First Church of Christ, Scientist, War Relief Committee

“ There were men whose business affairs had been wiped out of existence by the declaration of war. There were students, teachers, artists, who found their livelihood taken away, as it were, overnight, because people felt forced to do without the so-called luxuries of life. Many persons found their income stopped or greatly curtailed because they held securities in some of the countries involved in the struggle. In short, there were many cases where Christian Scientists were faced with the problem of demonstrating that supply is invariable and unlimited. ”

“ The delegate sailed from New York on November 16, 1914, and on his arrival in London requested the Committee on Publication for Great Britain and Ireland, to call a relief committee representing the whole of the British Isles.
The members of this committee were asked to administer the fund which was originally intended to assist Christian Scientists who had been placed in financial difficulty by the outbreak of the war. There were families where fathers had been called to the colors, leaving wives and children totally unprepared to earn a living. ”

“ It is believed that the amount of money now in hand will be sufficient for the needs of Christian Scientists, and for the present at least this fund will be closed.
“There is, however, great need of funds for the relief of hundreds of thousands of others besides our own people who are in poverty and distress by reason of the war, and a collection for their benefit will be taken in The Mother Church at both services on Sunday, December 6. ”

“ As the need for help still continues, this small balance will not last long; therefore Christian Scientists are given the opportunity to continue to send contributions to the Treasurer of The Mother Church for this relief work. For the future it is proposed to maintain but one fund, and from this both Christian Scientists and others will be assisted. ”

“ Moreover, there was a much larger percentage of Christian Scientists in some states than in others, so that it was decided very early in the development of the Camp Welfare activities to have a fund administered by The Mother Church to which each state would send its contributions for the support of the committee. ”