First Church of Christ, Scientist, New Bern
Welcome
Welcome to one of the most historic Christian Science churches in North Carolina, located in the heart of New Bern. Its history is part of the early developments of the church of Christ, Scientists.
History of Our Church
Christian Science services have been held in New Bern since 1896 and was first brought here in 1894 by Mary Hatch Harrison. In 1903, a year after she took Normal Class with Edward A. Kimball, CSD, Harrison, and other Christian Scientists from North Carolina, won a legislative victory, thwarting attempts to prevent the practice of Christian Science in this state.
As an expression of gratitude for this victory won in the legislature as well as all the growth in the Christian Science movement, First Church of Christ, Scientist, New Bern decided to build a church.
Later that month, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, through her secretary, Calvin A. Frye, sent Harrison a copy of all her works published to that date to place in the cornerstone, which had already been purchased, and was later laid on December 31st.
In addition, during that same December, Eddy sent a gift of gratitude to Harrison, in the form of $3,000, for locating proof that Eddy’s husband, Major George W. Glover, was indeed a Free Mason. The money was to be used to purchase land and build a church.
Construction began in May of 1907, and was finished on July 28th, with the church being dedicated, debt-free. Eddy herself chose the four inscriptions seen on the interior walls of the edifice.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, New Bern, North Carolina was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 2, 1973.
Sunday Services
Our Sunday morning service includes a sermon, prayer, the singing of hymns and a solo. We also provide Sunday School instruction for young people up to the age of twenty.
Our sermon focuses on a unique topic and includes readings from our impersonal pastor
with citations from the Bible and our denominational textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by the founder of our church, Mary Baker Eddy.
To join our Sunday Services online, click HERE.
Each weekly Bible Lesson sermon is available for study in advance and designed to address personal, global, social, and political issues–and most importantly help congregants discover the blessings of Christian living.
The same sermon is delivered in Christian Science churches around the world, uniting us with our global membership. Church on Sunday provides fellowship and healing inspiration that enriches lives in countless ways.
Wednesday Evening Meetings
During our Wednesday evening testimony meetings expressions of gratitude, testimonies of healing and remarks on Christian Science are encouraged.
Child care is lovingly provided.
To join our Wednesday service, click HERE
Sunday School
Students are “taught the Scriptures”, and how to find spiritual solutions to everyday issues in the Sunday School building next door.
Our Sunday School is a happy, spiritual place where young people up to the age of 20 gather together, in small groups, with experienced adult Christian Scientists.
They learn from the Bible, especially the teaching of Christ Jesus, and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Together, they discover how these lessons can be applied to everyday experience.
Children’s Room
We provide an interactive and comfortable space for babies and toddlers up to four years old.
Our Children’s Room is available during Sunday and Wednesday services.
Reading Room
Our Reading Room is a quiet, reflective place that services the needs of the entire community and beyond. In this spiritual atmosphere of care and compassion one can pray, study the weekly Bible lesson, and use the extensive reference library for a deeper understanding of the principles of Christian Science.
The Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, biographies of Mrs. Eddy, and all authorized Christian Science literature in several languages are available to be read, borrowed or purchased.
A computer area offers access to articles from all past Christian Science periodicals.
Whatever answers you are searching for in life, the Reading Room offers answers. A question about finance? An answer of supply. A question on relationships? An answer of everlasting Love. A question on illness? An answer of perfect health.
The librarian on duty will be happy to help answer any questions one might have.
Church, Reading Room and Contact Information
Sunday Serviceand Sunday School
10:00 AM (childcare available)Wednesday Testimony Meeting
6:30 PM (childcare available)Thanksgiving Day Service
10 AMReading Room Hours
Wed. 5:30 PM - 6:15 PMSun. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Church
Church Location408 Middle Street
New Bern, NC 28560
Reading Room
Reading Room Location406 Middle Street
New Bern, NC 28560librarian@christiansciencenewbern.org
