CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR
vise the work in their own localities, and every step was a demonstration of the value of faith, as there was no precedent by which to steer the course, nor any experience by which to justify it.
The first idea was to gain permission to establish Christian Science Reading Rooms with the B. E. F. in France, but after interminable correspondence with War Office officials, this course was abandoned, and the London Committee turned its efforts to the military centers in the south of England, where proximity to a town would permit of premises being taken without military sanction.
COLCHESTER
After some deliberation Colchester was chosen as being suitable for the purpose. It was at that time not only a permanent garrison town, but some twenty or thirty thousand troops were constantly being drafted in and out, and it maintained besides a large convalescent military hospital. The town of 40,000 inhabitants is about fifty-five miles from London and while there is no organized Christian Science work there, the little community of Christian Scientists proved itself a most valuable coadjutor in the work.
At first the Committee only ventured on two small rooms in a little house opposite the Public Library, taking them on a three months' trial. These rooms were made comfortable and attractive, and were opened just before Christmas, 1915, the hours being from twelve to nine daily, and on Sundays from three to nine. All Mrs. Eddy's works, and the books marked for the lesson-sermon, were laid out and tables
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