Longyear Museum

Mary Baker Eddy was born July 16th, 1821 in Bow, New Hampshire. Throughout her childhood Eddy struggled with illness, which worsened as she entered young adulthood. Her first husband passed away six months into their marriage, leaving her pregnant and without any money. She was remarried and bore several more children, all while continuing to experience debilitating health crises throughout her life.  Through an alleged revelation, along with spending significant time in the company of alternative medicine leaders and spiritual guides, Eddy claims she recognized the truth the health, and was able to heal the illnesses she struggled with throughout her entire life through spirituality. She enforced a non-interventionist Christian perspective, citing Jesus’s lack of medical intervention when healing as the source of her theory. Eddy would go on to publish books, gain a significant following, and build a tangible church all in support of her founded religion. Today, Christian Science is has both a presence and following in the modern religious landscape.

Eddy’s story illustrates a historically significant journey. As a woman she faced numerous challenges simply establishing a life for herself. After the death of her first husband, she lost custody of her son as women of that era were not legally capable of raising their own children without a husband. Additionally, she was unable to find a job, train for employment, or live alone during much of this time due to gender-based laws that existed. Eddy’s story is significant to followers of the Christian Science Church, but also to historical feminism.