Christian Science Timeline

1866 - Feb 1

Mary Patterson falls on ice on Lynn sidewalk; is seriously injured.

1866 - Feb 1

A turning point occurred in 1866 when a severe fall on an icy sidewalk left her in bed in critical condition. Friends and a homeopathic physician who was called to treat her saw no hope for her recovery.
1866 - Feb 4

Experiences healing - discovery of Christian Science.

1866 - Feb 4

Mary Patterson asked for her Bible and, while reading an account of Jesus’ healing, found herself suddenly well. Mary could not explain to others what had happened, but she knew it was the result of what she had read in the Bible.

Her conviction grew in the coming weeks and months as setbacks were met with even stronger proofs of spiritual healing.

Eventually, she referred to this as the moment she discovered Christian Science.
1866 - Autumn

Begins notes on Genesis.

1866 - Autumn

Begins year-long period of healing others, researching the Scriptures, and exploring the discovery she eventually will name Christian Science. Writes hundreds of pages of biblical exposition (1866-1869) in a manuscript titled “The Bible in Its Spiritual Meaning.”
1867

Teaches her first student, Hiram Crafts

1867

Over the years Mary Baker Eddy taught her system of healing to hundreds of women and men who in turn established successful healing practices across the United States and abroad.
1868

Called to heal Mrs. Mary Gale in Manchester, NH, who was dying of pneumonia. The doctors in attendance inform her that there is no hope for the patient. She cures the woman and one of the doctors urges her to write a book about her system of healing.
1869

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form National Woman Suffrage Association
1870

Settles in Lynn area for 12 years, often changing residence. Begins teaching classes on Christian Science and maintains a healing practice.
1872

Ceases her classes and devotes herself to writing a book. Her first working title for the book is The Science of Life.
1873

After 20 years of marriage, wins divorce from Daniel Patterson on grounds of desertion.