CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR
sibly the largest embarkation camp in the United States, thousands of troops passing through it daily on their way overseas, and as many on their return trip. For this reason it was deemed right and necessary to have a building adequate to meet this need. The first building at Camp Merritt was a small portable cottage which stood on “Inspiration Point” just outside of Picket No. 4. It commanded a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, standing on the main thoroughfare at the top of the hill. Along this road and down this hill all the troops passed on their way to the trains which carried them to the waiting transports. This small cottage was soon seen to be entirely inadequate and plans were laid for a fine structure which ultimately cost in excess of $10,000. A bulletin of the New Jersey State Committee describes the building as follows:
“It is a one-story frame structure, 50 by 30 feet, with broad piazzas on two sides. The piazza facing Madison Avenue is protected from the street by a natural screen of white birch trees, while the one on the eastern side commands a beautiful view of the Palisades.
“The original temporary room, which was the first of the Christian Science Camp Welfare rooms to be established, has been moved back upon the lot and is used as a practitioner's office. On a line with the new building, and facing it as it does, it reminds one of the proverbial grain of mustard seed looking out upon its own large branch. Both buildings are painted white with green trim, and have attractive window boxes filled with flowers.
“There are two main rooms in the new building, an office or reception room and a larger room for reading and writing. These are connected by glass doors capable of folding to permit the two to be made into one large room, for services or lectures, as the occasion may require. The inside walls are
104
