Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/283

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ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL

cial military passes, since the north of Scotland was a prohibited area under the Defense of the Realm Act.

The boys of the United States Navy, operating with the Mine fleet, quickly found their way to the Room, seeking comfort and relief from the hard and stressful work in the North Sea, when the great mine barrage was being laid. At times the War Relief Room was crowded with boys who found in its quiet atmosphere the needed mental rest and peace. Some had a good understanding of the teachings of Christian Science and could apply it, but many more had little or nothing to turn to in an hour of need. These boys found in the Rooms a “home from home,” and again and again were encouraged to return to their duties with a new strength born of an understanding of the omnipotence and everpresence of God.

During the influenza epidemic the Y. M. C. A. premises and the cinemas were closed, and the War Relief Room was crowded by the men. An American sailor, looking very ill, came into the Room one afternoon. He asked for treatment for influenza, which was immediately given to him, as he said he was feeling “all in.” The Worker was then called to attend to the wants of other men and left the boy sitting there. In less than an hour he left, saying, “I am quite well now, and am going straight back to my duties.”

PLYMOUTH

Shortly after the decision to open the work at Inverness, the needs of a town of naval importance in the south of England were brought up and plans were soon in hand to start the work in Plymouth. An

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