ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL
don churches were desirous of doing something to welcome especially the Christian Science soldiers and sailors. The delegates of the churches in the London district met in conference and the first proposal was to open a welcome bureau where men and officers could get any information they might require, and where they would be introduced to Scientists who would show them hospitality. As the idea developed, it was decided to open a hostel where sleeping accommodations should be provided. Accordingly a large and beautifully furnished house, close to the headquarters of the American army and navy, was rented and opened on August 1, 1918. The dining room was used as a quiet reading room, with all Mrs. Eddy's books and the current literature displayed. The two large drawing rooms, the windows of which looked out onto the Eaton Square Gardens, were arranged as a social room with writing tables and comfortable chairs.
A great number of men, some resident in London, and some coming from the camps, foreign service and ships, where quiet in which to study was almost impossible to obtain, expressed great gratitude for the opportunity afforded them by the Welfare House. Many who were not Christian Scientists stayed there and received their first introduction to Christian Science, and some became earnest students.
An American who knew very little of Christian Science was most impressed with the kindness and hospitality he received, and said: “We had the impression that the English were a cold, reserved, inhospitable race, but your welcome to us has been warm and generous beyond words. You folks in this place have done
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