Christian Science Society, Hudson

In February of 1914 six people interested in the study of Christian Science met at the Hudson home of Mr.Pete Balder to read the Bible lesson and sing hymns. In July of the same year, Mr. Balder was called from the city and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Rettsladt offered their home to the struggling students. Here regular services were held every Sunday morning.In the spring of 1915 a Sunday School was started with six children, and Wednesday evening Testimony meetings were held every three weeks.Mrs. Mina Gartner, a Christian Science Practitioner connected with First Church of Christ, Scientist, NYC came to the aid of our little band. It was largely through her healing work that Christian Science Society, Hudson was organized.On December 4, 1916 the Society purchased the Brabender property, 426 Carroll Street, and took possession on April1,1917 with our first service on that day. A free circulating library was opened that year. On Sunday afternoon of June 24, 1917 the Society sponsored its first Christian Science Lecture, given by Prof. Herman Herring in the Playhouse. About three hundred attended. In April 1919 a building fund was set up for a new church edifice, and in August of 1923 the Society purchased a building lot on Green Street. In October of 1923 a meeting was held for the purpose of drawing plans for the church edifice. A number of special meetings were held. The members of the Society responded to the call for funds and the first collection taken amounted to $1650. The Sunday school, regular attendants and outside friends also helped financially. A Reading Room was opened free to the public on April 20, 1924. On May 1, 1924 Mrs. Sara Brandow, a Christian Science practitioner of Athens, NY, moved her office to Hudson and became the first resident practitioner. On May 10, 1924 the Board of Directors of the Mother Church formally acknowledged the change of title as incorporated under the laws of NYS and Christian Science Society became First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hudson,NY. On June 5, 1924 the officers and members came together to lay the cornerstone in grateful appreciation of the many blessings and healings they had received through Christian Science. Within the cornerstone were placed all of the works of Mary Baker Eddy, all current periodicals, our church by-laws and history.The new church opened October 26,1924 with its regular Sunday service and a Christian Science lecture. Our records say "so great was the crowd that people were turned away."