Biography
MARY STEWART, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was a member of the 1888 class at Wellesley College. In 1893, she found herself troubled to the point of severe illness by questions about the import of the Trinity. Mary became interested in Christian Science, and a discussion with Mrs. Eddy’s student Flavia S. Knapp, a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, so completely clarified the concept for her that she was quickly healed. The following month, Miss Stewart had Primary class with Mrs. Knapp and soon began the practice of Christian Science in Des Moines. She attended Mrs. Eddy’s final 1898 class in Concord, New Hampshire, and in 1901 was one of those called to Pleasant View to assist during the Next Friends lawsuit. At that time, Mrs. Eddy encouraged Mrs. Stewart to teach, and in 1903 she taught her first Christian Science class. Mary Stewart moved to Chicago in 1906, and that city became the headquarters for her classes and associations until her retirement in 1952.