Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, is widely recognized outside her Church as one of the most remarkable religious figures of modern times. She was born in New England on a farm in Bow, New Hampshire. Her childhood and much of her adult life, before 1866, was spent in ill health. Although raised with Puritan values, daily Bible reading, and even the talk of God’s healing power, she spent many years looking for healing in the many remedial methods available in her time. She found no permanent help there.
In 1866, she was healed of a serious injury as she read the account of one of Jesus’ healings in the New Testament. This led her to discover what she came to understand as the Science of Christianity, which she named Christian Science. In 1875, she first wrote and published Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the textbook of Christian Science. Over nine million copies have been sold and it remains a best-seller each year. She also wrote and published several other books on Christian Science which have been translated into foreign languages.
Before Mrs. Eddy died in 1910, the religion she established had spread around much of the world, and she had become one of the most recognized public figures in America. In 1995, she was elected to the National Women’s Hall of Fame for leaving “an indelible mark on society, religion and journalism.”
The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity will open in Boston in late September 2002. This will be a place where people can come together to explore the ideas, life and achievements of Mary Baker Eddy.
For more information about Mrs Eddy please go to www.marybakereddy.org
[Information taken from the website of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, USA]
