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The Religious Affiliation of Christian Science Founder
Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy is one of the most famous figures in American religious history. She is also one of the most famous and influential female religious founders in world history. Baker is well known as the founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist (with headquarters in the "Mother Church" in Boston, Massachusetts). Christian Science, as the faith she founded is know, is a usually categorized as part of the Protestant branch of Christianity, but sometimes is described as a unique branch on the Christian family tree. Church members are called Christian Scientists, and Mary Baker Eddy is considered the first Christian Scientist. Eddy was born, raised and lived much of her adult life, however, as a Congregationalist.
The following extract is from The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany,, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 174:12-24:
TO FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
To the Rev. Franklin D. Ayer, D.D., Pastor Emeritus; the Rev. George H. Reed, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Concord, N. H., Edward A. Moulton, John C. Thorne, William P. Ballard, Henry K. Morrison, Deacons.
Beloved Brethren: -- I have the pleasure of thanking you for your kind invitation to attend the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of our time-honored First Congregational Church in Concord, N. H., where my parents first offered me to Christ in infant baptism. For nearly forty years and until I had a church of my own, I was a member of the Congregational Church in Tilton, N. H.
Webpage created 14 July 2005. Last modified 14 July 2005.
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