Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/20

 therefore, has been to deal broadly with the whole subject and yet to introduce here and there, in detail, typical instances which serve to illustrate specifically the more important lines of activity followed in the United States and abroad, especially where these serve to illuminate the metaphysical purpose which lay behind all the Committee's efforts, and to give the results obtained by the application of divine law as taught in Christian Science, to all the varied and complex problems presented.

A War Relief Committee was appointed by the Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother Church in 1914. In 1917 a Camp Welfare Committee was also appointed by the same authority. These were merged in 1918 and subsequently the words “Camp Welfare” were omitted from the title. It is this Committee which submits the following report, in which is included the story of the efforts and achievements of others as well, for the many war time activities of Christian Scientists, working singly and in groups all over the world since the autumn of 1914, have been so closely interwoven that it is impossible to tell the story properly otherwise. Noteworthy instances of these exceptions will be found in the chapters “Helping Halifax,” “A Unique Committee” and “Timely Recognition.”

The fall of 1914 witnessed the establishment of the War Relief Fund of The Mother Church. The Comforts Forwarding Committee began its work in the latter part of 1917 and early in December of the same year, the Halifax Relief Committee made its notable trip to Nova Scotia. The first army chaplain was appointed at almost the same time, this appointment being followed at short intervals by