The First Church of Christ, Scientist

The Mother Church jekahben (Atlas Obscura User)

The Christian Science Plaza is a 14-acre site that is home to the headquarters of the Church of Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879.

The Plaza holds many buildings, the oldest being the original Mother Church of Christian Science which was built in 1894. The larger extension to the Original Mother Church was built in 1904 and collectively the two buildings are considered the First Church Of Christ, Scientist or simply, “The Mother Church.” The Church has daily tours. The extension houses one of the world’s largest pipe organs and sometimes there are free concerts. Even if you cannot get inside, a walk around the exterior of the Original Mother Church will show you some wonderful stained glass windows.

The Mary Baker Eddy Library, which houses the archives and a small museum of the founder is also part of the Plaza, as well as the world-famous Mapparium. Other buildings that used to be the headquarters of the Christian Science Monitor and other arms of the Christian Science Publishing Society but some of these buildings are now used by other businesses.

The Plaza includes a colonnade, a 670-foot reflecting pool and a fountain, the latter is often used by youngsters in the summer to keep cool.

Know Before You Go

See its website for details about visiting. You can visit the church for a free tour daily or for free organ concerts every other month, starting in February. Easy access on the MBTA via Symphony Station on the E line.