How We Began
The Christian Science movement began in 1866, when Mary Baker Eddy discovered the spiritual laws of healing that Christ Jesus practiced and taught. She published Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures in 1875, and in 1879 founded the Church of Christ, Scientist — reorganized in 1892 as The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston.
As the movement grew, branch churches sprang up in cities across the country and around the world, Madison among them.
Our Timeline:
Founding of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Madison
c. 1910
Around 1910, a small group began meeting at the Gates of Heaven synagogue before later building a church of their own. Christian Scientists have gathered for worship in Madison for well over a century.
The Early Years in Madison and Establishing a Permanent Home
1929
By 1929, that group of pioneers had built a church on Wisconsin Avenue, becoming First Church of Christ, Scientist, Madison. That original building still stands today as a historical landmark in the city, even though our congregation has since relocated within the city.
Growth and Development
Later 20th century
After selling the Wisconsin Avenue building, First Church moved locations several times. Later in the 20th century, a second congregation, Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Madison, was also established in the city, meeting first on Monroe Street and later on Midvale Boulevard.
Purchasing Our Current Building
610 South Segoe Road
Late 1990s
At the close of the 20th century, the memberships of First and Second Church merged and purchased the building at 610 South Segoe Road on Madison’s west side, which continues to be the home of our combined congregation today.
Our Reading Room Moves
2012
Our Reading Room has a history of its own, moving through several downtown locations over the years — including State Street, Pinckney Street, and Monroe Street — before moving into the church building itself in 2012. See the Reading Room page for additional details and current hours.
Continuing to Welcome Madison
Today
First Church continues to welcome all of Madison to explore Christian Science, through Sunday services, our Reading Room, and Sunday School. Learn more about visiting or read about who we are today.