Emma C. Shipman, C.S.B.

Oil on canvas portrait by Chase Emerson
Original Longyear Collection, Longyear Museum, AW0283

EMMA C. SHIPMAN, C.S.D.
While growing up in Danville, Vermont, Emma first became interested in Christian Science through the healings of two of her aunts and her father. She was healed of asthma and sick headaches at the age of thirteen. Before entering high school, she went to live in Lisbon, New Hampshire with her aunts, and after graduating, attended Boston University, became a school teacher and taught school in Brookline, Massachusetts for many years. In the mid 1890s, she withdrew her membership from the Congregational Church, joined The Mother Church, and took Primary class instruction in Christian Science. Between 1893 and 1898 she spent several summer holidays at the White Mountain House in Fabyan, New Hampshire, a destination popular with Christian Scientists and which Mary Baker Eddy had visited in 1888. Miss Shipman was actively involved with the organization of a church there, and Mrs. Eddy, upon receiving a letter from Emma seeking her approval, sent a contribution to the building fund. A few months after the White Mountain Church was dedicated, Mrs. Eddy invited Miss Shipman to attend her 1898 class, and encouraged her to enter the full-time practice of Christian Science. Adjusting her unfinished school contract, Miss Shipman opened an office in March 1899. With the approval of The Christian Science Board of Directors, Miss Shipman served as First Reader at Christian Science services for Wellesley College students. In 1901, she had Normal class with Edward A. Kimball. In 1949, she became President of The Mother Church, and in 1952, taught the Normal class under the Christian Science Board of Education. Miss Shipman was one of the first Trustees of Longyear Foundation.


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