Christian Science War Time Activities/Chapter 03
III
HELPING HALIFAX
On Thursday, December 6, 1917, the people of Halifax appealed to the world for help in their distress caused by the collision of two steamers, the Mont Blanc and the Imo, and the resulting explosion and fire. Immediately the Christian Science organization responded. The Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother Church appointed a committee of five members to proceed to Halifax with relief. Obstacles such as storm, limitation of time, and lack of transportation at once presented themselves. No through train was available on Saturday when the Committee was to leave; therefore the Board of Directors authorized arrangements with the Boston & Maine Railroad to finance a special train from Bangor to Halifax. Large supplies of clothing were quickly gathered and placed on the train, and at 7.30 p.m., Saturday, December 8, the Committee left Boston in a terrific snowstorm, “to go,” as one member said with uplifted thought, “not to a city of disaster, but to a city whose builder and maker is God, a city of harmony, in the ever-present kingdom of heaven.”
About thirty people besides the Christian Science party made up the passenger list on the special train. There were doctors, nurses, newspaper reporters, and those bound for Halifax who were seeking out relatives. These were grateful indeed for the opportunity which had so unexpectedly opened for them to reach Halifax twenty-four hours sooner than otherwise would have been possible. The privilege of sending goods to Halifax was extended to those along the route of travel.
The journey was happy and harmonious. One man on the train testified that he had eaten his first normal breakfast in ten years that Sunday morning and felt no distress. He attributed this healing to the helpful association with Christian Scientists, and listened with marked interest to explanations of Christian Science.
Ours was the third relief train to start for Halifax. At St. John, New Brunswick, the Committee was met by a delegation of about twenty-five Scientists, who were eager to extend any aid possible. They offered to forward oil stoves and food if there were need of them, and a small number were ready to join the party immediately if necessary.
Both of the previous trains were held up at Truro, sixty miles from Halifax, one for half a day, and the other for five hours, and trainmen prophesied that this would prove a similar case. As when in the preceding hours obstacles of storm and lack were overcome, so now, thought was uplifted to perceive the freedom of the Sons of God and to know that there could be no delay in Mind's activity. The train remained in Truro but ten minutes. An inspector boarded the train and during his conversation said that the delegation could get no nearer the city than the five-mile limit. Again God's power was relied upon, and the following morning, Monday, December 10, upon rising the Committee found themselves in the heart of the city, their train having been the first to pass under a badly burned bridge and through the devastated region.
In the cold gray of the morning they went forth, with but little knowledge of the conditions, destruction meeting the eye at every turn; nevertheless the inspiration of Love, of God's ever-presence, so filled their thought that radiant smiles and boundless energy for work were manifested.
The party left the train about seven o'clock and proceeded to the hotel, where they were met by a member of the Halifax church, who gratefully reported that all the Christian Scientists were safe. The goods brought by the Committee were taken to the Masonic Hall, the central relief station for the distribution of all clothing and were immediately distributed to the destitute people who awaited relief. The Christian Science literature they had carried was taken to the Immigration Office from whence it was distributed to hotels, news stands, churches, and the Y. M. C. A. All were eager to receive it, especially the Monitors, as no newspapers had entered Halifax since the morning of the catastrophe.
During their stay our party worked with the general committee at the Masonic Hall in distributing clothing to those who had lost all they possessed. When there came a shortage of particular articles of clothing, some member of the Committee would go to local stores and buy these goods. At other times they took to the stores those individuals who needed special garments and were unable to obtain correct sizes or kinds from the miscellaneous supplies at the relief station. Again, when there appeared a lack of supplies to fill rush orders for the refugees, someone on the Committee completed the order by purchasing the needed articles at local stores. The ready cash at hand was thus utilized to best advantage at these particular crises.
In the meantime, in Boston, arrangements were made for special collections in The Mother Church, and also in many of the branch churches in other cities, and the Comforts Forwarding Committee prepared to gather clothing and supplies. Many individuals, learning of the need, sent donations. The following are examples of the many messages received:
“I enclose a check for fifty dollars as a contribution for the Halifax Relief Fund. I see by the Monitor that the need is still great, and am grateful to have the chance to share a small amount with those in need.”
“I enclose one dollar for the Halifax Relief Fund. It is very small, but I wanted to add this to the collection taken Sunday, for which I was not prepared. I am so grateful to the Directors of The Mother Church for their beautiful and generous response to the cry for help from Halifax. It is an inspiration for me to work better.”
The Christian Science Board of Directors wired the Relief Committee that they would supply a fully equipped field kitchen, with four men, and also food if needed. In view of the improved conditions, this offer could not be accepted, but the chairmen of the different committees in Halifax expressed their deep appreciation for the offer. On every side the Christian Science Committee heard words of commendation for their own work and for the generosity of the Christian Science Church.
One of the prominent committee chairmen said to two members, and later to a third member of the Christian Science Committee: “I have never witnessed such a manifestation of true Christianity in my life. In the past I have always spoken against Christian Science, but I have done it for the last time.” An extract from his letter, written upon the return of the Committee to Boston, is interesting:
“There is one outstanding feature in connection with the whole affair, and that is the promptitude with which the people of Boston and Massachusetts in general came to our assistance. . . . No words of mine can express to you, your party, and your Church, the thanks of Halifax for the promptness with which you arrived on the scene, the goods you brought with you, and last but not least, the sympathy you showed and the willingness with which you undertook any work that came first to your hand.”
A physician of Greater Boston, who was in Halifax on relief work, in a letter to the Committee on its return to Boston, wrote the following:
“Your whole committee proved their worth many times over, by their ever-readiness to do the most menial tasks, and to give aid to everyone who was in need, and indeed there were many. May I thank you again for the courtesy you showed us, and accept this as an appreciation of the altruistic attitude of your Committee as a whole.”
The coming of the Committee clearly brought joy and inspiration to the Christian Scientists of Halifax. After the explosion took place, many were depressed, and were glad to receive this comforting aid. Many told of the uplift of thought which came to them when they received word of what the Directors of The Mother Church had planned. The Wednesday evening meeting was one never to be forgotten. Expression after expression of gratitude was given for the protection received by the individuals through their understanding of the teachings of Christian Science. Out of a congregation of about eighty people, only one had been injured physically, and that one only slightly. All who spoke expressed deepest thanks to the Board of Directors for the loving thought which prompted them to send aid through the Committee. It seemed at this meeting as if all present opened their hearts and gave full vent to the love and gratitude they felt: gratitude to God, to Christ Jesus, the Way shower, to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, to the Board of Directors of The Mother Church, and to the Relief Committee. Those present will never forget the wonderful inspiration received and the love and gratitude expressed by all.
At the conclusion of the regular meeting, the members of the church congregated in an adjoining room. They were told by our Committee of the money ready for their use in restoring the church edifice and in aiding the members and others who were in need. A Committee was appointed by the Directors of The Mother Church in Boston, consisting of Christian Scientists of Halifax, to whom was given authority to expend the funds donated by the Christian Science field. The relief afforded by the funds was not limited to any religious creed. The Committee cooperated with the existing relief organizations and social workers, in order that their work might not overlap the activity of the others. Certain cases which the public funds could not properly and fully relieve were the special care of the Committee. Appropriate memoranda were kept, forming a basis for the investigation of each claim brought to the attention of the Committee by the Halifax Commission.
From the very start, the work was done quietly and effectively. First, the Christian Science Church structure was repaired, and no claim was presented to the city or to their Commission for damages to the church property. Next, those members of the church who had suffered damages to their homes were reimbursed. Then individual cases of great need were investigated and helped. Donations were made to various organizations which were engaged in helping the sufferers: the Y. M. C. A., Community Hall, Protestant Orphans' Home, Halifax Playgrounds Commission, Halifax Welfare Bureau, the Jost Mission under Methodist Auspices, Bureau of Social Service, Y. W. C. A. and the Old Ladies' Home. Braille Christian Science literature was provided for the blind. A number of one-year subscriptions to the Monitor were placed in hotels, the Naval Y. M. C. A., and given to some prominent social workers. Lastly, the Committee, in agreement with the Board of Directors of The Mother Church, established a downtown reading room, in order to reach the public in a more direct way than the former reading room in the church structure could do. Here was a great opportunity to reach soldiers, sailors, and refugees from the devastated region, and the establishment of the reading room could truly aid the situation created by the explosion. As the Committee had gone a long way toward helping along material lines, they felt that now there should be an opportunity to make Christian Science felt locally through its literature and periodicals. The Christian Science Church in Halifax aided in the support of this downtown reading room. The amounts expended by the Committee are given elsewhere.
The following are excerpts from a few of the many letters of appreciation for the aid rendered through the Christian Science Halifax Relief Committee:
“I wish to acknowledge with grateful appreciation the receipt of your generous check of $25 for the benefit of the girls who lost their sight in the explosion. I regret that you can only enjoy a reflection of the pleasure it has given me to supply them with a comfortable chair for use in the morning.”
“On behalf of the Committee of Management of the Old Ladies' Home, I thank you for the kind gift of one hundred dollars towards the equipment of our kitchenette, and fifty dollars towards the support and comfort of Mrs. X.”
“I want to thank you most warmly for the way in which you have helped me in my recent illness. I received your checks weekly, and found them most acceptable. I am so glad to be able to go to work again.”
“Enclosed please find receipted bill for $50, generously given to Mrs. B by your committee for her board and care. Will you allow me to express our thanks and appreciation to the givers for their wish to help one who has suffered severely because of the explosion. I telephoned my personal thanks for the $25 you sent me. This note gives me an extra chance to say ‘Thank you’ many times for your most unexpected gift to one who certainly has been in no uncertain way a victim of the terrible disaster of December 6th, in material things. In closing, I would like to add that I appreciate more than all the kindly way you listened to my tale of woe in behalf of a few of the sufferers of the disaster. The thought of burdens lightened may well give to all those who have given so largely in dollars for relief, the rest that comes each night with the knowledge that someone, somewhere, is the better for our giving and doing.”
“Owing to the pressure of work involved in the removal of the old ladies back to their home, the Committee of Management has not been able to hold its regular monthly meeting, but I cannot longer refrain from acknowledging the most kind and exceedingly welcome gift of your Committee. The old ladies have lost so many things dear to them from old associations, as well as much that was useful, and have been so brave, cheerful, and courageous all through, that we are rejoiced to be able, through your munificent and most thoughtful gift, to make up to them their personal losses. With sincerest thanks to your Committee and yourself for this further kindness.”
“Permit me to thank you for your letter and a cheque for $1000 which I received this morning to be applied to the Playground work on the Exhibition Grounds and Commons. I shall bring this matter before the Playground Association at an early date and they will, I know, express their thanks to you. . . . It is a most generous gift and I know will bring large returns in the development of character of the children who have been stricken in the Halifax disaster.”
NEWSPAPER COMMENT ON HALIFAX EXPEDITION
CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS DO RELIEF WORK
Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, December 17, 1917
Editor Nonpareil:—Splendid work was done by the Christian Scientists of Boston in rushing aid to the stricken city of Halifax. Finding no through train from Boston available on Saturday, the day of the recent disaster in that city, representatives of the church arranged for a special train which left Boston in a storm, but outran it, and speeded northward carrying aid to the Halifax sufferers in the shape of clothing and supplies as well as $10,000 in cash and letters of credit.
When it became known in Boston that this special train had been arranged for, other relief workers asked permission to take passage on it, which was readily granted and thirty or forty Red Cross workers and physicians with supplies accompanied the Scientists.
A collection taken Sunday in The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston amounted to $4693.04. There was no time to give notice in advance of this collection. Collections were also arranged by many of the branch churches, which have not yet been reported.
Post, Chicago, Illinois, December 13, 1917
Boston, December 13.—The presence of doctors and nurses on board a Christian Science special seems a strange contradiction. Yet it happened on the relief train sent by the Christian Science Board of Directors here to the immediate succor of Halifax. It became known today that the Directors chartered a special in order to rush thru $10,000 contributed in cash and thousands of dollars' worth of food and warm clothing. As the train was being made up, city hall officials telephoned that a number of physicians, surgeons and trained nurses wished to make the trip, and found that it was practically impossible. They, therefore, asked permission to go on the Christian Science special. Permission was instantly granted and some forty doctors and their assistants rode to Halifax in company with the Christian Scientists.
Daily Times Journal, Fort William, Ontario, Canada, December 19, 1917
The Christian Scientists of Boston, Mass., magnificently came to the assistance of the stricken people of Halifax, when they sent a special train from the Massachusetts capital bearing relief of all kinds in clothing, provisions and supplies for the suffering, homeless and destitute.
The train was met at St. John by a committee of prominent business men. Accompanying this splendid donation was the sum of $10,000 in cash. Hearing of the departure of the relief special, thirty or forty Red Cross officials asked permission to accompany the train, and leave was willingly granted. It was an unusual spectacle—a train of relief from the mother Christian Scientist church in Boston, with leading church officials in charge, and Red Cross officers with them, all bent on the one errand of mercy—the relief of suffering. A collection taken in the mother Christian Science church in Boston last Sunday for the Halifax relief fund, in answer to an appeal, elicited the splendid response of $4693.14. Special appeals were made in Port Arthur last Sunday in the Christian Science church, and when the returns are all in it is expected that $50 will be forthcoming from this small coterie of generous people.
Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, December 18, 1917
Sorrow and suffering are often the mellowing influence required to drive the steel from the hearts of men. With all its horror and terrific toll, the world war brings its good, its softer tones and better aims.
When the explosion occurred at Halifax with its tremendous loss of life and havoc wrought about the city, the Christian Science society at Boston jumped into the breach with practical aid.
Its directors chartered a special train to Halifax, took along $10,000 in cash raised from their members, and loaded it down with clothing, food and necessary supplies. The Red Cross and some charitable organizations had desired to take the same steps but were unable to secure transportation. They asked permission of the Christian Scientists to ship aboard their special and it was promptly granted.
This train impelled by love and helpfulness, the right thing at the right time, rushed on to Halifax with Christian Scientists and doctors rubbing elbows. Each aimed at the same goal, each was on a mission of mercy, inspired by love of God to help their fellow man who needed aid.
'Tis said that sorrow makes us all akin. Each is created in the image of Divinity and controlled by one Intelligence.
Do soldiers in the trenches stop to question by what faith their comrades seek to enter heaven? When facing death do they inquire the church to which the other fellow belongs? They only know that he is one of them—their fellow man.
And with the war comes tolerance of other men's ideals, the love that grows from common cause. With back to wall, with heads held high in righteousness, we all must face the foe that threatens liberty.
News Tribune, Duluth, Minnesota, December 20, 1917
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
Catastrophe, as well as war and politics, makes strange bedfellows. But nothing stranger has happened than this. As soon as the wreck of Halifax was flashed to Boston, The Mother Church of Christian Science raised $10,000 in cash, secured a special train, loaded it with supplies and with the cash and supplies was ready to speed relief to the stricken city.
The officials of Boston, trying to get a special train, found the Scientists were a lap ahead of them, and special trains are not easy to get these days. The Red Cross made a like discovery. Both city and Red Cross hurried to The Mother Church officials.
On schedule time that train pulled away from Boston loaded with the workers, supplies and money of the Church of Christ, Scientist, with doctors and medicines from the city of Boston and with nurses and supplies from the Red Cross.
Where has there been a more splendid sinking of human belief and opinion, of religious and personal prejudice, the forgetting of all revilings and enmities, in the bigger, nobler, holier faith in a common humanity? It recalls the tenth and eleventh Beatitudes.
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| Interior, Camp Sheridan | Building erected near Camp Sheridan, Alabama | |
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| Christian Science Headquarters, Camp Bowie, Texas | The boys building the Workers' Cottage at Camp Lewis, Washington |