First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Ottawa
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Ottawa is a Christian Science church located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Organized in 1899, it is one of the earliest Christian Science congregations in Canada and remains active today.

History

The church traces its origins to 1888, when local residents began studying Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy after experiencing healings through Christian Science[2]. By 1899, practitioner Elizabeth Higman—who had corresponded directly with Eddy and trained under her—began teaching classes, leading to the formal organization of the church on December 26, 1899[2]. Early services were held in rented spaces, including Newman’s Hall on Sparks Street and later the Tilley homestead at Metcalfe and MacLaren streets[2].

The congregation commissioned architect John Pritchard MacLaren to design a permanent Italianate-style building at 288 Metcalfe Street. Construction began in 1913, and the first service was held there on February 22, 1914[1][2]. The building, noted for its neoclassical elements, was dedicated debt-free on March 23, 1919, after members contributed during World War I[2].

Architecture

The church’s design combines Italianate and neoclassical influences, featuring symmetrical façades and classical detailing. It is one of Ottawa’s few surviving examples of early 20th-century Christian Science architecture[1].

Activities

The congregation maintains a Reading Room for public study of Christian Science literature. While originally located on Bank Street and later Laurier Avenue, the current Reading Room details are not publicly specified[1][3]. Services and testimonial meetings follow the denominational model established by Mary Baker Eddy[3].