May 2015 - Toronto ON
During Doors Open this year we went to see the Frist Church of Christ, Scientist.
Wikipedia tells me that Christian Science is a set of beliefs and practices belonging to the metaphysical family of new religious movements. It was developed in 19th-century New England by Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910), who argued in her book Science and Health(1875) that sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer alone. The book became Christian Science's central text, along with the King James Bible, and by 2001 had sold over nine million copies.
Its architecture begins in the realm of Beaux Arts classicism, but it soon deviates into lesser known territory of Christian Science. It is a very simple building and does not display any overt religious symbolisms.
Compared to many other churches today this is immaculately kept. Fresh flowers decorate the lobby. Yes, it feels more like an office building when you enter through those simple elegant doors flanked by these impressive columns.
The architect, Solon S. Beman (1853-1914), came from Chicago to design the church. He was a well-known practitioner whose most celebrated commission was America’s first planned company town, which he produced for George Pullman. Another of his projects was Grand Central Station in Chicago.
We climbed to the second floor where a speech was taking place about the building. I didn't feel comfortable taking photos so you'll have to settle for this one.
The Sanctuary or Nave was bathed in light through the seven windows that line the north, south and east sides of the Nave and through the skylight covering the central part of the Nave. The seven windows are matched on the west side by seven screens to cover the pipes of the organ.
There were no icons or figures in stained glass, mosaics or frescos. There was a message over a door of exit reminding the worshippers to bear witness to the faith in the world beyond.
