The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity
Christian Science Plaza
corner of Huntington Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue
Boston
(617) 450-3790

Summary: World headquarters of the Christian Science Church. Drop by to take a tour of the beautiful Church complex and to learn more about the history and faith of the Christian Science Church.

You don't have to be a believer to enjoy a tour of what is essentially the Christian Science world headquarters. This 14-acre oasis between Boston's Back Bay and South End neighborhoods is the spiritual home of the world's Christian Scientists. In addition to the Mother Church, the 28-story church administration building, and the Sunday School building, the complex is home to the offices of Monitor Radio and The Christian Science Monitor (on-line at http://www.csmonitor.com). These news services are international in scope and have won many media awards.

What You Will See
The Huntington Avenue side of the complex is bordered with linden trees clipped into perfect lollipops. This area also features a 670-foot long reflecting pool with a fountain of spray jets arranged in a circle (the perfect cooling-off spot for the under-12 set, and some not-so-grownup adults, too). Although the water can be inviting on a hot day, the reflecting pool is, unfortunately, off limits to swimming and wading.

There is a story that the rounded edges of the pool, which are precision-cut to form an uninterrupted mini-waterfall, are actually cast-offs from another granite-cutting process. A close look at the waterfall convinced us of the accuracy of this tale since cutting the stones especially for this project would have been cost-prohibitive.

Take your time when exploring the grounds -- from the shady, sheltered colonnade of the Broadcasting Center, to the grove of trees, to the water features, to the beautiful flowers, there is a perfect spot to relax in almost any weather.

Inside the Library (formerly the home of the Monitor's publishing operations), don't miss the Mapparium -- a 30-foot diameter stained-glass globe of the world as it existed in 1931. An acrylic bridge cuts through the globe at midpoint, taking visitors inside the brightly colored sphere. The globe is built of 608 sheets of glass and backlit with some 300 electric lamps. The acoustics inside reflect and seem to amplify all sounds, so don't whisper anything you don't want everyone else to hear! The Mapparium tour takes less than 30 minutes, even if you spend a few moments browsing in the book store, which has dark, elegant wood paneling reminiscent of a private gentlemen's club.

Tours of the Mother Church form in the church lobby facing Mass. Ave. The original church was built in 1894 in the Romanesque style and features beautiful examples of American opalescent stained glass illustrating Bible stories. The original church building was soon outgrown, however, and the Extension was added in 1906. The building can now seat 3,000 people under its marble and limestone dome. The monumental portico, with its two-story columns, was completed later, in 1975.

The Broadcasting Building is the location of "A Light Unto My Path," a non-denominational multi-media exhibit on Bible history, which includes an illuminated time-line, a three-dimensional panoramic view of the Holy Land, and a 28-minute impressionistic film. This exhibit is very informative both for the faithful and for those not particularly familiar with the Bible. It is also a comfortable, air-conditioned place to sit and rest if the heat and sun of the day are wearing you down. Enter the exhibit from Belvidere Street.

Tours and Times
The tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and explain the church's history and beliefs. You will learn, for example, that the First Church of Christ, Scientist was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. It is Bible-centered, and teaches that disease and sin may be conquered by using the divine powers of Christian faith.

Visit the Library's web site to found out when tours and other events are held, noting that generally all tours and exhibits are free of charge, and proselytizing is minimal.

Information about Mrs. Eddy's many homes around New England is also available online.

Tips on When to Go
Crowds of visitors from around the world arrive here in early June for the week-long Annual Meeting of Christian Scientists. The campus is at its spiffiest at that time, but exhibits and tours are likely to deviate from the usual schedule so be sure to call ahead.

Walks between buildings are either short, or sheltered, so bad weather should not stop you from enjoying a tour.

Getting There
By subway, take the Green Line (B,C or D), to the Convention Center stop, and walk four short blocks down Mass. Ave. toward Boylston Street. The library campus is two blocks south of the Hynes Auditorium and Convention Center on Boylston Street.

On-street parking is available on Huntington Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue but, as always, spaces are few and far between.

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