Mary Baker Eddy was a lecturer, author and healer. She founded the Christian Science Church, the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Christian Science Monitor and the Christian Science Publishing Society. And for a number of years, she was a Concordian.
Eddy may have established Christian Science in Massachusetts and spent a good portion of her time there, but New Hampshire also played an important role in her life. First and foremost: The Granite State was where she was born. Take that, Massachusetts! At the height of Eddy’s fame, she returned to New Hampshire to reflect, write and help out her home state.
Eddy lived in Concord from 1889 to 1908. Three of those years were spent renting a home at 62 N. State St. The home, now owned by the Longyear Museum, allows the public to see where Eddy completed such significant works as the 50th edition of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” and “Retrospection and Introspection.”
“People come here from all over the world,” said Constance Shryack, resident overseer of the North State Street residence. “Concord is in Christian Science history forever because of Mrs. Eddy’s time here.”
Recently we took a tour of the property to learn a little more about one of Concord’s most prominent residents. To learn more about Eddy, visit longyear.org.
MARY BAKER EDDY
– Born on a Bow farm in 1821. Died in Chestnut Hill, Mass., in 1910.
– After an accident in Swampscott, Mass, in 1866, Eddy claimed she healed herself through the power of prayer. She began researching the Bible and healing others. This was the start of what she eventually named Christian Science.
– Boston is home to the Christian Science headquarters. It is fondly referred to as The Mother Church.
– Concord’s church is located at 33 School St.
– While in Concord, Eddy raised more than $1 million to benefit the city and donated around a thousand pairs of winter shoes to children. Eddy also started the first fund for the Betterment of Roads in Concord.
THE MUSEUM
The Longyear Museum is dedicated to informing the public about Mary Baker Eddy and the early history of Christian Science.
The 62 N. State St. property is open to the public May 1 through Oct. 31 on Mondays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. From Nov. 1 to April 30, visitors are still welcome – but you must make an appointment. For more information, call 225-3444.
The Longyear Museum owns seven other historic Mary Baker Eddy houses in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. For hours and information, visit longyear.org or call 800-277-8943.
