Spectacular adventures

What a fine group of men were at the helm when Mary Baker Eddy gave the instruction in July 1908 to “start a daily newspaper called Christian Science Monitor…without fail” (see page 22 of our book Commitment to Freedom).

Canham gives us some insight into their characters and tells us that they were “strong and seasoned men”, indeed “seasoned, substantial, and practical men”, many of whom had been “staunchly helpful to Mrs. Eddy” (p. 26).  He further explains that they brought impressive “judgment and knowledge of business and professional affairs” which, combined with a “deep sense of religious zeal” enabled them to “tackle and solve the unprecedented problem” of launching a newspaper by November 25 - in 100 days! This was a “tremendous new adventure” (p. 41).

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

William P. McKenzie – member of the Board of Trustees, Christian Science lecturer

Canham’s description reveals honesty, determination, selflessness, energy and steadfast obedience. (pp. 24 – 25)

EARNEST ZEAL AND DEDICATED POETIC SPIRIT (p. 26)

Judge Clifford P. Smith – member of the Board of Trustees

RESPONSIBLE (p. 27)

Thomas W. Hatten – member of the Board of Trustees

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Archibald McLellan – member of the Board of Directors, editor of The Christian Science Journal and Sentinel

LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY, HARD-WORKING, DEDICATED, RESPONSIBLE, FRIENDLY (pp. 76, 77)

Allison V. Stewart – member of the Board of Directors, publisher of Eddy’s books

TRUSTED (p. 26)

Ira O. Knapp – member of the Board of Directors

TRUSTWORTHY – “In 1889 Mrs. Eddy made him the recipient of a trust deed for the land on which the original Mother Church was to stand” (p. 26).  

Stephen A. Chase – member of the Board of Directors, formerly a business man  

TRUSTWORTHY – “elected Treasurer” (p. 26)

William B. Johnson – member of the Board of Directors  

RELIABLE - “…closely relied upon by Mrs. Eddy since the late 1880’s” (p. 26)

It seems that these qualities were replicated all along the line as staff were hired and equipment purchased. I loved the story of the surmounting of obstacles such as when the ship bringing all the composing room equipment (type, cabinets, makeup tables etc) collided with another vessel and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Without delay, and with “some lively activity on our part”, new equipment was ordered and no delay in publication of the first edition of the Monitor ensued. Similarly, when it was discovered that Boston’s underground telegraph wires did not reach to the Publishing Society’s building, swift action soon had the matter in hand.

Canham provides an insightful explanation of the Christian Science approach to such difficulties. The Christian Scientist does not rely on “mere optimism”, but rather a supreme trust that God’s law – “the laws of the universe” – “are consistent and beneficent” (p. 45). In the two examples above, the workers focused not on the problem, but on its solution – an excellent example for the modus of reporting in this uniquely solution-oriented newspaper, where every step involves an “expectancy of good” (p. 44).  

I especially appreciated Canham’s commentary at the foot of p. 43:

               “[The Christian Scientist’s] prayer…did not consist in sitting down, closing their eyes, and imploring God to make the telegraph wires sprout from Mechanics Building to the Publishing House. Their prayer consisted of knowing where and how to turn, so that a human problem could be solved I practical terms.”

The way forward may not always be smooth, and the sails may need to be set and re-set according to the prevailing winds, but with the high goal in front, there is no doubt about the adventure of the journey. 

Julie Swannell