Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/295

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ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL

transport home, for periods varying from two weeks to several months. The hotels were converted into hospitals and convalescent homes for the wounded, large numbers of whom were to be seen strolling the streets with very little to occupy them. In January, 1919, the Rooms were opened by the War Relief Committee, and the Canadian flag was hung outside as a sign of welcome. The men began to come in at once, and within a fortnight the Rooms were occupied to their full capacity, and the Committee were obliged to consider the provision of further accommodation.

Although the Rooms were advertised as open between twelve and nine p.m., before nine in the morning the men were at the door begging for admission. It is estimated that within two months of the opening of the Rooms, over a thousand men had made use of them.

The Worker writes :

“There seem to be a great many new men in Buxton, and they find their way down here the first night. This week the attendance has been over three hundred. There are a number of men studying in the quiet room, and several have had talks with me, and say they want to begin at the rock bottom of Christian Science, so of course they have been referred to the textbook. The work gets more and more interesting and the men seem to be growing more and more receptive. They come in like hungry children waiting to be fed, and the way they come and ask to be helped is simply wonderful.”

Men who have heard of Christian Science for the first time in Buxton, have returned to Canada with the determination to find a Christian Science Church and learn more of Truth. Many asked for copies of the textbook to study on the voyage home, for they

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