Our History
A few faithful students of Christian Science held the first informal meetings in Lynchburg in the spring of 1898. During the summer vacation, they accepted the offer of a room in Miller Park School. After school began in the fall, they held their meetings in the home of a friend, then in the Scott Building, and finally in Hill City Masonic Lodge. This latter arrangement proved very satisfactory and continued for 17 years until November 1916. During this time the group formed a Christian Science Society and were recognized as such by The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1900. In appreciation of the treatment accorded by the Masons, the members presented a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy to the Masonic Library. When Mrs. Eddy learned of this incident, she sent the Christian Science Society a copy of Science and Health on January 22, 1905, enclosing her card with a personal greeting. This volume is now displayed in the foyer.
The Society moved to the Peoples National Bank Building in 1918 where a Reading Room was then established. In April 1919, the Society was dissolved and First Church of Christ, Scientist, Lynchburg, Virginia, was formed. A year later the edifice at 420 Victoria Avenue was purchased from the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. With the help of a grant under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy, this building was dedicated April 15, 1928.
In October 1953 the membership voted to accept the offer of the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Victoria Avenue property was sold to them. Church services were then held in Fort Early building starting on November 9, 1953.
During the next year plans were formulated for a new Church edifice, and a Georgian Colonial design was chosen by a majority of the members on November 29, 1954. Construction began January 17, 1955 on a building site at 2901 Rivermont Avenue, which had very generously been given to the Church by a member some 13 years earlier. The finances for this undertaking were consummated due to bountiful pledges from the membership . The building was completed several weeks ahead of the contractor’s time estimate, and the first service was held on Sunday, October 2, 1955. The Church was dedicated June 13, 1965.