in this sacred cause, and everyone sitting in this auditorium tonight, and all of you who have found our church from all over the world. You are now part of a great Cause that is changing lives around the world.

I am grateful to Mary Baker Eddy for her life of service to God and to mankind, and most grateful to God for the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent.