Why are we staying in Chestnut Hill?

It’s a question we hear frequently from the Field, and one that’s important to answer as we continue providing a refuge for Christian Science healing–is the Benevolent Association staying in Chestnut Hill?

The answer is a resounding YES! Here’s a little more detail as to why.

Through the years, as the trustees of the BA have addressed preserving and maintaining a Christian Science refuge with its services and activities, the subject of selling portions of the property, as well as the question of selling the entire property and relocating has been discussed at different points of particular financial and maintenance needs. Upon each point of consideration the trustees’ conclusion has been to remain on this property.

In 2017, with the BA debt-free-and operating within a balanced budget, the Board of Trustees turned its attention to developing a comprehensive master plan of the BA’s 24.2 acres. This included a landscape architect, as well as civil engineers and structural engineers to assess all campus buildings.

The Board explored a number of options including considering again whether the BA would be better served by selling the current campus and using the funds to purchase and build in a less expensive area of Massachusetts. The BA hired Colliers International to conduct a location search and study for an alternate campus that would provide the sense of refuge that exists currently in Chestnut Hill — but at a lesser cost — while also providing surplus funds for endowments. The study showed that the Chestnut Hill location was the perfect location for the communities we serve and there would be no financial advantage to moving sites.

Following the completion of the study, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to stay in its current location with the needed building and renovation to bring the Chestnut Hill campus into the 21st century. They acknowledge that this location, where the Benevolent Association was originally established in 1916 by the Christian Science Board of Directors, is the right location to maintain this important refuge.  Not only has the campus itself proven to be a sanctuary-like refuge, but its location in relation and accessibility to the active communities it serves, including its proximity to The Mother Church, has shown it to be an ideal location. This campus has been an integral part of the Christian Science refuge where those in need may come for spiritual study and prayer, loving practical care, spiritual support, and healing.

Given the scope of facility needs, and a desire to care long-term for the buildings and campus, the Board has determined that the master plan should be accomplished in multiple phases. We’ll look forward to sharing more details about each phase as the work progresses.