HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
obtained a separation from her at the outbreak of the war because she was a German. Under the deed of separation she received thirteen shillings and five pence maintenance money, but owing to the strong feeling against her nationality she was not able to get work to supplement this sum. She is not a Christian Scientist but has found that the only alleviation of her circumstances has come through Christian Science and is extremely grateful for the relief extended to her each week. Recently she returned to Germany, saying that she would at once look up the nearest Christian Science Reading Room and tell of the loving treatment she has received through The Mother Church Fund.
In one instance where help was given in very sad circumstances, the recipient wrote that she had no idea that her affairs were known to anyone, or that there was such a blessing as The Mother Church Relief Fund. She said that the gift was a most wonderful answer to her prayers.
Relief was also extended to a number of working dressmakers, whose small businesses failed in the early days of the war. Several struggling artists and musicians whose means of livelihood abruptly stopped, were also helped for a period. A number of boardinghouse keepers at some of the popular seaside resorts, were likewise recipients of relief from the fund. The war broke out just at the beginning of the summer season, and the towns, particularly on the east coast, lost many of their usual summer visitors through the anticipation of enemy raids by sea or by air, and through the necessary military regulations regarding coast defence.
Excerpts from several of the many letters received
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