Caroline & Edward Bates and the 120 foot tower

I am thrilled to hear about Caroline and Edward Bates' contribution to the building of the original Mother Church in Chapter 17 of our book, "A world more bright - the life of Mary Baker Eddy". I thought I knew the story from having read Joseph Armstrong's account in his book about that building project. The Bates do get a mention in the Armstrong account, but their outstanding service is more fully described in our book this month.

Edward intuitively knew that his church needed him. He offered his services as on-site manager. The Board of Directors, of which Joseph Armstrong was a member, accepted his offer. The work seemed to be stalemated, with little work proceeding on the building, and there were only seven weeks to go till Mrs. Eddy's proclaimed date for the first service to be held in the new church. Here was an opportunity to demonstrate that “all things are possible”. Soon Edward had 20 contractors and over 200 men working simultaneously.

The report of Caroline's contribution to the project is so thrilling – it needs to be read and appreciated. Her climbing of a ladder to the 120 foot tower has a legendary place in the history of Christian Science, and was written about by Mrs Eddy. 

Mrs. Eddy's orders about the work seemed impossible to accomplish, but accomplished they were, under the direction of this supremely obedient couple. Here is an example of the way the work was accomplished: the contractors had agreed that it would take 12 weeks to apply both coats of plaster to the inside of the church – it was done in 12 hours.

We are told that obstacles arose constantly, but each time Edward reports that, “I would lift my thought and know that God governed and I could witness Mrs. Eddy's work.”

The work was finished at midnight – the church was ready. Edward wrote, “I was surprised. Every person in that room finished his work at the same moment. There were cleaners, masons, carpenters, brick layers electricians, and so on, – all manner of work going on, and all finished and went to the stairways to place their tools in the lower vestry at the same moment” Remarkable!

The chapter ended, “Noted Edward, "Mrs. Eddy's demonstration was complete to the minute.""

I hope all readers of this blog will have the opportunity to read the wondrous story.

Joyce Voysey

Note: Copies of this book are available in the Redcliffe Reading Room.