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Longyear Presentation at Principia College: Paths of Pioneer Christian Scientists

April 26, 2010

The life stories of the "pioneer" Christian Scientists, that first generation of workers who helped Mary Baker Eddy establish her movement, are as educational as they are inspiring.

This was the focus of the Longyear presentation during Parents' Weekend at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, on April 23. Longyear Director•Curator Stephen Howard and Senior Researcher and Writer Christopher Tyner presented findings from their research on the lives of pioneer Christian Scientists Emma Thompson, Abigail Dyer Thompson, Janette Weller, and Annie M. Knott. The results of their research will be published in a book by Longyear Museum Press this autumn.

The panelists talked about their research, which included studying documents, letters, reminiscences, and private papers - and how they brought the stories of these early Christian Scientists to light. They also spoke of the courage and determination of these four women to practice and teach Christian Science in the late 1800s.

Thanks to a generous donor, the Museum's forthcoming book about these pioneers will be presented to Principia College graduating seniors.

exhibit opening Following the panel presentation, attendees gathered in the School of Government for the opening of a Longyear exhibit, "Imparting a fresh impulse: Preparing the next generation." The exhibit highlights eleven young students from Mary Baker Eddy's last class. Its title is derived from a statement by Mrs. Eddy to the class (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, 244:11).