Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/384

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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR

the chaplain was conducting Christian Science services, as well as undenominational services, aboard his ship.

When the fleet silently sailed for Europe under heavy convoy, our chaplain was designated as chaplain for the entire squadron of mine-layers and he, with the other Christian Scientists aboard, began to realize the magnitude of the work they were called upon to do. The chaplain's cabin became the headquarters for the Science boys and an earnest group gathered in it each day to read the lesson and gain spiritual inspiration for the work in hand. We quote from a letter written by these men to the Christian Science Board of Directors about the time of the annual meeting in June, 1918:

“Dear Friends: We, a group of men serving together on an American man-of-war, take this opportunity of expressing our loyalty to The Mother Church, and the Christian Science Board of Directors in annual meeting assembled.

“Never did we realize the priceless gift of Christian Science more than in these days of war, when it has carried us in the silent watches of the night through seeming danger of fog, mine, and submarine, and has been an ever-present Comforter assuring us of a complete and certain safety.

“We wish to express our gratitude for the provision of literature and our vest-pocket edition of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, for the good things provided through the Comforts Forwarding Committee and the Camp Welfare workers, also for the privilege of holding Christian Science services each Sunday on board our ship.

“It is a comfort for us to know that we have the loving thoughts and prayers of our friends, and Christian Scientists everywhere, helping us in our work, whether it be in the trenches or on the sea.

“Almost every night those of us who are interested in

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