Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/22

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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR

had responded to the opportunity to aid the war sufferers, when it was first presented to them in 1914, so they eagerly answered the call made in November, 1917, to extend this work. Thus within a period of sixty days, the entire Christian Science movement in the United States was completely organized and in a large measure at work, along lines which we shall fully cover. This report would be incomplete without a full recognition of the invaluable assistance rendered by State Committees and their corresponding subcommittees located in every town and city where a Christian Science Church or Society existed. On these committees more than two thousand persons served voluntarily and without compensation. The service rendered was highly important and nearly always entailed large contributions of time and effort. In fact it was the framework of the structure which, when put to the test, as it was on many occasions, proved staunch and strong at all points, and able to respond quickly and effectively to all calls made upon it.

There were employed by these Committees on November 11, 1918, more than two hundred persons serving, some as Camp Workers, others as Welfare Room attendants, and a few in other important capacities. These persons devoted their full time to the work, often lived in the camps and were subject to transfer without notice. The policy of the Board of Directors, in the matter of compensation paid the salaried workers, was generous and in every case enabled them to carry on their work free from financial anxiety. The body of the report will bear rich and varied testimony as to the high character and value of the work performed by these men and women. In camp

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