Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/312

 The Christian Scientists, with those of every other creed and faith, heard the call and answered, using at first the only available means. Individually they gave their services to existent relief organizations; in groups they purchased wool in quantities, knitting and teaching the use of the needles to others less proficient, made and fitted comfort bags, and distributed the results to individuals in the service. Calls for bags and knitted garments, however, steadily increased, and while they were met with rapidly increasing labor, the lack of an organized clearing house was keenly felt. There seemed to be one clear, insistent call:

The call was heard, plans quickly developed, and through the courtesy of the Board of Directors, headquarters were opened in the house owned by the church, at 191 Huntington Avenue, Boston. Here yarn was sold, model garments exhibited, and all knitted wear received and distributed. Even this step toward systematization added a stimulus to individual efforts. For example, one woman turned her house into a workshop for several days, for the making of the first twenty sweater vests, the garment that “fitted so well,” was “so soft and warm,” and had “such a nice feeling.”

It was during this period that the Halifax disaster occurred, and the value of a well-constructed organization, vitalized with love and intelligence, was manifested. The response of the Scientists to their brothers' needs was almost overwhelming; and in an incredibly