A home and refuge for those serving the Cause

In November 1924, the Christian Science Board of Directors announced the establishment of The Christian Science Pleasant View Home for senior workers “whose length of service in our Cause, good works, and other circumstances furnish special reasons for generous provision by Christian Scientists” (Christian Science Sentinel, November 1, 1924). On July 15, 1927, they opened their doors to provide those faithful workers with a permanent home. 

The following year, the residents wrote to the Board of Directors to express their gratitude for this provision: “We are beginning to see something of the wonderful import and opportunity of this Home; the outpouring of the reflection of divine Love throughout the world which has made its establishment possible; and the unlimited scope of its activities, which can be brought into manifestation only as we daily renew our love and loyalty to our Leader by our obedience to her admonition to have one God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves” (Christian Science Sentinel, December 10, 1927).

Almost half a century later The Christian Science Pleasant View Home closed its doors, and in 1975 the Christian Science Board of Directors arranged for moving many of those guests to the BA. Today, the BA continues to provide a setting for senior workers who have devoted their lives to the public practice of Christian Science, to the work of and support for Christian Science nursing, and serving in various capacities at The Mother Church and in branch churches.

The Residences at 910 program (as it’s known today) provides a home and refuge where residents are able to continue demonstrating “the natural fruits of Christian Science Mind-healing,” defined by our Leader as “harmony, brotherly love, spiritual growth and activity” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 213:1-3). 

Today, the BA still offers what was put in place and so appreciated by those who lived at the Pleasant View Home. We enjoyed speaking with a few current residents about the joy of living at the BA. One resident with an active public practice as a Christian Science practitioner said, “What I appreciate the most is the privacy and quiet I enjoy at the BA, while also having my creature needs taken care of. There’s such a positive atmosphere at the BA which is important to me, as well as a real sense of home and family.”

Another resident and longtime worker at The Mother Church told us, “When I began praying about next steps, I wasn’t looking to retire in the traditional sense. While I was seeking fresh vistas, new possibilities, Christian Science healing and spiritual growth were and are fundamental for me. The BA has a deep commitment to Christian Science healing — in all of its activities — that’s what I love, what I want to continue to support not only for myself but for humanity.  For me, this means a day-to-day demand to live what I love.  It isn’t that it’s easier to do that here at the BA.  But there can be a joy in the fact that we are walking the same road.”