Manual of the Mother Church The First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts

by Mary Baker Eddy

"Manual of the Mother Church" by Mary Baker Eddy is a church governance manual first published in 1895. Functioning like a constitution, it establishes the structure and operations of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston. Through 89 editions until 1910, Eddy created detailed by-laws governing church officers, practitioners, and members. The manual's unique "estoppel clauses" required Eddy's personal consent for certain decisions, creating lasting questions about church governance after her death and sparking significant legal controversies.