Daisette D. S. McKenzie, C.S.B.

Oil on canvas portrait by Eileen Ayrton
Gift of Daisette D. S. McKenzie Association
Longyear Museum Collection, AW0262


DAISETTE D.S. McKENZIE, C.S.B.
A native of Ohio, Daisette McKenzie, became interested in Christian Science in 1887 when her sister's child was healed through treatment in Christian Science. That same year, when one of Mary Baker Eddy's students, Hannah Larminie, was in Cleveland, Daisette and her two older sisters took class instruction in Christian Science from her. Meetings were soon begun, and Daisette began preaching the Sunday services. Thus began the early work that led to the formation of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Cleveland. In 1891 she was invited to Toronto, Canada, to start a second church there, and for which she became pastor. While in Toronto, she met William P. McKenzie, who she would marry in 1901. He became a devoted student of Christian Science, and, in 1895, when Mrs. Eddy established the Bible and Science and Health as the dual pastor for all Churches of Christ, Scientist, William and Daisette served together as First and Second Readers, respectively, of the church. Also while in Toronto, Daisette and her friend, Emily Shanklin maintained a home in Toronto, which they called "Sharon," offering Christian Science treatment to young women. Daisette had further Christian Science class instruction in 1892, and a class with Mary Baker Eddy in 1898. Although she had been authorized to teach Christian Science since 1898, she did not actually start teaching until 1932, when William was made a member of The Christian Science Board of Directors, and the multiple duties of this office led him to retire from teaching. Mrs. McKenzie served as President of The Mother Church in 1943.

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