SERVICES

As a small group, then a society, and finally a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston MA, the members of First Church in Raleigh have represented Christian Science in this area for over one hundred years. Our Church as an Institution and Building.

1914: A small group of Christian Scientists began offering Sunday services in a home in downtown Raleigh. By 1917, the group had been recognized by The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, as a Society.

1923: The society was granted recognition as the first Christian Science branch church in Raleigh by The Mother Church. The Raleigh church held Sunday and Thanksgiving services and Wednesday evening testimony meetings. It also provided a Sunday School and Reading Room.

1925: Two years after its formation, the church purchased the lot where our building stands today. Once the lot was paid off, construction began.

1931: The church building was completed in 1931, and the congregation held its first Sunday service Sept. 6, 1931. Over the years, spaces were renovated for a room to house a Sunday School and another where child care for those too young to attend Sunday School could be provided. By 2000, the building was proving to be inadequate in several ways. The congregation approved the construction of an addition on the back that would provide a larger Children’s Room, a rear exit from the auditorium, a large meeting room, additional up to code restrooms, and storage for committee materials. We moved into the new space in May 2007.

2014: The auditorium where services are held was remodeled and the sound system upgraded. The space now offers flexibility and can be rearranged as needed for church services, music concerts, memorial services, or weddings.

While we do not have a formal Fellowship Hall, we gather once a month in our Sunday School after the Sunday Service for Fellowship and lunch.

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES

Community outreach includes sponsored talks about Christian Science. We offer a Thanksgiving Day service where expressions of gratitude are shared as part of the service. The church is a part of the Cameron Park Association.

Every Christian Science church is required to provide a bookstore in the community as an outlet for the Christian Science Publishing Society.  Ours is located in downtown Raleigh at the corner of Hargett and Fayetteville Streets. Here newcomers, or those curious about Christian Science, can ask questions, and read or purchase the Christian Science textbook.  This public space provides a haven to the community for inspiration, Bible study and research, as well as the contemplation or discussion of spirituality.  Large windows are filled with displays of inspirational literature. These are accessible to the public 24/7 and provide much comfort to those who stop by to read the latest citations or articles. The award winning weekly newspaper The Christian Science Monitor is also sold here.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING ROOM

Prior to 1975: The Reading Room leased its space in downtown office buildings and hotels. In 1975, the church purchased the building and lot at 201 Fayetteville Street as a permanent location for the Reading Room.

1988: Due to the deteriorating condition of the building on Fayetteville Street, the church demolished the structure and built the one that now houses our Reading Room.

1989: In April the Reading Room moved into its new space.

1990: This year, the architect firm that designed the Reading Room, Bohm NBBJ, received two awards for its work: (1) the Merit Award for Design by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and (2) the Sir Walter Award for Community Appearance – Commercial Category