In May 2024, Longyear Museum successfully completed a thorough restoration of 400 Beacon Street, the final residence of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer, Founder, and Leader of Christian Science. In this online series, we reprise “‘The Dearest Spot on Earth’” from the 2024 issues of the Longyear Review, taking readers on a tour through the interior of the immaculately restored house in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Rooms from Part 1 of the series wre placed online between October 2024 and January 2025. Starting this month, June 2025, we will regularly add a new room from Part 2 of the series to the “itinerary.”
This past spring, after a nearly decade-long restoration, the doors to 400 Beacon Street, Mary Baker Eddy’s final home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, opened to the public. Since then, more than 1,400 visitors have flocked to the property to view the house and learn more about the Discoverer, Founder, and Leader of Christian Science.
From curious locals and neighborhood groups to contractors and construction workers, from Sunday School classes and college students to Christian Science nurses, the flow of guests has been steady. And their praise has been generous.
This includes those who came knowing little to nothing about Mrs. Eddy—which is perhaps the most gratifying.
“I had heard of her but had no idea!” noted one visitor.
“We came here to see this restoration,” admitted another. “I had little interest in Mrs. Eddy or Christian Science, though I respect them both. But I’m leaving feeling that I must learn more about this amazing woman! What she did and what she accomplished are remarkable!”
A number of such individuals purchased biographies of Mrs. Eddy and Christian Science literature. Others expressed interest in returning with family members and friends. And as for the seasoned students of Christian Science who have visited—like the several hundred who came over Annual Meeting weekend—they, too, have found their hearts touched by the story that the house has to tell.
“Deep gratitude for our Leader welled up within me,” remarked one such visitor at the conclusion of a tour. In addition to comments like these, and praise for the restoration itself (“impeccable work,” “flawless”), many visitors have also been struck by the homey atmosphere of the large residence.
“There was such a feeling of joy, lightness, love, and inspiration throughout,” one said. “It truly felt like a home….”
Which is exactly what it was! In addition to being the executive headquarters of the Christian Science movement, 400 Beacon Street was home for Mary Baker Eddy and her staff—the faithful men and women who worked side by side with her from 1908 to 1910. And everything about this beautiful property sings of home.
“Home is the dearest spot on earth,” Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “and it should be the centre, though not the boundary, of the affections.”1
Mrs. Eddy’s affections certainly centered on this “dearest spot” during the years she resided here. She thought of her household as family, she spoke of them as family, and she treated them as family. Touring their rooms offers tangible proof that she meant what she said. The outpouring of love and tender care is evident at every turn. These weren’t “one size fits all” spaces. These were comfortable quarters, each as unique as its occupant, and furnished with everything they could wish for to truly feel at home. Mrs. Eddy saw to that.
As we noted in our last issue, we’re aware that not everyone will be able to travel to Chestnut Hill to see this house—this home—in person. So, once again, please step this way and follow us. We have so much more to show you!
Each “stop” in these freshly interpreted period rooms touches on fascinating details about historic restoration. And it also offers a window into the daily routines of “family” life and the prayer and practical accomplishments that took place during the three years that Mrs. Eddy and her staff lived and worked at 400 Beacon Street (1908–1910).
The Dearest Spot on Earth”: Part 1
Introduction
The Library (October 2024)
The Dining Room (November 2024)
Mrs. Eddy’s Study (December 2024)
The Pink Room (January 2025)
Calvin Frye’s Office (February 2025)
“The Dearest Spot on Earth”: Part 2
Introduction (this page)
The Kitchen (May 2025)
Still to come:
The West Room
Laura Sargent’s Room
The Sewing Room