Biography
ELLEN LATHAM CLARKE, a native of New London, Connecticut, came to Boston early in 1880 in search of relief from a distressing personal problem. Christian Science was recommended to her and despite much doubt she visited Hawthorne Hall one Sunday to hear Mrs. Eddy speak. The experience changed her entire outlook and in the fall of that year she took a course of instruction from Mrs. Eddy in Lynn, and became a member of the Christian Scientist Association of Mrs. Eddy’s students. By 1888, Ellen was in the practice of Christian Science in Dorchester, Massachusetts, continuing in this location for many years. Her close association with the activities of the church from 1880 prepared her to serve in 1892 as one of the 12 organizing members of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. Note: After 1893, Mrs. Clarke frequently spelled her name without the final “e.” In 1913, her name was legally changed to “Clark.”
