The Christian Science Movement in Long Beach: A Historical Journey

The Christian Science movement in Long Beach has a rich history that spans over a century, from humble beginnings in a small seaside cottage to the construction of a magnificent Renaissance Revival edifice that stands as a testament to the growth and prosperity of the organization in Southern California.

Early Beginnings (1896-1912)

The roots of Christian Science in Long Beach can be traced back to 1896, when a single family began reading Christian Science Lesson-Sermons in their home.¹ As interest grew among other families, more space was needed to accommodate all who wanted to participate. In 1902, a society was formed, and a small seaside cottage known affectionately as "The Barnacle" was rented and remodeled for use as a reading room and place of worship.² Despite its modest appearance, this vine-covered building represented an important step forward for the growing community.

The healing work being done by the group began to attract strangers to their services, and a Sunday school was established. By the summer of 1904, First Church of Christ, Scientist, at Long Beach was officially organized and incorporated with seventeen charter members.³

As attendance grew, the congregation moved to Chapel Hall, a space built specifically for their use with a seating capacity of about 350.⁴ By 1911, even this proved inadequate, and the group rented the Congregational Chapel on Fourth Street, which could seat 600 people. Even this larger space was quickly filled to capacity, making it evident that a permanent church home had become a necessity.⁵

Building the Elm Avenue Church (1912-1914)

In March 1912, the church purchased two lots (measuring 110 by 150 feet) on Elm Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets for approximately $10,000.⁶ The site was on the east side of Elm Avenue, with one lot between the church property and the Pacific Telephone Company building.

The church commissioned renowned architect Elmer Grey to design their new home.⁷ Grey was known for his work on significant buildings throughout Southern California, including several other Christian Science churches. His design for the Long Beach edifice was in the Italian Renaissance style, measuring 90 by 140 feet.⁸

Ground was broken on March 6, 1913, with the building, including the organ and furnishings, projected to cost approximately $77,000 (though the final cost would reach $85,000-90,000).⁹ The brick and reinforced concrete structure featured a main auditorium with a seating capacity of 910 people, with plans allowing for a balcony to seat an additional 200 people if needed in the future. The Sunday school room in the basement level was 72 by 80 feet, bordered by smaller rooms that could be incorporated into the main space when desired.¹⁰

Construction progressed rapidly throughout 1913. By August, the Sunday school room was ready for use, and by March 1914, the auditorium was completed and occupied.¹¹ The Long Beach Press described the completed edifice as "one of the finest in southern California," noting that it "speaks eloquently in itself of the progress made since the first Christian Science Association was formed at Long Beach in a little hall at Third street and Cedar avenue."¹²

Growth and Dedication (1914-1919)

The completed church was an impressive sight, with pure white exterior finishing and simple yet elegant design.¹³ A pipe organ was installed, and the building quickly became a center of Christian Science activity in Long Beach. In addition to Sunday services, the church held Wednesday evening testimonial meetings that were well-attended.

In 1909, before the new church was built, a suite of reading rooms had been established in the First National Bank Building, which were "generously patronized."¹⁴ By 1916, the church's literature distribution committee was distributing about 4,000 pieces of Christian Science literature monthly.¹⁵

The church was formally dedicated on June 8, 1919, after the congregation had fulfilled the Christian Science requirement that a church be free from debt before dedication.¹⁶ The dedication represented the culmination of many years of growth and spiritual development for the Long Beach Christian Science community.

Later Developments and Legacy

As the Christian Science movement continued to grow in Long Beach, Second Church of Christ, Scientist was organized on December 19, 1919.¹⁷ By the 1930s, there were four Christian Science churches in Long Beach, demonstrating the significant growth of the movement in the area.

The 1933 Long Beach earthquake damaged many buildings in the city, including the Christian Science churches, which were rendered unsafe for occupancy. In a remarkable show of unity, the four Churches of Christ, Scientist in Long Beach joined together for services in public parks while their buildings were repaired.¹⁸

Over the decades that followed, the First Church of Christ, Scientist at 440 Elm Avenue remained an important landmark in Long Beach, continuing to serve its congregation while also standing as an architectural treasure. However, as with many religious organizations in the latter part of the 20th century, membership eventually declined, leading to the eventual sale of the building to First Christian Church.

Throughout its history, the Christian Science movement in Long Beach exemplified growth from modest beginnings to significant influence, with the building at 440 Elm Avenue serving as a physical embodiment of that journey.