About Us

Record of the Christian Science Society, Sanford, Maine

Christian Science Society, Sanford, Maine had its beginnings in Sanford in 1909, when a group of people interested in Christian Science began to hold informal services in their homes.  On June, 11th, 1909, nine persons met and voted to organize Christian Science Society of Sanford, Maine.  In the summer of that year, the group began holding Sunday services in The Sons of Veterans Hall on School Street.  The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts, recognized Christian Science Society, Sanford, Maine on November 30th, 1909.  The first Wednesday service was held on August 9th, 1911.  In the fall of 1911, church services were moved to a hall on Mechanic Street and the group opened its first Reading Room in that same building.  On July 10th, 1912 the Society was officially recognized as a branch of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts, and became one of the more than, at that time, 3,200 Branches of The other Church in 54 Countries around the world.  From 1916-1936, services were held in several halls including the courtroom in the Town Hall.  On September 16th, 1936, the State of Maine granted the Society permission to erect buildings.  In October, 1936 the Society became incorporated and purchased a house on Maple Street.  This building was remodeled to provide space for church services, a Sunday school, and a Reading Room.  The Reading Room was moved to 136 Main Street in May of 1966 so that it would be more convenient for all Sanford residents.  The lot where the Society now stands, at 35 School Street, was purchased in 1954.  Building plans were approved in the spring of 1968 and construction began that fall.  The first service in this new edifice was held on June 29th, 1969.  The Sunday school had recently been renovated.  This brought to completion the building plans, and this church edifice, being free from debt, was dedicated on March 30th, 1975.  Today, Christian Science Society, Sanford, ME continues to be an active presence in the community; the property is maintained in accordance with the times, and technological advancements are being implemented as they become available.