newsletter winter 2009 ™

News Visually, the content consists of rolling images of objects, documents, and photographs, most from the Library’s An Extraordinary Life Now on Screen collections, along with contemporary shots of the Library and the Plaza. While revealing a life “How did all of this and career defined by profound transformation and ac- come about?” is a complishment, the video’s narration favors a measured question posed at the and straightforward tone. beginning of a new orientation video at The idea, script, and production of the video all occurred The in house through a Library team, consisting of Jonathon Library. The question Eder, Sherry Darling, Lesley Pitts, M. J. Pullins, and Mark refers to the physi- Thayer, together with production help from Morgan cal environment at Anderson and Noel Flatt of the Christian Science Broadcast and Multimedia Plaza, which sur- Production Services at the rounds visitors coming Church. Randye Kaye, a into the Library. The answer voiceover professional from involves telling the story of the area, Mary Baker Eddy, and so provided the narration. begins the eight minute film Mary Baker Eddy: An The video concludes the sto- Extraordinary Life, which ry of Mary Baker Eddy with debuted in the Hall of Ideas her founding of The Chris- in late January. tian Science Monitor in her 87th year. In closing it offers After describing the many this quotation from Science activities taking place at the and Health with Key to the headquarters of The First Scriptures: “Thus the dawn Church of Christ, Scientist, of ideas goes on, including at the Library, forming each succes- the video explains that sive stage of progress,” all of this had its origin in encouraging visitors the most inconspicuous of to explore further this circumstances with a woman who was often on her own “extraordinary life” and of little means. In unfolding the drama and ac- and the themes of complishments of her life, the film connects The Mother transformation and Church, The Christian Science Monitor, and the Library progress through the with the story of Mary Baker Eddy. Library’s collections and exhibits.

1 Winter 2009 Issue News This periodic newsletter is provided to promote awareness of The Mary Baker Cleaning and Restoration Eddy Library, its exhibits, programs, has History and activities, to current and potential Library patrons and supporters. As a landmark, the Mapparium is a one-of- a-kind treasure. So much so, that the delicate task Mission Statement of cleaning each of the 608 stained glass panels has “The provides been featured in Life magazine and National Geo- public access and context to original materi- graphic. als and educational experiences about Mary “Brightening with each swipe of a workman’s cloth, Baker Eddy’s life, ideas, and achievements, stained glass in the...Mapparium in Boston, Massa- including her Church. The Library promotes chusetts, shows political boundaries and coastlines exploration and scholarship through its charted after millennia of mapmaking.”—from collections, exhibits, and programs.” “Revolution in Mapping,” National Geographic, February 1998.

c.1940

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2 Programs & Exhibits comments to mark the significance of a passage in rela- tion to the events of the day, and her reflections on pas- “A Holy Book and a Family Treasure” sages and their meaning to her. For example, one of the Now on Exhibit earliest dated notations next to Psalm 107 simply records the date “July 6 ’86.” Psalm 103 bears the reminiscence As a child the book I loved best was that “My brother Albert raised me the Bible. After school when the oth- up from a sick bed by reading to me er children were at play, I would steal this Psalm.” home and taking my precious Bible I would seat myself in the rocker and The exhibit is on display on the while I rocked I read the Psalms of second floor outside Lending and David or the life of the Master. Reference Services through March —Mary Baker Eddy [A11416] 15, 2009.

History tells us that family Bibles play To learn how the Baker family Bible a significant role in American culture. was conserved for this exhibit, see Using historic Bibles and photo- the Fall 2008 issue of the Library graphs from the Library’s collections, Baker family Bible on view through March 15. newsletter. this exhibit explores how fam- ily Bibles have been used over the centuries to record births, marriages, and deaths. They are used at these significant events as well as in the daily reading and prayer of many families. Commonly, these Bibles are handed down from generation to generation. News

The Baker family Bible, according to family tradition, First Night Fun was purchased by Mary Baker Eddy’s grandparents, Joseph Baker and Maryann Baker, with their savings after Once again the Library was a host destination for they had married and established a home in Bow, New Boston’s First Night celebration. Despite the snowy Hampshire. The Bible was later handed down to their weather, hundreds of visitors arrived at the Library to son, Mark Baker, Mary Baker Eddy’s father. hear performances by Project STEP, Boston Art School for Chinese Music, and Kalfou (featuring members The Baker Bible, over two centuries old, was printed in of Zili Misik). In addition to enjoying the wonderful 1795 in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Mark and Charles Kerr. music, families followed our scavenger hunt through Mary Baker Eddy spoke of this “great old Bible” to Irving our exhibits, ending with a well-earned cup of hot Tomlinson, a member of her household [A11437]. She chocolate and sugar cookies in Quotes® café. Face recalled that her father, Mark Baker, read from it at morn- painting, crown making, and the poetry wall were all ing and evening devotions. hits! All Library events were made possible through a generous donation from Eastern Insurance. Mary Baker Eddy shared her father’s love of the Bible throughout her life. Within its pages she found the prin- ciples upon which Christian Science was founded. Eddy would later write, “The Bible was my only textbook” [Science and Health, p. 110].

On display with the Baker Bible is Mary Baker Eddy’s book of Psalms, printed by the American Bible Society of New York in 1879. This copy of the Psalms is a re- markable example of Eddy’s deep study of the Scriptures. The book contains more than two hundred notations in her handwriting. She covered the end pages and mar- gins with notes. These record dates next to Bible verses, 3 Programs News “One Working Band” The Library Web Site Gets a Makeover On December 7, the Library hosted a program entitled The Library is thrilled to launch its Web site redesign “One Working Band: Music in Mary Baker Eddy’s New at www.marybakereddylibrary.org. Easily navigated England.” The event focused on musical expression in and now updated, the “new” Web site allows the the Episcopalian, Unitarian Universalist, and Christian Library to feature online exhibits Science traditions, particularly and up-to-date information on in the context of sacred song in Library programs. nineteenth-century New England, and it combined panel discussion Already new on the site are find- with performance, including audi- ing aids in PDF format to some ence participation. of the Library’s historic collec- tions, such as the Reminiscence The program’s title, “One Work- File, Mary Baker Eddy’s incom- ing Band,” comes from a hymn ing correspondence, and Calvin by Samuel Johnson, an American Frye’s library, among others (see hymnist and Transcendentalist, Collections > Holdings). and is included in Christian Sci- ence, Unitarian Universalist, and Past programs are also available Episcopalian hymnals. In prepar- for download on the Web site, ing for the program, it became including “One Working Band: evident that these different musi- Music in Mary Baker Eddy’s New England,” the cal and spiritual traditions are in some ways like cous- holiday celebration and discussion of congregational ins, sharing a certain heritage, but each with their own singing; the popular “Meet the Au- unique purpose and identity. Variations in text and com- thor” talk with former Library Fel- monality in music come together as low Heather Curtis discussing her “One Working Band.” book, Faith in the Great Physician: Suffering and Divine Healing in The panel included Dr. Linda Clark, American Culture, 1860-1900; and Professor Emeritus of Sacred Mu- “Varieties of Scientific Experience: sic at Boston University School of Mary Baker Eddy, William James, Theology and Director of Music at and Other Honest Investigators of Grace Episcopal Church in New- the Nineteenth Century.” ton Corner, MA; Dr. Leo Collins, archivist and former music director of First Church (Unitarian Univer- The Library’s goal for the Web site salist) in Boston; and Judy Huen- is to inform visitors about our ex- neke, Senior Research Archivist at hibits and programs and to educate the Library. The performers were the public about Mary Baker Eddy. Eric Huenneke, Organist at First We are moving toward that goal Parish Church (Unitarian Universal- with our redesign. We look for- Moderator Jonathon Eder ist) in Concord, MA, and Dilshad ward to hearing your thoughts and with panelist Dr. Linda Clark. Khambatta-Eames, a soloist at Third suggestions for how to make the Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston. Web site even better to serve your Jonathon Eder, Administrator of Lending and Reference needs! (Go to About > Contact Us.) Services, moderated the event.

A video recording of the event is available on our Web site.

4 Programs So, why is the local library so important at this School Vacation at the Library moment in time? Libraries provide peaceful envi- ronments ideal for personal growth and inspiration. During Boston Public Schools’ February vacation week, Lending and Reference Services (LARS) on the second the Library invited students to participate in a poster floor of The Mary Baker Eddy Library offers such contest on the theme of “My World, a contemplative setting. Here patrons My Peace,” to celebrate the centennial are able to conduct their research in a of The Christian Science Monitor. After quiet and supportive location. viewing the Mapparium and learning about the founding of the Monitor, the Aside from being a quiet place for students were asked to consider the reflection, local libraries also offer following questions: “What is peace?” services that directly address patrons’ “How do you create peace in your needs. LARS provides public access world?” “What does peace mean to computers and printers that can be you?” Select posters were hung in the used to search the Internet for job Library’s glass Atrium and the winners opportunities and housing options. of the contest will be announced at Print-outs from the public access a March 5 reception. Prizes for the terminals and copies made on our winning posters include a free Library public photocopier are available at tour for the student’s class, a one-year minimal cost. subscription to the Monitor for the student’s school, as well as generously Access to informational materials is donated admission passes to the Muse- of primary concern for patrons. The um of Fine Arts, Boston, where winners Mary Baker Eddy Library borrower’s can continue their artistic explorations. card comes with significant benefits and is free of charge. Public access For the April vacation week (April 21-24), the Library will computers in LARS allow patrons to search our online be offering a children’s program to complement our new catalogue (MABEL) for resources that might provide music exhibit, All in Harmony. Students of all ages will inspiration during difficult times. But the search for create their own poems, be introduced to nineteenth- materials does not stop there. Through interlibrary century music in the context of Mary Baker Eddy’s life, loan (provided to Mary Baker Eddy Library card and learn about putting words to music. Activities will holders), our reference librarians will help you find also include instrument making and paper “antiquing.” materials to borrow from institutions across the US.

While an increasing number of library patrons are visiting their local libraries for access to a quiet envi- Lending and Reference Services ronment, materials, and technology, visitors are also increasingly seeking Libraries See Increase in Use help from professional library staff. Librarians are finding ways to meet Libraries across the United States are these new and urgent needs of their reporting dramatically increased pa- patrons. The staff in LARS are readily tronage. Since the beginning of the available to assist with your research recent financial crisis, news stories by phone, email, and in-person visits. have appeared in national newspa- pers, magazines, or news broadcasts, Contact Lending and Reference all hailing the importance of library Services at 617-450-7325 or services. [email protected].

5 Programs reconnecting those roots to the overall landscape of nursing care in society today. Dr. Watson will speak Upcoming Program on Spirituality and Nursing on her specialty of nursing as a caring science; Profes- sor of Nursing Margaret Burkhardt will address holistic Make a note in your calendars for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday nursing; and Linda Kohler, who is supervisor of Christian evening, March 26, when the Library will be hosting an Science nursing activities worldwide, will discuss the event including internationally-acclaimed speaker and role and history of Christian Science nursing. nursing theorist Dr. Jean Watson. The program, Nursing’s Spiritual Roots in Contemporary Practice, will serve as an If caring is to be sustained, those who care must be opportunity to celebrate one hundred years of Christian strong, courageous, and capable of inner love, peace, Science nursing. Mary Baker Eddy established a Church and joy—both in relation to themselves and to others. Manual provision for this activity in November 1908. —Jean Watson

The program will explore the deep spiritual roots in the The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, history of nursing care, particularly in the work and ideas full of faith,—receptive to Truth and Love. of Florence Nightingale, and address the importance of —Mary Baker Eddy

Historic photographs of Christian Science nurses from the E. O. Williams scrapbook bookend guest speaker, Dr. Jean Watson.

Exhibits materials. Reminiscences and Mary Baker Eddy’s correspondence and New Exhibit Opening in Spring published writings offer numerous details about the music she enjoyed Mary Baker Eddy’s home was often and how the principles of harmony filled with music. It offered her house- and discord served as metaphors hold both entertainment and inspira- in her explanation of Christian tion as they gathered around the piano Science. to sing hymns or listened to a popular standard on the Victrola. The exhibit will also examine Eddy’s love of music within the context The next main exhibit at the Library, of nineteenth-century musical tastes All in Harmony, will highlight the role and practices. Come to the Library of music in Mary Baker Eddy’s life and this April to learn how Mary Baker display items from the Library’s col- Eddy was not the only person to lections, including her piano, pianola love the popular ballad “Home (player piano), Regina music box, Mary Baker Eddy’s Victrola Sweet Home.” Victrola (record player), and related and Prescott upright grand piano.

6 Research Room tion. Lady Airlie wrote in the letter of her time spent in Colorado and her desire to visit Mary Baker Eddy Query of the Quarter in Boston [IC640 Airlie]. Our next find was in the postscript to an outgoing letter Mary Baker Eddy wrote At The Mary Baker Eddy Library, we are constantly on October 24, 1886, mentioning that a Countess had working to expand our knowledge of the context of paid her a second visit the previous day [F00427]. our collections. Oftentimes the impetus for further research comes from an interesting question we The more information we gathered, the better we have received. Sometimes, we find a small clue in were able to explore the Earldom of Airlie and its con- the course of our daily work and decide to pursue it nection to Christian Science. It seems likely now that further. the young man who righted himself through Christian Science was not the heir but his younger brother, Recently, we became the Honorable Lyulph curious about a draft Gilchrist Stanley Ogilvy, manuscript in Calvin who moved to Colorado Frye’s handwriting with to manage the family’s Mary Baker Eddy’s cor- ranch along with his rections [A10392B]. younger sister. The manuscript records the fascinating account The Ogilvy connection of a young heir to an to Christian Science did earldom who became a not end with this meet- hopelessly irresponsible ing, however; during the drunkard. In despera- First World War, the Earl tion, his parents sent him of Airlie was serving in to the American West; the trenches when he he was followed by his had what he called a sister, who hoped still to “trying experience”— reform him. Years later, and began to pray. the dowager Countess Christian Science came to America to seek answered his need, and out her son and arrived he emerged from the at his ranch to find that war a deeply committed he had made a complete and religious man. He recovery. When she A Scottish Countess personally thanks Mary Baker Eddy. wrote about his experi- asked about the cause ences in a testimony in of this complete turn- the June 8, 1940 issue around, the sister showed her mother a copy of Sci- of the Christian Science Sentinel, and indicated that he ence and Health. The heir became Count in due time, had been aware of Christian Science throughout his and on a trip to the United States a few years later, the childhood, but had never called it into practice until dowager Countess visited Mary Baker Eddy to tell her that moment. the story and thank her in person. Lord Airlie—along with fellow Christian Scientist Lord The original story was labeled “Lady Arlie’s Story.” Astor—spoke frequently in the House of Lords about We wanted to see if we could locate anything in our his faith, and worked tirelessly to incorporate Christian collections to verify this remarkable account. The first Science accommodations into various medical and breakthrough came when we found an undated letter nursing bills passed in Britain over the years. He also from the Dowager Countess of Airlie, Lady Griselda corresponded regularly with the British Committee Ogilvy, in our Incoming Correspondence collec- —continued

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Upcoming Programs and Events Research Room Nursing's Spiritual Roots Query of the Quarter—continued in Contemporary Practice Jean Watson, Ph.D., RN, Margaret Burkhardt, Ph.D., RN, and Linda on Publication, and raised all his children in Chris- March 26 Kohler, supervisor of Christian Science tian Science. 7 p.m. nursing activities worldwide, discuss the spiritual foundations of nursing The Ogilvys’ family story provides fascinating care. $5 admission, call 617-450- insight into the history and growth of Christian 7200 for reservations. Science in both the American West and the United All in Harmony exhibit OPENS Kingdom. By following their story through our col- April 1 Featuring the role of music in Mary lections, we were able to expand our understanding Baker Eddy’s life. of the patterns of the movement. My Voice, My Song April 21 Free admission for students 17 Do you have an historical question? Need a copy through April 24 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and under. Write poems, create of an archival document? Want information on instruments, and set poetry to music. donating manuscripts or artifacts? Contact the all in harmony program Research Room at [email protected] or April 25 Learn about the new exhibit and listen 617-450-7218. 2 p.m. to local music groups. For all the family. Annual Meeting June 6 Extended Library and Research Room through June 8 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours and special programs. See the Library Web site. 0901-006 8