Paths of Pioneer Christian Scientists

Tyner, Christopher L. and Stephen R. Howard. Paths of Pioneer Christian Scientists. Chestnut Hill, MA: Longyear Museum Press, 2010.

Four women— Emma and Abigail Dyer (daughter of Emma) Thompson, Janette Weller, and Annie M. Knott—were selected as representative of the pioneering work of early Christian Scientists due not to their gender, but to the available historical evidence, the range of their contributions to the history of Christian Science, and the relative familiarity of that person among today’s Christian Scientists. Many biographies of Mary Baker Eddy have been written, but the stories of the early workers are little known outside the Christian Science community. All four women attained very successful healing records and yet had to endure severe public criticism and opposition. Emma Thompson was known for her radical reliance on spiritual means alone for healing. Her daughter Abigail handled numerous obstetric cases. Weller was considered a personal friend of Eddy’s, as they shared similar personal tragedies and successes. Knott became a lecturer while she maintained her active practice. The book includes many anecdotal accounts of the healing of serious and incurable diseases as well as the personal trials they endured. For instance, Knott dealt with a hypnotist who tried to demonstrate his power during her lecture. Weller, widowed and divorced, raised her children while she maintained her active practice.

ISBN-10: 0615399932
ISBN-13 (Softcover): 978-0615399935