Welcome to First Church of Christ, Scientist,
West Palm Beach, Florida
A spiritual cornerstone in West Palm Beach, Florida, our church has been an enduring presence in this community, guided by the enduring principles of faith and prayer.
Part of a Global Network
We are a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy, the Christian Science Church has global reach, bringing hope, healing, and spiritual wisdom to countless lives.
Temporary Service Location and Times
Beginning on Sunday, September 3, we will temporarily move our services to the Community Foundation for Palm Beach, located at 700 Dixie Highway, about two blocks from the Esperante Building. We will convene in the Snowden Room on the ground floor off the courtyard. Free ground-level parking is available adjacent to the east entrance of the building.
Sunday Church Services: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Wednesday Testimony Meetings: 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Childcare is provided during all services.
What is Christian Science?
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IS CHRISTIAN. It's based on the teachings of Christ Jesus. This can mean resolving difficult challenges with health, relationships, employment and other personal and global issues through prayer. People who practice Christian Science are free to make their own choices about what to think and do in each situation, including health care. But Christian Science is so much more than a system of self-help or health care. Ultimately, it is a way to draw closer to our loving Father-Mother, God, as well as all of humanity.
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A Brief History of First Church of Christ, Scientist, West Palm Beach
Humble Beginnings
In 1904, seven Christian Scientists from across the United States convened in West Palm Beach to establish the area's first permanent Christian Science church body. The congregation held its inaugural services in the Masonic Lodge on Clematis Street. By 1911, membership had grown to 18, and two lots were purchased to construct a church in 1913. In 1926, the original property was sold to make way for a new, majestic Neo-Classical building facing Lake Worth. The First Church of Christ, Scientist has served the West Palm Beach community since the early 20th century, and its spiritual and architectural impact endures to this day.
Foundations and Construction
Built between 1927 and 1929, our neoclassical edifice graces the West Palm Beach waterfront. Anne Phipps, the wife of steel magnate Henry Phipps, generously donated the land. The Phipps family had extensive land holdings in the Palm Beach area during the 1920s.
Architectural Distinctions
Architectural beauty shines through in our church's design. Inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture, our church boasts eight fluted Ionic columns at the east entrance and another four at the south entrance. For nearly a century, the church has been a defining feature on the west side of the city's Royal Palm Bridge.
Landmark Status
While it qualified for the National Register of Historic Places in December 1998, our church was officially designated as a local landmark by the West Palm Beach City Commission on December 2nd. This solidifies its place as an invaluable cultural and historical asset in the city's Register of Historic Places.
Preservation Efforts
In anticipation of future community needs and ongoing preservation, the First Church of Christ, Scientist Building Fund was established in 2019. This fund ensures that the church continues to be a spiritual refuge, even as new developments like the "One Flagler" high-rise emerge in its surroundings.
The First Church of Christ Scientist
Boston, Massachusetts
Mary Baker Eddy
VISIT US
Temporary Address:
Community Foundation for Palm Beach
700 S Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Sunday Service 10:30am
Sunday School 10:30am
Wednesday Service 7:30pm
Church Contact
Email: clerk@wpbcs.com
Phone: 561-655-2343