Ezra M. Buswell, C.S.D.

Portrait by Allan G. Cram. Original Longyear Collection.

Biography

EZRA M. BUSWELL, a successful farmer and lumberyard operator in Beatrice, Nebraska, first heard of Christian Science in 1884, and was healed of chronic stomach trouble in 1885 by reading Science and Health. Between 1887 and 1889, he traveled to Boston for three courses of instruction with Mrs. Eddy at the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, including Normal class. Ezra served as pastor of the Beatrice church until he was called to Concord, New Hampshire, to help the Christian Science work there. He was entrusted with the preliminary arrangements for purchasing a site in Concord to build a church. Services began to be held in 1897, with Mr. Buswell serving as First Reader. He returned to Beatrice in 1899 to resume his work as a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science. A point of law would be tested in the Nebraska courts when Ezra Buswell was charged with the practice of healing without legal authority. The successful outcome of the case, acquitting him of the charges, influenced future legislation in other states.

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