Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/245

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WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE

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 in-

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