History and architecture
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, built in 1899-1903 at the northeast corner of Central Park West and 96th Street, was designed by the noted architectural firm of Carrere & Hastings and is in the finest tradition of Beaux Arts classicism. Although the firm designed few churches , the Christian Science building is very much in keeping with its designs for other public buildings.
The Christian Science Society in New York City held its first regular Sunday service on November 27. 1887. In 1888 the Society was incorporated as the "Church of Christ Scientist" under the ministry of Mrs. Augusta Stetson. In 1896 the name was changed to the ‘‘First Church of Christ Scientist New York City". The congregation had chosen to meet in halls and renovated church buildings until they had the financial means to build a structure suitable to their needs and appropriate to the Christian Science ideals.
The building is a material representation of that which the church that built it stands for in the realm of ideals...it shadows forth to a decree the thought which created it" wrote Omen R. Washburn in the Architectural Record in February 1904.
Carrere & Hastings were commissioned to design a building with an auditorium which would seat 2.000 people. The cornerstone was laid on November 30, 1899. Nothing was spared in the erection of the building; the architects were prestigious , the best design was sought, and the finest material- white Concord granite - was used. All funds were raised before construction, and the building was completed free of debt.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.