Christian Science War Time Activities/Chapter 05

by First Church of Christ, Scientist, War Relief Committee

 

V

WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE

In the spring and early summer of 1918, war-weary France had almost reached the limit of its endurance. Its army, with those of its allies, had for weeks been forced backward and ever backward. By late May only the most stout-hearted of those still remaining in the capital felt confident that Paris would escape German occupation, and many feared a far worse fate. Bombarded by day and bombed by night, the Parisian certainly did not lack variety, at least in the round of daily experience.

Into this tense situation at about ten o'clock one evening during the latter part of May there came a party of ten American Christian Scientists. This group had landed at Bordeaux two days previous from the steamer La Lorraine, and constituted a group of authorized workers sent to France to aid in relief work among the French war sufferers and to extend to Christian Scientists in the army and navy such assistance as was considered proper under the military regulations.

This party was chosen in April and, excepting two persons who were unable to reach Boston, assembled in that city early in May, where the members were instructed regarding their work as far as this was possible. They also had the advantage of conferences with the Christian Science Board of Directors and with the representative who had been sent overseas by the Board earlier in the year to make a preliminary investigation of conditions in France and to report back with recommendations. His experience and counsel now proved of great value.

On May 11, the State Department approved and issued the necessary passports. In conversations with the Department at this time, the Committee was assured that any War Relief work it might engage in would be acceptable. At the same time it was pointed out that all Welfare work in the army camps had already been delegated to certain authorized agencies, and work abroad similar to that then being done by us in the American camps, was inadvisable. Applications for passports having originally contained the statement that our work abroad was to be that of Camp Welfare, it became necessary to modify our plans, and the party finally sailed on May 14 from the port of New York, recognized and authorized by the State Department as Christian Science War Relief Workers. Neither the members of this party nor of those constituting the third one to cross, reckoning the Board's earlier representatives as the first party, were thereafter, at any time, able to carry on a work in any large degree comparable to that done in the camps and cantonments of the United States, as related elsewhere. With the full approval, however, of the State Department and the military authorities in France, these workers established and maintained in ten important centers in France, accessible at all times to many men in the service, depots or Christian Science headquarters. From these depots there went out in ever increasing measure messages of health and courage, inspiring books and helpful literature. To them also came in a correspondingly increasing ratio, calls for assistance of various kinds from the many hundreds of Christian Scientists in the service. By adopting this plan of organization and method of work the Committee was able, with the numerically small group of helpers at its command, to render a remarkably efficient service and at the same time comply with the requirements of the French and American military authorities.

Both the authorities referred to at all times displayed the most generous and cordial spirit of cooperation. For example, instead of sharing with many other war workers the not uncommon experience of being delayed in Paris for weeks, while necessary travel and residence permits were slowly going through the mills of official red tape, the party was at work within ten days. This group was thus quickly established and at widely separated points, while the experience of the September party was equally satisfactory.

The succeeding pages of this chapter deal in detail with the establishment of the work and its conduct at the ten depots already mentioned. Beginning with the work at Langres, the capital of the Department of the Haute-Marne, where several important American military colleges were maintained throughout the war, the story will close with a record of the work done at Romorantin, the great aircraft production center, which was the last depot to be opened and the first to close. The work at Langres was undertaken as early as March, 1918, by one of the two representatives first sent to France by the Board of Directors. Next, the rooms in Paris were selected and the work of getting them in shape began. These rooms, located at 3 Avenue de l'Opéra, at the head of probably the best known, and certainly one of the most important streets in Paris, were intended to be the headquarters of the Committee in France. They were commodious and well-appointed and served not only as official headquarters but also as an active book and literature distribution center and as a home for the many Science boys who visited Paris or were located there. Within a stone's throw of the Louvre and the Palais Royal, these rooms were situated near some of the most historic spots in France. Other depots were soon in operation in the order named, at Tours, Bordeaux, Brest, and St. Nazaire, and these were followed in September by others, at Nantes, Nevers, Le Mans and Romorantin,

LANGRES

Langres, an old Roman town with a history antedating the Christian era and a population of approximately 10,000 people, lies about 250 kilometers southeast of Paris. It is situated on the crest of a magnificent hill which dominates the countryside for many miles. In the distance can be seen the Swiss Alps, with Mont Blanc sometimes visible, and from the other side one sees the valley of the Marne, and the silver thread of the river whose name is linked with so much glorious bravery and stupendously heroic effort.

On the direct line of communication with the front, and about halfway between Chaumont, General Pershing's headquarters, and Dijon, this city was one of the most important centers of American military activity in all France. Langres has been called “The West Point of France.” Twenty-nine military schools were located there, among which were the following: Army General Staff College, Army School of the Line, Army School of Intelligence, Army Gas School, Army Candidate School, Army Machine Gun School, Anti-Aircraft School, Army Tank Center.

Langres being in direct communication with the front, day and night there was a constant stream of convoys from Dijon, where the great bakery was located, which sent 20,000 loaves of bread a day to the soldiers in the trenches, and from Bordeaux and other seaports where troops and supplies from the United States were unloaded and sent on. In Langres also was located the Motor Transport Corps, a small city in itself, with thousands of trucks, camions and automobiles constantly coming and going to and from the front lines. Troop trains filled with both American and French soldiers were hourly arriving and departing, besides which large numbers of men daily marched through the streets. Here were also the Headquarters of the Advance Section under a Brigadier-General with his staff and a large corps of officers.

Six hospitals were located at Langres, among which were: Base Hospital No. 53, with 200 nurses and 40 physicians and surgeons, and accommodations for 2000 patients; Base Hospitals No. 22, No. 23, No. 24; Camp Hospital No. 7, at Humes, a near-by small town; and Camp Hospital No. 10, at Prauthoy. These camp hospitals were not as large as the base hospitals, but they had a great many nurses and doctors and were always full of patients. At one time the hospital at Humes was filled with men who had been gassed.

With the permission of the Brigadier-General in command, our first woman worker in France went to Langres in March, 1918, although all civilians were strictly barred from this sector, which was in the advance zone. The rest of the story of the activity at Langres is quoted from one of her reports:

“We held services in the Officers' Club during the months of April and May. In the meantime I had been looking for a permanent place for our room, but as Langres is such a small city and was so crowded with American officers and soldiers, it seemed to be a difficult thing to find any suitable place. Finally a vacant building was found which the ‘Y’ had formerly used, but which had stood idle for some months. I secured the large front room on the upper floor. This building is situated on rue Diderot, the main street of Langres, just across from the Grand Hôtel de l'Europe. The room had four large windows on the front which made it bright and cheery and was furnished in light colors, blue and yellow. We had large wicker chairs, two handsome carved tables for the literature, a good piano, a large davenport, other smaller chairs, and white writing tables. The woodwork was white; we kept the floors polished, and through the summer the room was filled with flowers. Many tired soldier boys, just back from battle, would come in, sink down with a sigh, look around and say: ‘Oh, it is so clean, so like home. It's the prettiest place in France.’"

“The Monitor was placed in the wards of the big hospital, the Commanding Officer saying that he was delighted to have it, and the head nurse, who has a copy of Science and Health and attends our services, took charge of its distribution. Bundles of Monitors were tied up and placed on the piano in our room, so that a man coming in could help himself. And the small copies of Science and Health—how the boys did love them and how eager they were to get them—also the Bibles.

“We held our Sunday service at 2.30 in the afternoon, as many of the men were busy in the morning, and others were out quite a distance and could not get in before that time. The attendance varied, as the troops were constantly changing, but it averaged from thirty to forty-five. The room was generally full of earnest, thoughtful men, eager to hear the Word of God. The congregation was made up from all ranks of the army, Generals, Colonels and all classes of other officers and numbers of enlisted men. These mingled and talked together in a way that is only possible through Christian Science. We were most fortunate about our music. During the whole time we had a solo singer—once or twice boys with really remarkable voices, and the solo added much to the service and was enjoyed and appreciated by all.

“We held our testimonial meeting after the service. This was found advisable, as otherwise many men, who could not come in at any other time, would have been deprived of this meeting. Some very thrilling and interesting testimonies were given, which were certainly proofs of God's protecting care.

“There were many calls for help for all sorts of diseases—Spanish influenza, dysentery, drunkenness, sensuality, smoking, rheumatism, men who had been gassed, those who had been wounded and were in the hospital, etc. In many cases the men were directed to the use of the Concordances. One case of influenza was healed in this way and the young man told me afterwards that he had had a fear of tuberculosis for many years, which had left him at this time.

“In September, 1918, the War Relief Committee sent 2500 francs to be presented to the Mayor for the relief of the refugees or other victims of the war who were in Langres. The Mayor received us with a great deal of ceremony in his office, the General's aide going as interpreter. The letter was read with great care and attention and other officials were called in to hear it. The Mayor was most profuse in his thanks and said if at any time he could help in the work he would be very glad to do so. During the interview he was asked to correct, if possible, an impression that had gone out in the city that the Christian Science War Relief Committee was in Langres for the purpose of conducting a proselyting campaign. This he promptly agreed to do.

“A few days later the Town Crier, who is a very imposing figure, wearing a great deal of gold braid, and who is preceded by a man with a trumpet which he blows loudly to call crowds of people together, went through the streets announcing that the Christian Science War Relief Committee had beneficently given the sum of 2500 francs to the war victims of Langres. The weekly edition of the paper of the city contained the same announcement and also a statement from the Mayor giving the object of our work and saying that we had no intention of interfering with the religious customs or beliefs of the people of Langres.

“About three miles from our Reading Room, down at the foot of the hill, are the Casual Barracks. The men who came in there were often just out of the hospitals, or were changing trains, and had no time or strength to climb the long hill to the Reading Room. They were fed and there were bunks in which they could sleep, but it was a dismal, cold, muddy place, in spite of the efforts of the fine young officer who was in charge. He often came into the Reading Room uptown and so admired its color and warmth and cheer that he said one day, ‘Oh, if I could have something like this down at the barracks for the men who pass through there.’

“About that time some new barracks were being built at the Casual Camp, and with the consent of the Commanding General we took one of the larger rooms, one sixty feet long, and began our work. The men stained the rafters and ceiling and covered the walls with raphia. This is a pongee-colored material which the men at the Camouflage station gave us. They built a big twelve-foot fireplace in the center of the side wall. One of the boys made a couch sixteen feet long, which we upholstered and covered with tapestry. We also had six smaller couches around the wall, at intervals, so that the boys could lie down if they were tired. On these we put mattresses and the fine blankets they have in the army. We also built four writing desks. There were twelve small windows in the room at which were hung rose-colored sateen curtains, and the effect against the clean raphia was very attractive. I also made two rose-colored cushions for each couch and for the davenport and bought a rose-colored upholstered chair. This all added color to the room and made it bright and cheerful. Moreover, I found an American rocking chair which was a real delight to the boys, as rocking chairs are unknown in France. I took down a long hardwood table, which I was able to rent, and a good piano, like the one we had in the Reading Room. Some bright posters were hung on the wall and over the fireplace the head of Lincoln with some of his immortal words. We used to put big logs on the hearth, on which the boys would pour crude oil. This made a great blazing fire and to the poor, tired, mud-bedraggled boys coming in out of the wet and cold and mud, there was a glow of cheer and warmth and comfort about it which was very appealing. One boy said to me, ‘When I opened this door and looked in, coming as I did from the mud and rain, I thought I had caught a glimpse of heaven.’

“On the long tables were copies of the Monitor, Journal and Sentinel, and also some other current magazines. On a side table I had Mrs. Eddy's writings and the Bible, and the writing tables were furnished with our letter paper. The boys were always most grateful for the stationery and a quiet place in which to write. On the table was a low reading lamp, and there were colored shades on the electric lights.

“As there were from 500 to 3000 men passing through these barracks each day, I found many who were interested in Science and who were delighted to get the literature. A letter from the lieutenant in charge follows, showing his appreciation of the room.

“ ‘As my service as Commanding Officer of the Casual Camp here seems to be near an end, I am going to write you this letter of appreciation now, lest I forget to tell you what a great favor you have done the boys who have had to stop at this camp.

“ ‘Usually Casuals are in anything but a pleasant frame of mind and the very word “Casual Camp” is a bugbear to them. But thanks to your efforts in getting the many things for furnishing the Rest Room here, many thousands of boys have had a pleasant place to write letters, papers and magazines to read, a piano to play and a nice fireplace with a bully fire to gaze at and perhaps see visions of their homes back in the dear old U. S. A.

“ ‘I take great pleasure in thanking you for a kind and unselfish service rendered to the men of the A. E. F. who have had the benefits of your devotion to a good cause.’

“We had a wonderful time at Christmas. There were several boys who were artists and decorators, and they took great pleasure in the decoration of our rooms. Down at the Casual Barracks we had a big Christmas tree and holly wreaths. There was a dinner for the boys who came through that day and the Y. M. C. A. gave them each a package.

“In the Reading Room the decorations were lovely. We made long ropes of boxwood and hung it in festoons through the middle of the room. We fashioned two large wreaths of the same for the side walls. In the front windows we hung large wreaths of holly; the best one of all we put over our picture of The Mother Church. It was very difficult to get holly—no one had any—but the old Frenchwoman, in the house where I lived in the summer time, gave me all the holly from one tree which was in the garden. In this way there was enough to make wreaths for the two rooms, our Reading Room and the one at the Casual Barracks. We had a big basket of it on the piano and some on the tables, and we kept up a blazing fire in the fireplace and everyone who came in exclaimed over the beauty of it all.

“Some of the boys asked me if they might invite some of the other men at the barracks up to the room for New Year's Eve, as they were lonely and had no other place to go. Of course I said yes, and we had a real party! One of the men had received some pop corn from the United States, which was a great treat, as they do not have it in France. Besides this, they made a big bucket of chocolate, had sandwiches, and roasted chestnuts in the open fire. Some boys from the Glee Club came up and played and sang, and we all sang some of our hymns. Then we sat around in the firelight (our gas went out at nine o'clock) and told stories. It was a most enjoyable time and they were all so appreciative and said they would never forget their New Year's Eve in the Christian Science Reading Room.

“The demobilization began along after Christmas, the Army Schools being gradually closed, and the outlying forts evacuated. This was not done all at once, and our congregation kept up right along, averaging about thirty men each service. This continued through January and February and the Room was finally closed the first of March, 1919.”

TOURS

Tours, with a population of about 100,000, is one of the most remarkable and interesting old cities of France. In peace times it is frequented by visitors of all nations because it is the center of the famous château district of the Loire where much of the early history of France was made, and because it is here that the celebrated St. Martin established the Abbey St. Martin which played such an important part in the history of Europe. It was to this Abbey that all the kings of Europe were wont to repair with rich offerings for benisons upon their projected activities, good and bad. Here also the monks of the Abbey St. Martin and of the Abbey of the Marmoutiers plied the art of bookmaking, and in the library at Tours are some of the finest specimens of these early manuscripts.

The normal population of Tours was swelled to about 140,000 during the war, by American soldiers and refugees. Tours was established as the headquarters of the Service of Supply for the American army early in 1917. This branch of the army, being as necessary to the pursuance of war as the army of combat, caused Tours to become practically the most important city of France from the viewpoint of the American army.

The famous American salvage plant was established here, employing thousands of refugees and saving millions of dollars a week to the Americans. Railway lines running directly to the headquarters of the army of combat were established, the large central prison camp for German prisoners was located here, and an elaborate system of telephones was installed, superior to anything previously existing in France. Many barracks belonging to the French were leased by the Americans and entire hotels were taken over by our Government for the use of officers and American women serving in clerical capacities for the army.

At this important point a Christian Science War Relief Depot was established in June, 1918, with two Workers, a man and his wife. After much searching exactly the right house was found for our purposes, described as follows in the words of the Worker:

“In front of the house is a flower garden about 25 feet square, filled with all kinds of flowers that have given a succession of blooms the entire season. An iron fence encloses this garden, and over this are beautiful trailing vines. The house consists, on the ground floor, of a large hall running from front to back, a salon and dining room connected with double doors. From the dining room double doors open into a court about 10 by 15 feet, decorated with flower boxes on two sides, with vines climbing over the wall. This place is partly covered with a glass roof, and with a large electric light and bamboo furniture, it makes a delightful reading room for the hot evenings. The salon and dining room and floral retreat are used for reading rooms and answer the purpose very nicely. The second floor consists of two large bedrooms, nicely furnished, and a bath room, with instantaneous heater. The third floor contains servants' quarters, a large chamber and storage room. This little third-floor room has been designated ‘the little upper chamber’ and has sheltered many a weary pilgrim who has found rest and healing before leaving. Visiting Scientists have always found it ready for them and it has also served as a little retiring room to which the readers have gone for their study and preparation before the meetings. The first floor, parlor, dining room and floral retreat constitute the auditorium in which the meetings are held.”

Services were started at once by the Workers, the first one being held in the hotel room in which the Workers were temporarily quartered.

On the Fourth of July, which came shortly after our house was opened, the Workers entertained the boys at a luncheon which was much enjoyed.

On the same day a young French boy came to the house and asked if he might come in and read some French literature on Christian Science. He could speak only a few words of English, but fortunately a young French girl, who was an ardent lover of Science, happened to be at the rooms, and from her the Workers learned that this was the first time the boy had ever talked with a Christian Scientist. He told of picking up one of our pamphlets at the front and reading it. He said he thought it was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard about, that he had read and reread it, and having seen our sign, thought he would come in and see if he could obtain something more on the subject. The next day he returned and was disappointed not to find the French girl there. The Workers insisted on his coming in, knowing that the truth could not be withheld from his hungry heart. They talked together for an hour and it was wonderful, our Workers said, how the truth expressed itself so all could understand. He was loaned a copy of the French translation of Science and Health and shown how to study the lesson. When he left for the front a few days later, it was with a joyful heart and he subsequently wrote to the French girl:

“At home I read the daily lesson with the keenest interest and the greatest admiration, and here in the midst of danger my friends are ever wondering at my confidence and feel surprised when they see with what eagerness I study this Science which they know only by name.”

Our Worker was glad to be able to contribute 1000 francs towards a Band Fund which was being raised to serve with high-class music a permanent camp of 3000 to 5000 men. This camp was surrounded by the most unwholesome influences and the Commanding Officer himself subscribed 500 francs for the same purpose, so anxious was he to help his boys. He was most pleased with our assistance.

In September the first Workers were transferred to Paris and a second couple arrived in Tours in that month. By this time there had been established a lively organization, comfortably housed, with readers, pianist, soloist and usher for the services, and a customary attendance of thirty or more.

The work continued to grow rapidly and on the expiration of the lease, larger and more centrally located quarters were obtained. By the month of December from 50 to 70 were in attendance. Moreover, a Distribution Committee of officers and enlisted men had been formed to aid in preparing papers for mailing and local distribution, and some of the soldiers took upon themselves the loving duty of going to the hospitals to read or write letters for afflicted comrades.

Arrangements were made with Y. M. C. A. Secretaries to post notices announcing that the Christian Science lesson kit could be borrowed from the Secretary to study the lesson, and a set was supplied every Secretary who was willing to accept it.

One of the duties of the Committee which became very heavy toward the end of the war was writing letters to soldiers in the field. These were in reply to calls for help. In some instances the boys were merely homesick, nervous, discouraged, or felt they were being discriminated against by officers; in others serious maladies, vice and its effects, and inebriety had to be overcome. In return, letters of thanksgiving and praise to God were received, stating that discords had melted away into their native nothingness.

On every hand, among officers and men there existed a wonderful spirit of helpfulness. An automobile was placed at the disposal of the Committee as often as was needed and a pass furnished by the Post Commandant admitting the Worker to all Government enclosures.

Enlisted men who had been sent to other fields would come back “home” to Tours on leave and stay overnight. Many boys said they would rather come there on permission than go to Paris. While the open hours were theoretically from 1.30 to 9.30 p.m., there was no hour of the day or night when any seeker for Truth was not made welcome. For months the day when a guest did not arrive before 8.30 in the morning was rare, and few nights indeed, saw the last reluctant reader leaving the house before 11.30. Many of the younger lads made a practice of coming to the Rooms directly after the evening meal. The first part of the evening they would spend in study, then they would come into the living room to talk with the Workers and other visitors. Later when all readers had departed they would play the piano for they were seldom without a good musician in their midst, and the lads spent many a happy hour listening to good music.

Many hundreds of times the Workers heard the boys say: “This is just like home,” or “Where would we go if we didn't have a home like this?” One boy wrote back from a base port speaking of a disagreeable environment in the camp, “You know, I spent all my spare time at the House and I'd forgotten the manner of conversation which goes on in the barracks.” He mentioned, however, that one of his companions having made an evil remark, at once apologized to him, not because the Science boy gave any outward sign of disapproval, but because he had reflected enough of what he had learned in Science and Health to call forth that recognition.

The French people who came to the meetings seemed much interested in seeing a King James Version of the Bible, and a number of copies of the Bible and Science and Health have gone into homes where they are being studied diligently. The Public Library of Tours was presented with two copies of the French edition of Science and Health, and one can feel sure that the seed of Truth has thus been planted in old Touraine. Of its fruitage there can be no doubt.

The Christian Science Monitor was a welcome visitor in all of the “Y” huts in and around Tours for almost a year. It was delivered each time a shipment came, at Rannes Barracks, Beaumont Barracks, Café du Palais, Trianon Theater Reading Room, Beranger Gardens Officers' Club, Hotel de Bordeaux (officers), Hotel Terminus (officers), Hotel Metropole (officers), Hotel Negociants and Hotel Central. The two last-named hotels were occupied by the women of the A. E. F.

Just outside the city limits of Tours is St. Pierre de Corps, an important railway transfer point, at which the troops entrained and through which, during the fighting days, came men from the base ports on their way to the front, and wounded men coming back to the hospitals. There the Committee supplied the Red Cross with Monitors and these were seized with avidity by one and all, the men being unstinted in their praise of the paper.

At St. Pierre was also located the largest prison camp of the Americans, where a “Y” was placed for the 1000 or more guards. Camp de Grasse with from 3000 to 5000 men, Rochambeau with an equal number, and the Engineers' Construction Camp with their quota of workers all received the Monitor regularly.

The Second Aviation Instruction Center, about six kilometers from Tours, had a hut where there was always a great demand for papers. This camp probably furnished the largest number of regular attendants at our services. During a portion of the time it was impossible to get late passes and the boys would be obliged to leave before the end of the lesson and then run part of the way up a long steep hill to be back by ten o'clock. As it rained almost every day for several months, one can appreciate the devotion to good which these lads showed. Later they succeeded in getting special church passes.

Our Room in Tours continued to be active during the demobilization period. However, as one of the Christian Science army chaplains was transferred to this point, he was able to look after the needs of the Scientists who remained. The Room was closed on June 20, 1919.

BORDEAUX

Bordeaux was selected by the United States as one of the principal base centers from which to supply the American Expeditionary Forces, and accordingly large docks were built on the river Garonne, furnished with all the modern equipment necessary to handle expeditiously immense tonnage of freight, including many large electric cranes capable of unloading several ships at one time. The docks were connected with complete and ample railway facilities, cold storage plants and vast warehouses, and during the war a large part of the American supplies were handled at this city.

Near the American docks were two embarkation camps where there were over 20,000 men at all times, new troops taking the place of those embarking for home. At Pauillac farther down the river was another embarkation camp with a capacity of 10,000 men.

The area occupied by this base section was reported to be about 30,000 square miles, in which were twelve American base hospitals and eight camp hospitals with a total capacity of 60,000 beds. During the progress of the war the base hospitals near Bordeaux contained many sick and wounded brought back from the front in hospital trains.

For many months there was at all times a large number of American soldiers in this section, probably never less than 50,000. Before the armistice 10,000 American motor trucks were continually operating in the area, with an army of engineers to keep the roads in repair. In normal times Bordeaux is said to have 265,000 inhabitants but during the war its population increased to 400,000.

Our Workers, a man and his wife, arrived in Bordeaux on June 7, 1918. After several days' search they found a furnished apartment, occupying the entire second story of a building, on a main street of the city at 187 rue Fondaudège. A large sunny front room was used for a reading and writing room, in the rear of which was an office which served for distribution work. On Sundays these two rooms could be thrown together for services. There was a small reception hall used for a practitioner's office and in the back of the apartment were a bedchamber and kitchen utilized as living quarters by the Workers.

The General in command of this base section received our Workers cordially and ordered a notice of the rooms posted on the bulletin boards of all military organizations under his jurisdiction. Notices were also placed in various centers about the camps. In one case a young officer asked for a dozen to be posted in conspicuous places. He was not a Scientist but he loved the Monitor and wanted to help Christian Scientists to find our Rooms.

Regular services were soon begun, being held at five o'clock, an hour which seemed to suit the greatest number of men. The boys began to come from far and near, all most grateful to have found the Rooms. One day after the Sunday service a soldier came quietly to the Worker and slipped a hundred-franc note into his hand, “To assist in the work of the Committee,” he said. This was not exceptional, either in this depot, or in others in France. The boys were eager to show their gratitude for the help received in the Christian Science Rooms and our Workers regularly sent to the Paris office sums ranging, in Bordeaux, for instance, as high as 365 francs ($73) a month, representing voluntary donations from men in the service.

As soon as the men began to be aware of the existence of the War Relief Depot our Workers were called upon to send out large quantities of literature and to answer many calls for help. They had also to devote some time to the civilian population for the French themselves began to visit the Rooms, and finding the truth attractive, became regular attendants at the Christian Science services. A French lady in Bordeaux, who had been a student of Christian Science for several years and whose appreciation of the opportunity to attend services was very great, bought a copy of the French-English textbook, donating it to the Room to be loaned as occasion arose. It was immediately loaned and was in constant use ever after. This same lady sent a beautiful potted plant on Thanksgiving Day as another evidence of her gratitude. There was proof in all the War Relief Depots of the growing interest in Christian Science among the French people, manifested in numerous requests for literature, calls for help and attendance at the services.

When our Workers at the Bordeaux branch made known their desire to present the Mayor of the city with a check for 5000 francs for the relief of war sufferers on behalf of The Mother Church Fund, the American consul offered to act as interpreter. The Mayor sent his secretary in an automobile to convey our Workers to his country home, where he received them most cordially. He was deeply moved on being presented with the check and said:

“This is but one more evidence of the bigness and thoughtfulness and loving-kindness of the Americans in their desire to help in every way possible in this terrible war, and I am very glad to accept this trust and will do all in my power to carry out their desires. If I were not a Frenchman I would want to be an American.”

Truly from his viewpoint, this was the highest praise he could offer.

A most appreciated service rendered by our Workers in France was in sending information to friends and families in the United States about their dear ones in the service. Writing to the Bordeaux office, one mother says:

“Your epistle of July 10 is at hand. Words fail me to express my appreciation and thanks. You cannot imagine my surprise when I read your letter, nor my happiness. I cried for joy. Just to hear from someone who was with my dear boy, and then to know that Love is finding a way. . . . I received a letter yesterday from my son telling me of your gift (a vest-pocket textbook) and of the fine talks you had had. It certainly is a pleasure to me, and a great comfort, to know you and your wife visit him.”

Of Thanksgiving in the Bordeaux Rooms the Workers wrote:

“The Thanksgiving service was truly a joyous occasion, and in the testimonials given much gratitude was expressed for the help and benefits received in Christian Science. At six o'clock when our dinner was prepared the five boys who were reading and writing in the Rooms at that time were invited to share it. Their surprise and happiness were spontaneous and genuine, and as they gathered around the table, all agreed that it was ‘just like home.’ ”

As elsewhere the healing work at Bordeaux was the most important phase of the activity. One incident may be related to show something of what was accomplished. An officer wounded in battle was brought to a hospital near this city, and being a student of Christian Science telegraphed for treatment. He was very ill, but was resisting with all his understanding the surgeons' determination to amputate his leg. Treatment was given him at once, his condition improved and when the Worker visited him he said he knew the demonstration was made and that Christian Science had saved his leg. His gratitude was very great.

The Bordeaux Room was very active during the earlier months of demobilization, but was finally closed on May 31, 1919. As the last Sunday services were so well attended, arrangements were made to continue them in a Red Cross hut as long as any soldiers remained in this area.

BREST

About fifty per cent of the American Expeditionary Forces entered France through the port of Brest. This city was France's main naval port before the war but had not much importance from a commercial standpoint. Its normal population of about 90,000 was increased to 120,000 by the influx of troops.

There were a number of camps located in the environs of Brest, and four hospitals in or near the city, one at Kerhuon having 4000 beds, another at Camp Pontanezan with the same number and Naval Bases No. 1 and No. 5 having 500 beds each, making a total of 9000.

The Christian Science War Relief Workers arrived in June, 1918. They had been supplied by the Paris Scientists with the name of one Christian Scientist, a sailor who was on a destroyer working from this base.

A note had been sent to this young man and on the second day after the arrival of the Workers he called, bringing with him a nurse who had become interested in Science before leaving America. The nurse knew of another Scientist, then a patient in the hospital to which she was attached, and of two others slightly interested. It was decided to begin services at once, so on the following Sunday the first Christian Science service ever held in Brest took place with five persons present. This number increased steadily until the average attendance reached about thirty.

Of their first experiences the Workers write:

“Upon our arrival here, we thought we had never seen so dirty a place, both morally and physically. Needless to say we were unable to find either a Room for our War Relief work or even an apartment in which to live until we had proved somewhat the unreality of the seeming evil. The determination to see at least one good thing as we passed down the street, and to be grateful for it, was the key which opened the way here, bringing blessing to numbers of others. This one good pure thing which was uncontaminated by the belief of evil which seemed to attach itself to everything else, was the sunshine. Being grateful for the sunshine opened our eyes to other good things—the Rooms were soon found and opened, and a suitable place to live speedily followed.”

The Rooms secured by the Committee were at 16 rue Amiral Linois, and were cleaned and renovated for our purposes. Across the front of the room there extended a large window and on its ledge our literature was displayed—a late Monitor, Le Héraut opened at a convincing testimony of healing, the vest-pocket Science and Health and a copy of the French-English edition of the same book. Many passers-by stopped to glance at the window and eventually came into the Rooms.

In order to work with the men in the outlying camps it was necessary to secure permission from the Y. M. C. A. Secretary in charge of the district. He readily gave his consent and the Base Commander added his approval and gave our Worker a permanent pass good for all camps in Army Base No. 5. Cards announcing the location of the Rooms were posted in the “Y” huts in town and the Scientists soon began to be aware of the presence of the Workers. A later order from the War Department placed our work under the jurisdiction of the chaplain, but it was allowed to continue uninterruptedly.

At the camps in the district where permission to visit town was rarely granted, boxes for communication were established in the “Y” huts. Into these, Christian Scientists who wished to see the Worker or send him a message, dropped their names. Hundreds of boys were located in this way.

Literature distribution was carried on in this Depot on the same scale as elsewhere, the Monitor work growing from 25 to 225 daily.

From the first there was a very healthy interest manifested by the French people of Brest. The French textbooks in the Lending Library were in constant circulation. Our Workers mention a French doctor, a Belgian soldier, a French sergeant and a French sailor among a number of others to whom the textbook was given or sold. One day a Frenchman who had purchased a Science and Health some months previous, came in to express his happiness at having found this satisfying and helpful religion. His conversation revealed the fact that he was a careful student and had made splendid progress. As he was about to go, he gave the attendant a fifty-franc note, saying:

“I know you must have many expenses here. My happiness is unbounded and I want to help make it possible for others to know about this religion.”

An interesting case of healing which occurred in the Brest Depot was that of a French sergeant. He borrowed Science and Health, and later became so interested in it that he bought a copy in leather binding. He told the Workers that he had been healed of insomnia by reading the book and that a disease of the heart was also disappearing in the same way. There were also many calls from the American soldiers and our Workers were kept very busy responding to letters, telegrams and messages asking for treatment in Christian Science.

The Brest Depot was one of the last of the Rooms to close as a great number of men passed through the city during the demobilization period.

ST. NAZAIRE

In the first week of July, 1918, a Christian Science War Relief Depot was opened in the city of St. Nazaire, France. It was ideally located on the rue Ville-es-Martin, the main highway for the motor bus lines operating between St. Nazaire and the outlying army camps. The rooms taken for this purpose were on the ground floor and had formerly been used for a buvette or bar room. They were comfortably furnished by the Committee with a piano, writing desks and easy-chairs, and flowers on the tables always added a bright and cheerful touch. Some months after they were opened two sailors entered expecting to find the buvette of former days. Undaunted by the marked change, however, they remained and read for some time.

St. Nazaire is not an old city, as cities go in France, the first Mayor having taken office in 1790. Until that time the village had been nothing more than a coast fishing town. It was admirably situated for a port of commerce, however, standing as it does at the mouth of the Loire River, and when a floating dock was built to meet the difficulties presented by the changing tides, the city became an important port.

It was selected by the American Government as one of the chief debarkation ports for the American troops and the population of the city increased enormously on this account. In normal peace times the inhabitants numbered approximately 40,000, whereas a conservative estimate of the permanent population located in St. Nazaire and its environs during the war, was 85,000.

Just west of the city a large camp accommodating 12,000 soldiers was built. This was only used for concentration purposes, however, for both the American and British troops. The Americans later built numerous camps about the city, holding from 400 to 2000 men each. Montoir, a near-by point, should properly be included in the St. Nazaire area.

Besides the camps, the following hospitals were located at St. Nazaire: Base Hospital No. 101; Camp Hospital No. 11; Field Hospital No, 44; Evacuation Ambulance Company No. 22; Mobile Ambulance Company No. 44; Base Dispensary; Medical Detachment Embarkation Camp. The personnel of these various hospitals totaled 95 officers, 759 men and 106 nurses.

When the War Relief Depot was first opened regular Christian Science services were held on Sunday and Wednesday. Later, in order to accommodate soldiers coming from outlying camps, two services were held on Sunday. The meetings were conducted entirely by the men, who assumed the duties of readers, pianist and soloist. The readers were elected for a period of two months. The congregation represented many different branches of the service, sailors, marines, soldiers, Y. M. C. A. workers, nurses, all military distinctions being laid aside when one entered the room. There was a very good attendance, averaging, our Worker says, about thirty.

The literature distribution work grew by leaps and bounds. Monitors were supplied to troop trains leaving for the front and to ships returning to the States. “Y” huts, Red Cross stations, hospitals, military camps, Officers' Clubs, the American Commissary Department, hotels, barber shops, restaurants and many other places received the Monitor, an average of 400 a week being distributed in this way. There was also a large demand for textbooks, Bibles, Quarterlies and the other periodicals.

Our Worker presented the Mayor of St. Nazaire with a check for 2500 francs on behalf of the Committee for the relief of war sufferers. Shortly afterwards there appeared in one of the leading newspapers a notice from which we quote in part:

“In the list of subscriptions collected is a gift of 2500 francs given by the Christian Science War Relief Committee whose main office is at 3 Avenue de l'Opéra, Paris.

“This Committee maintains an office at St. Nazaire at 130 rue Ville-es-Martin, managed by Miss B.

“Its benevolent action, which is extended to all who suffer from hostilities, is manifested in the form of help in money and supplies.

“The municipality has expressed its hearty thanks to the generous donors whose act will permit it to relieve some misfortunes.”

As in other places, the Rooms became a home to the Science boys and as was fitting, a home dinner was served on Thanksgiving Day to about twenty persons. Even the chef and his assistants were Scientists. It was a real Thanksgiving feast with turkey and “all the fixins',” as the boys put it.

Christmas also did not pass without observance. Two large trees were secured through the efforts of the boys, and the Y. M. C. A. furnished a box of decorations. Adjacent to the Room were quartered some men from the Medical Corps who helped by furnishing two large containers of coffee and chocolate. This, with French biscuits, jam and candy, constituted the refreshments. The men's pleasure was unmistakable and they were particularly appreciative of the fact that here they were free from army discipline.

Much could be written of the healing work accomplished in this depot, and the following letter sent to our Worker will perhaps serve to illustrate many other cases.

“I received your favor, enclosing the two Quarterlies and two pieces of literature, and your kind note, today. I was delighted to get it all and am greatly obliged to you for sending it to me. I don't remember whether I mentioned in my other letter that the diagnosis card which came with me showed a compound fracture of the leg, but the X-ray picture taken here showed no fracture at all. The doctor here was puzzled as to how the first X-ray could have made a mistake. Whether he made a mistake or not, I do not know, but I do know that I have great cause for gratitude for what understanding I have of Christian Science. The leg is coming along in very good shape and I expect to be on my way back to join my company soon.”

NANTES

When France was called Gaul, and Brittany was Armorica, Nantes already existed as a seaport of some importance. There are in the museums and archives relics and inscriptions dating to 200 A. D. which show that the city was a place of some consequence even at that early date. The history of Nantes for three or four hundred years after the second century reads like the story of “The House That Jack Built,” for the Bretons came, saw and conquered, and were followed in turn by the Franks and later by the Normans, until finally the “invading hordes were vanquished” and a measure of peace reigned. Houses were then built outside the old city walls, docks and quays sprang up along the river, and at last a cathedral appeared high on the hill which dominates the city.

The location of Nantes, only fifty-five kilometers from the sea, and at the junction of the railroad lines from Bordeaux, Brest, St. Nazaire and Paris, with direct communication with Brest by canal, made it an advantageous freight port, and great quantities of food and ammunition passed through it before and after the armistice. Fifty thousand refugees from the devastated districts of France and from Belgium were allotted to Nantes as the quota of the fifth largest city in the country. Its narrow streets were crowded with soldiers and sailors. American hospitals sprang up and American ships sailed up the Loire, and Nantes, which had been proud of its provincialism, proud of being “different” even from the rest of France, Nantes, which had known nothing of America, became a supply depot for the American army.

The most important single branch of activity was centered at the vast Motor Transport Park, where hundreds of motor cars and trucks were assembled every day. After the armistice Nantes became a billeting area for troops returning to the United States and, during the winter, men from all branches of the service were stationed there waiting to go home. At one time the personnel of forty-seven American hospital units were awaiting transportation. There were also, of course, many men regularly stationed at Nantes, Pioneer Infantry, Engineers, Marines, the Quartermasters' Corps, and there was an aviation field at St. Jean de Monts.

In a suburb of Nantes an American hospital center was established consisting of five units accommodating about ten thousand men. At Savenay, in the Nantes area, was the largest hospital center in France, said to care for between eighty and a hundred thousand men. These were base hospitals and provided for fracture, neuropathic, tubercular and contagious cases as well as convalescents.

There were eight permanent Y. M. C. A. huts in or near Nantes—all rather small by comparison with those in other places. The American Red Cross had three huts in the city, one at Clisson for a short time and several at the hospital at Savenay. The Knights of Columbus did not open rooms at Nantes until January, 1919, although they tried several times to find a satisfactory location, and the Jewish Welfare Board did not come until the latter part of February, 1919, while the Salvation Army had no building at all. This made the Christian Science War Relief Rooms of singular importance. When the Christian Scientists arrived in September, 1918, only four of the Y. M. C. A. huts had been opened, and the War Relief Rooms, completely and comfortably furnished, were therefore especially welcome.

The Depot was located in the center of the city, at the junction of two of the most important streets, one leading to the Y. M. C. A. city hut, and the other to what was later the headquarters of the Knights of Columbus. Just around the corner were the American Post Office and the headquarters of the American army. The Rooms consisted of a large salon, which the soldiers used as a lounging room, with comfortable chairs and a cheerful open fireplace. Here Christian Science services were held every Sunday and Wednesday. Adjoining this room—connecting with it by a large doorway—was the reading room, arranged with tables for reading and writing. Next to the reading room was a small office and on the other side of the corridor was a business office where French people and refugees applying for help could be received. Opening out of this was a large room where Christian Science literature and warm clothing for civilians and soldiers were stored, and where the literature was wrapped for mailing.

Letters were received daily asking for literature from men in the various barracks and hospitals, and aside from this distribution of Sentinels, Journals, Herauts, pamphlets and Quarterlies, a hundred Monitors were mailed each day to individuals who had asked for them, and to all the relief huts. It was not at all uncommon for officers, not Christian Scientists, to send their orderlies to the Rooms for Monitors, and they often came themselves and asked if they might subscribe for the paper for a month or two.

The soldiers' edition of Science and Health was always in demand. The little books could be read so easily and inconspicuously that the men were able to use them under all circumstances, and only a soldier knows what that means. They were read in bunks and hospital beds and freight cars, as well as in forests and trenches at the front, and everywhere they carried the same message of healing and comfort. In order not to mar them, many men carried the books in their little boxes in an inside pocket, and the reverence and gratitude with which they handled them showed how great a value they placed upon them.

There were few requests from civilians in Nantes for literature. Some French people visited the Rooms confessedly out of curiosity and each of these asked for French pamphlets. A few, however, became sincerely interested in Christian Science, bought the books and attended an occasional service; but for the most part they had little desire to “think on these things,” being profoundly concerned with human affairs. Those who were interested enough to study the literature found Science and Health so entirely satisfying that they no longer wanted to read anything else, and they invariably had a great appreciation of Mrs. Eddy.

The people of Nantes for the most part understood and praised the purpose of the Christian Science War Relief Committee. When it became known that the Christian Scientists had given 5000 francs for the relief of the refugees during the winter, a great deal of gratitude and a very friendly interest in the welfare of the Workers was expressed. The news of the gift to the city and the willingness of the committee to help with the Community Christmas tree were subjects for much conversation in Nantes for many days. The tree, too, to which were given warm clothing, candy bags, and toys for two hundred war orphans, was a complete success, and seemed to add to the impression already abroad that Christian Science was in every way a religion to be commended. As a practical proof of appreciation our War Relief Committee was given the place of honor at the New Year's dinner given by the French to two hundred American officers, and the Workers were put at the table with the colonel in command of the American troops in that district, and other especially distinguished guests.

Thanksgiving and Christmas gave our Committee an opportunity to give a little special pleasure to some of the soldiers who would otherwise have had only the dull round of duty and the cheerlessness of barracks and hospitals on those days when home seems particularly dear. On Thanksgiving Day a big turkey dinner was spread in the reading room, and all who came were made happy by the sight and taste of the familiar bird, surrounded by many kinds of vegetables in true American style, and adorned on either side with plates of “wonderful white bread”—a real luxury. The Thanksgiving dinner was such a success that two turkeys were prepared at Christmas time, and more guests invited, and apple pies and strawberry tarts were added to the menu, and there was a Christmas tree with candy bags and tinsel, and there were branches of holly and mistletoe tied with red ribbon! At the testimonial meeting which occurred that night many men expressed gratitude for the Rooms that had been provided by Christian Scientists for the soldiers in France, and for the comfort and protection, as well as for the healing, which those Rooms had brought to them.

The work of the Christian Science War Relief Committee in Nantes, was, of course, largely among those who needed healing. The men in the hospitals who knew something of Christian Science were anxious to have that help, and many others who heard that there were Christian Scientists in the vicinity asked for treatment. Some of the nurses and other workers who were interested in Science encouraged the men to turn to it when all other help seemed to have failed, and again and again in such instances treatment was given and the patient healed. Men were relieved quickly of shell shock and healed almost instantly of influenza, mumps, headaches, sore throat, and infection. Treatment was begun for one man who had had both legs shattered and had been lying for more than six months with the bedclothes held away from him, as the slightest weight caused suffering. In a little over three weeks he was able to be partially dressed and go home to the United States. Another case of lost memory, resulting from a year's constant service at the front, was healed within a few days, and a lieutenant, with a severe attack of influenza and a very high temperature, was healed of the fever and of the other symptoms of the disease before he reached the hospital to which he had been ordered. Another lieutenant was healed of a condition of insanity in a few hours and was sent home a short time after.

Many men were healed while reading Science and Health. One officer who had been told that he was in a very serious condition with heart trouble and that it would be months, perhaps years, before he would be able to go upstairs comfortably, heard of Christian Science through a French boy who had been reading the literature, and sent to the reading room for “the little book.” He was healed after reading for ten days, and called at the Rooms to ask questions and to leave a generous donation to the War Relief Committee.

It would be possible to multiply these cases many times but enough has been said to indicate that the Rooms in Nantes were a center from which radiated healing, comfort and joy to the men in this area. They continued to do a splendid work until April, 1919, when the departure of the troops made their maintenance no longer necessary.

NEVERS

Christian Science War Relief Rooms were opened in the town of Nevers, France, in September, 1918. Situated at the confluence of the Nievre and Loire rivers, Nevers is almost the central point of France, being 157 miles from Paris. Its principal industry is pottery, which has been handed down from father to son since the seventeenth century. Aside from the pottery works and small mercantile establishments, Nevers is the center of an agricultural district. Like many cities of France, its history dates back to the old Roman times. The ancient Roman walls overgrown with ivy, the ducal palace of feudal times, the beautiful old cathedral of St. Cyr with its flamboyant Gothic architecture, the church of St. Etienne founded in the reign of Thierry II, King of France about the year 600, and several fine towers and gates, are all of interest to the visitor.

The Christian Science Rooms served not only the boys located in the Service of Supply branches of the American army in Nevers (locomotive repair shops, Quartermasters' Corps, railroad men, engineers and labor troops numbering about 25,000) but also the Hospital Centers of Mesves twenty-five miles north, Mars about ten miles south, Pouges les Eaux six miles north, and the Motor Repair shops at Verneuil twenty-five miles east. During the month of October, 1918, there were over 39,000 patients at Mesves, and about 30,000 at Mars and Pouges les Eaux. The Verneuil shops were run by about 10,000 of Uncle Sam's boys.

The Workers arrived in Nevers on September 15, 1918, and at once had a most satisfactory interview with the Commanding General of the section. He offered them the use of the army transport service whenever needed and referred them to the billeting officer, who was of great assistance in locating quarters for the Reading Rooms.

These were opened on the ground floor at 5 Avenue St. Just. This street was the main thoroughfare for both civilians and soldiers, on the direct road to nearby camps. The transformation from a French pastry shop to Christian Science Reading Rooms proved interesting. The permanent fixtures in the large room consisted of a cashier's desk at the rear and small counters on either side. These proved to be most useful, the cashier's desk making an excellent Reader's desk during the services, while the counters afforded ample space for the display of literature, the enclosed shelving being used for supplies. The entire rear wall was covered with a mirror and there were large mirrors also above the counters. It was the desire of the workers to combine beauty with comfort in the rooms and to give the impression of an American living room. This was accomplished, and it meant much to the boys in contrast with the barrenness of army barracks.

In addition to the permanent fixtures, a large reading table was placed in the center of the room on which were all of Mrs. Eddy's works, Bibles and other literature. A picture of The Mother Church and of our Leader were hung on the walls. Writing tables and stationery were provided, as well as a piano and a French stove. Potted plants in attractive jardinieres, bright table covers, old rose cretonne draperies and net curtains, all gave a sense of home. Moreover, electric lights were installed which shone out into the darkened street, a beacon light to soldier and civilian.

The first Christian Science service in Nevers was held in the office of the Rooms on Sunday, September 29, at 3 p.m. It was attended by American soldiers and Signal Corps and Y. M. C. A. girls. The office was soon outgrown and the main room was opened for services on October 20 and proved none too large to accommodate the steadily increasing attendance. In response to a request from some of the personnel at one of the units in a large hospital center, the Workers started services in the Red Cross hut on October 6. Because of the duties of the hospital personnel and the constant changing of patients, the services had a different audience each week. Services were also started at another hospital on October 20, the Captain of the Red Cross kindly offering the use of his office for the purpose for a time.

During the first month of the Workers' stay the attendance steadily increased. Some of these visitors were transients, others became regular attendants. All the different branches of the service, including Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. workers, were represented. The simple and sincere gratitude of the boys for the blessings afforded them through the Reading Room found expression in the visitors' book, in which the following remarks were noted from among many more:

“Insufficient room in this to contain my gratitude.”

“First warm place I've found in France.”

“A mighty cheerful place.”

“Très bien maison.” (A. E. F. French !)

“More like home than anything I've found in ten months.”

In one of their reports the Workers wrote:

“We have proved that love is the universal language. A touching incident of this occurred in the Reading Room recently. A young French boy who has been coming in to read the French-English edition of the textbook and who does not speak a word of English, found expression for his gratitude in actions rather than words. One evening we found him working in the office with the American boys, stamping Christian Science Monitors, and he showed by his beaming countenance that he was thoroughly enjoying the work. At another time when the necessity arose for making a sign in French for the window, he eagerly offered to make one, and it is now in its place.”

The Workers received many letters and telegrams from boys in distant camps and hospitals, desiring treatment or literature. In some instances they responded in person, traveling sometimes several hundred miles by train or motor in order to give the healing message of Truth, or to render some human service which meant so much to the giver and receiver. Early in January the Worker visited a classification and evacuation camp at St. Aignan (a day's journey by motor) to render assistance to a boy who had been waiting six weeks for his Service Record Card to arrive from the Central Records' Office. Upon investigation, the error was uncovered and corrected. The boy in question was thus enabled to leave immediately for an embarkation port. It also released over 2000 others who had been delayed for the same reason, another proof that “whatever blesses one blesses all.” (Science and Health, page 206.)

In another report our Workers write:

“It has been interesting to learn how divine Love has led the boys to find the Reading Rooms or to write for help. One boy who had been in a near-by hospital for several weeks told of his demonstration. As he lay on his cot, he took up the thought of the Vine and its branches, using the 15th chapter of John. He said he likened the Vine to The Mother Church. Being a member of this church, he knew he was also one with its branches and all its branch activities and could not be separated from them; and he knew that divine Mind would reveal to him the way to find a practitioner. For several days nothing unfolded, but he continued faithful in his metaphysical work. Then one day his nurse brought him a Paris edition of the New York Herald, wherein he found the list of the Christian Science War Relief Depots in France. He immediately wrote to the Committee at Nevers and is now with the Army of Occupation in Germany.”

Of the French, our Workers wrote as follows:

“During the past month, numbers of French soldiers have been returning to their homes to take up their normal activities. Several have visited our Rooms, telling us that they had learned about Christian Science from their comrades at the front. French-English editions of Science and Health were sold to four of these soldiers and they were also supplied with Le Héraut de Christian Science.

“A young Frenchman who has been attending our services since the opening of the rooms, recently purchased through the Committee a French translation of the Bible and the textbook. He studies the Lesson-Sermons from Le Héraut.

“A vest-pocket edition of the textbook was sold to a Frenchwoman who had been a regular attendant at our services. She has recently left for Algiers to take up her vocation of teaching.

“A French officer who had been disabled sent a relative to the Reading Rooms for literature. He had learned of Chris- tian Science from an American soldier in the trenches.

“Another sale of the French-English Science and Health was made to a Frenchwoman living in an adjacent town. She had read Le Heraut and pamphlets which she procured at our Rooms. She wanted to investigate the subject further, .together with her sister who was suffering with a disease which the doctors diagnosed as incurable. In response to an urgent letter, one of the Workers made a special trip to deliver the textbook and found a very grateful family ready to receive it.

“A few days before Christmas,” says our Worker, “a captain of a hospital unit which had just arrived at Mars called at our rooms in Nevers to inquire if we could provide him with any knitted goods or clothing for his patients. He said that his experience with the Christian Science organization in the States led him to assume that he would be taken care of with dispatch by our overseas representatives, hence his call. In less than twenty-four hours after the receipt of our wire, the Paris Committee secured a quantity of clothing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Committee in Paris and sent us a trunkful, which was distributed to the hospital unit the day before Christmas.”

The evacuation of the camps in the Nevers district was very rapid and the need for War Relief work diminished to such an extent that it was deemed advisable to close the Reading Rooms on April 1, 1919. To quote again from our Workers' final report:

“The benediction used at our last service very appropriately concludes the work in this city. ‘For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.’ ”

LE MANS

In The American Embarkation News of May 17, 1919, a soldiers' publication printed at Le Mans, there appeared the following article:

“The other day a soldier was passing the large gates back of which stands a great house at 13 rue Saint Dominique. Pointing to the building he remarked, ‘Believe me, Joe, that place used to be home to me.’ He was referring to the house formerly occupied by the Christian Science Welfare and Relief organization of Le Mans. Their headquarters have been moved to 35 and 37 rue la Paille at the intersection of rue de la Batterie and rue Bourge d'Augny, where reading and rest rooms are available for all soldiers who wish to enjoy them.

“But it was at rue Saint Dominique that soldiers found a little paradise of a place. A large, roomy building, wonderfully furnished with heavy, soft rugs in which you lost your feet, windows shaded with pretty curtains and walls covered with mirrors and art studies greeted the soldier. It was just like home. . . .

“A large fine-toned grand piano was at the disposal of the men. Unique little tables served the soldiers with places to write and there was always plenty of good stationery. The fact is, the Christian Science Welfare and Relief rooms at 13 rue Saint Dominique were one of those places where a soldier wanted to clean his shoes on the outside and remove his hat as he entered the door.

“One of the delightful things about this place, which was so popular with the boys, was the quiet that reigned there. There was no noise, no hubbub and one could spend a few hours in the reading room absolutely undisturbed. . . . There are perhaps few men in and about Le Mans who have not spent an hour or two in the place and who will not acknowledge, like the fellow quoted in the first paragraph, that the place was really a home.

“The welfare and relief work of the Christian Science people here in Le Mans has been done without display or circus advertising. They have been handicapped in that they were not in the same status as the other organizations. Having done their work quietly and served their purpose well, without ostentation, many of the men who have been stationed in Le Mans, and others who have passed through here, will long remember the unique place which the organization played in the welfare of the soldier of the United States in France.”

Thus in their frank way do the boys sum up the work of the War Relief Depot established in Le Mans.

The original house referred to in this article was situated at 13 rue Saint Dominique in the center of the business section of the city and on a main traveled street. It contained nine rooms, including a large salon used to receive visitors and for Sunday services. Adjoining this was the Reading Room, opening into two smaller rooms, an office and a mailing room respectively. There were also living quarters for the Workers and two additional bedrooms. These last-mentioned chambers served an unusual purpose. Our Workers found that many army officers, particularly chaplains (whose headquarters were in Le Mans while awaiting assignment) were unable to obtain sleeping accommodations and were often forced to spend the night on the streets. Our rooms, which could accommodate five men, were placed at the disposal of such officers, and during one month some thirty-four chaplains were sheltered in the War Relief house. This was with mutual benefit to both host and guests, and several men became sufficiently interested in Christian Science to request a copy of the textbook before departing for their post of duty.

Le Mans was a most important city from the standpoint of the A. E. F. Situated between Paris and the coast, on the main railroad line, it became the second depot area of the Service of Supply. From a normal population of 70,000 the war refugees swelled this number to 125,000, without reference to the American troops in billets and barracks near the city. The area included in the Le Mans district was 500 square miles, in which were stationed an average of 40,000 men. As our Workers wrote in one of their reports:

“Everyone had a tremendous amount of work to do and all were driving themselves desperately to get it done. Training squads were daily receiving new troops from the States and training them until they literally dropped in their tracks. Soldiers were continually on the move, thousands stopping for a few hours in trains upon sidings or in camps a few miles from town. In the town was a Casual Barracks, known in the army as the ‘mad house.’ Here casuals were assembled,—men who had been sick or wounded in action, or detached from their companies for one reason or another. They were assorted, refitted and sent to the front. The average stay was two days and it seemed almost impossible for them to procure a pass. Everything was jammed full, and the overflow spilled out into the muddy fields, and made its bed on the oozy ground. Officers passing through the town were very little better off than the men. Hundreds walked the streets, or slept in stations or hallways, unable to find shelter. Transportation and food were lacking, all else being subordinated to the one purpose of getting everything available up to the front.

“Our question as to why Christian Science should be held aloft in Le Mans was very soon answered. The opportunities for healing work increased day by day. New points of contact with the men constantly presented themselves. To raise the standard of the men along whatever line their thought was tending and lay a foundation of spiritual truth through whatever channel was opened to us, was the relief needed at the moment. After looking over the field and securing our rooms, we noted the immediate work before us and made plans for its proper execution. These plans were submitted to the commanding welfare officer in the area and received his approval. Thereafter, no step was taken, nor any change made, without first submitting it to either the commanding General or the welfare officer.

“From that time to the present everything has prospered. The congregation filled the rooms to overflowing, and the members proved, in some measure, the power of Principle in their own affairs. Our boys secured passes when to human reason it seemed impossible, transportation was procured when needed, and an official order went out providing for the admission and care of The Christian Science Monitor throughout the area. The Senior Chaplain of the American Embarkation Center sent out a general letter to Y. M. C. A. workers and Zone Majors in this area calling their attention to The Christian Science Monitor and said: ‘It is the wish of the Commanding General that the Christian Science daily newspaper—the Monitor—enjoy a worthier circulation among the men of the American army, than at present obtained. Besides furnishing them daily with excellent reading material it has had a good moral effect among the men.’ ”

“Musicians and booklovers have sent in for the Monitor from a considerable distance because of special interest in the music and literary pages. A chess player came in to pick up back dates for chess problems and many other men have come up to make a study of the editorials, declaring that the Monitor had given them their first grasp on the world issues, in a big way.”

The attendance at the Le Mans services grew rapidly and was very cosmopolitan in character. At one Wednesday evening meeting the congregation included, besides our American boys, French, Belgian, Hungarian and Russian attendants.

Of civilian inquirers our Workers said:

“We have had some very interesting experiences with French, Belgian and Russian investigators of Christian Science. During the first four months nearly two hundred inquirers presented themselves. Some of these proved to be earnest students and had interesting demonstrations, many times entirely through the study of Science and Health. These have endured, and in one instance at least, the student is proving his faith by healing others.”

As elsewhere, our Workers had many requests for treatment. A man born in Russian Tartary and raised a Mohammedan, spent many hours each day studying Science and Health in the Reading Room. He reported that a skin disease of long standing had been healed completely since the truth contained in Science and Health had been revealed to him and he had applied its teachings. A young Frenchman reported that he had been healed of melancholia, which had beset his path all his life, and that he was most happy in this understanding of the phantasmal nature of evil.

One very interesting case of healing was that of a young captain, who after a night of great pain, found himself unable to move when it came time to report to his colonel for some special duty. A doctor was called, who after examination stated that the captain's appendix had burst and it was impossible to do anything for him. A friend had already been sent to request Christian Science treatment for the captain and shortly after the doctor's visit the War Relief Worker arrived. The pain left almost at once and the man went to sleep. In less than three hours he awakened perfectly well, arose and dressed himself.

Mention has been made elsewhere of the excellent work done among the war refugees in Le Mans and our room was constantly visited by grateful recipients of help from the War Relief Fund of The Mother Church, who called to thank our Committee for the assistance given them.

Throughout the demobilization period the Le Mans Depot was continuously active and, with the exception of the one at Brest and the Paris office, was the last of the French War Relief Rooms to close its doors.

ROMORANTIN

In October, 1918, one of our Workers in France, who had until that time been active in the Depot at St. Nazaire, was sent to establish the work in the town of Romorantin. This was a central point serving a large military district, including among other places Blois, Bourges, Issoudun, Cour Cheverny and St. Aignan. Our Worker found a cordial welcome from the American and French authorities and secured a fine house for the Reading Rooms at 2 rue de l'Ecu. It was on the main square of the town, to which on Sundays and holidays band concerts attracted thousands, who could not fail to see our headquarters.

Christian Science services were held regularly in Romorantin with steadily increasing attendance, until Christmas night which was the concluding service.

Much of the literature distribution from this Depot had to be done by mail on account of the large territory served. The Soldiers' Distribution Committee supplied large quantities of Monitors to the camps and all the Y. M. C. A. huts were well taken care of and were glad to have our literature. The hospitals in the area likewise were most appreciative of reading matter.

Our Worker received calls for help from boys in all the outlying camps. One aviator flew from Issoudun for treatment and then flew back in his machine. Another soldier walked twenty miles each way to attend a Sunday service.

In work for the refugees our representative was also active and was appointed to serve on a Committee, consisting of the Mayor of Romorantin and several business men, to investigate and recommend action on refugee cases.

Almost immediately after the signing of the armistice, demobilization began and by January 1 it was deemed advisable to close our work at this Depot. Although active only three months, the Depot filled a need. As our Worker says in his final report:

“Many soldiers found rest, help and comfort during a period when they were working under the greatest strain and the Committee can be satisfied that it has made a valuable contribution to the A. E. F. in its time of urgent need.”

PARIS

Work at the Paris headquarters at 3 Avenue de l'Opéra, differed somewhat from that of the various rooms in other parts of France. The offices were selected, furnished and opened under the direction of the manager of the War Relief Committee who was then in France. With him was an experienced Camp Welfare Worker who had spent several months at Camp Dix, New Jersey, and the local Christian Scientists of Paris added their hearty cooperation. The suite of offices in Paris housed several Christian Science activities: the joint Reading Room of the Paris churches, headquarters of the committee administering The Mother Church Relief Fund for France, and in addition, the commodious quarters maintained by the War Relief Committee. These accommodated its clerical force and provided a place in which the literature could be received and sent forth for distribution over Europe. Here also were located reading and lounging rooms for men in the service.

The volume of correspondence which began to pour into the Paris office was tremendous. Parents wrote for news of their sons. The boys wrote requesting literature. The French Depots wrote on matters of administration and the Boston office wrote, forwarding all the requests sent by the various State Committees of the United States.

The branch of work known as the “casualty lists” grew to enormous proportions. These were the names of boys who had been wounded or were in hospitals or who had not been heard from, and were forwarded from Boston to Paris, either by cable or letter, for investigation. The patient, loving effort of the Paris Workers to secure the information which would bring comfort and relief to the anxious ones at home, effort which sometimes involved a long railroad journey and hours of search through endless records, ending, perhaps, in the report that the boy in question had been transferred and the search must begin all over again, represented persistent endeavor worthy of the highest commendation.

After the arrival and location of the second group of ten workers in September, 1918, the manager of the Committee returned to America, and the Paris office was placed in charge of the two Workers who had established the Depot at Tours. Two women practitioners were also added to the personnel of the office. This was necessitated by the constantly growing demand for Christian Science treatment from the men of the A. E. F. A most important work which had been instituted in the early summer, in the hospitals in and about Paris, was now enlarged. Our women Workers visited them regularly, carrying a large supply of Monitors and other literature.

A Worker says :

“A few moments after distribution, to look back over a long corridor of cots and see almost every soldier reading the Monitor is a sight never to be forgotten.”

Much impersonal healing work was accomplished in the hospitals as the following incident related by one of the Workers will indicate:

“In one of the buildings visited, a boy who had been shot through the lungs, repeated the Lord's Prayer all day and thus overcame ‘the last enemy.’ The supervising nurse had asked the Monitor visitor to talk with the lad. ‘He will probably live but a few hours,’ said she, ‘and he's from your town.’ This boy, who knew nothing of Christian Science (and of course the subject was not mentioned to him), had lost his Bible at Château Thierry. ‘I knew when I did,’ he gasped, ‘that it was all up with me, because I had carried that Bible with me everywhere.’ ‘But you did not lose the Lord's Prayer,’ he was reminded, ‘and you could really use that prayer all day, actually use it for breathing. Just substitute it for breathing if you're a little short of breath. Will you promise to say it all day?’ And he promised.

“Two weeks later the Irish nurse who had him as her particular charge, almost shouted: ‘Why, John, there's that lady who talked to you the day you were so bad, and haven't I often been thinking of it since. That was the day you got well, John.’ Later, the boy was presented by the Committee with a Bible. He held the book a moment to his face, tenderly caressing it, and quickly slipped it under his pillow. ‘There is nothing,’ said one nurse, ‘which the boys so thoroughly love as a Bible.’ ”

During the influenza epidemic and the last bitter weeks of the war, when the American troops were winning their laurels in the Argonne and at St. Mihiel, all our Paris Workers were busy day and night responding to calls for help. Their work also necessitated a great deal of correspondence—letters to the boys themselves, and to their friends. The joy of these faithful Workers can well be imagined when possibly some time after treatment had been begun a stalwart American lad would walk into the War Relief Rooms announcing that he was Sergeant C. or Lieutenant L. or Private X. and say, “You've been helping me, you know, and I'm feeling fine.” Sometimes the boys never got to the Rooms but would send grateful letters acknowledging the help received.

After the signing of the armistice the nature of the cases changed somewhat. The enforced idleness into which the men were plunged after the continuous activity of previous months seemed a fertile soil for the seeds of temptation and vice, and many earnest boys who appealed to our Workers were helped to rise above the conditions which threatened to engulf them and were shown how to be contented and happy until the longed-for embarkation order arrived.

The Workers in the Paris Rooms had the joy, too, of hearing the experiences of men just back from the front, and many were the grateful expressions of gratitude for the protection afforded through an understanding of Christian Science. One day a lieutenant came in asking for information about Christian Science. He explained that he had become interested while censoring the mail of soldiers who were Scientists, and said:

“They were all such cheerful letters. One boy was an especially cheerful creature in the letters he wrote. I used to read his letters sometimes two or three times. The doctors had given him no hope because of his wound and yet he refused to believe a thing they said. I thought I should like to know what sort of a religion he could possibly have which would make him disbelieve a doctor's verdict. The boy is getting well and I want to know about Christian Science.”

There were a number of interesting appeals for literature from French soldiers. One, upon becoming an earnest student of the textbook, voluntarily and without effort gave up the use of wine and tobacco, in obedience to what he read in Science and Health. He also inquired about the church service, and thereafter conducted his own service, in strict conformity to the Manual, in a French army automobile.

The Paris office was the distributing center for all the Christian Science literature which went to the Allied Armies in France, with the exception of the British army which was supplied by the London office. Great quantities were sent direct from Boston to the various Depots throughout France but a large surplus stock was always kept on hand in Paris to forward to small groups of Scientists who were holding services and distributing literature. The office also endeavored to get in touch with every soldier whose name was forwarded to them. These were names sent to the Boston office in response to the notice appearing in the Christian Science Sentinel, asking for names and addresses of those men in the Allied Armies who were interested in Christian Science. It was the experience of the Committee that in many instances names were sent in by friends who wished that the man in uniform might become interested, or who thought he might be, but in every case the name was forwarded to the nearest Worker. Some 12,000 were thus sent to the Paris office from time to time and to each soldier a printed form was thereupon mailed from Paris indicating the location of the Rooms and announcing that he was welcome to call upon them for Christian Science literature or help at any time. In cases where books or literature had been requested by the person who sent in the name, the soldier was asked to reply verifying his address. This latter precaution was found to be absolutely essential in view of the constant movements of the troops and the shifting of the personnel.

One of these letters was sent to a soldier who had been told by the doctors it would be more than two years before he could hope to be better. “I am going,” he announced to his hospital associates, “to that Reading Room and get what they have for me.” This soldier received his healing at once and within a few days was discharged from the hospital and sent out on active duty. He later wrote:

“I could write all night and tell you the joys I have received since October 13, but I know that you know how I feel. I hope that others who are in the position that I was will turn to Christian Science and derive the benefits that I have,—truth and happiness. It is all so wonderful that I can hardly realize that I have been cured and I often stop and think, ‘Have I been healed?’ And then I remember that man is the spiritual image and likeness of God, and recognizing this, my true selfhood, I could not be sick.”

The signing of the armistice brought no diminution of visitors to the Paris Rooms but rather an increase, at least during the first months of demobilization, for many lads were then able to secure the much-desired permission to visit the famous capital city of France. To these the Christian Science War Relief Rooms meant much. In the words of one of the visitors:

“It was like a taste of home, your lovely reading and writing room on the Avenue de l'Opera and the sincere Wednesday evening meeting in First Church. Moreover, on the way back, I had a most helpful conversation with a Y. M. C. A. lady who had testified. Many thanks again to your Committee and to the whole glorious discovery of Mrs. Eddy.”

As the work gradually diminished, three of the practitioners stationed here during the latter part of the war, returned to the United States, leaving the manager and his wife to care for the Rooms. With the signing of peace terms in June and the rapid departure of American troops, the work throughout France decreased so quickly that the activities at the Paris headquarters became less exacting as week succeeded week, and the office was closed on July 31, 1919, and the fine suite at 3 Avenue de l'Opéra which had served so admirably for more than a year was sub-let on advantageous terms and the work in France concluded.

Welfare First

Welfare Second

Christian Science War Relief Room near Camp Grant, Illinois

Near Great Lakes, Illinois

A homey room at Newport News, Virginia

Tours, France, 11 bis Rue de l'Arsenal

War Relief Depot, Le Mans, France

Another view of the Le Mans Depot

War Relief Depot, Brest, France

War Relief Depot, Nevers, France		War Relief Depot at St. Nazaire, France

Living Room, Nantes, France

Interior, War Relief Depot, Nevers, France

Christian Science War Relief Headquarters, Bordeaux, France

Christian Science Headquarters, Romorantin, France

In the courtyard at Romorantin

War Relief Room at 38 rue d'Entraigues, Tours, France

In the House at Nantes, France

Paris Headquarters, 3 Avenue de l'Opéra, Paris, France

In the Reading Room, Paris, France

A Corner of the Paris Office