About Us
Daystar Foundation & Library
Since its inception in 1990, Daystar has gathered and preserved a wide range of historical items related to Christian Science and the Bible, including books, documents, photographs, audio recordings, periodicals, art, and artifacts.
“Christian Science and Christian Scientists will, must, have a history….”
Mary Baker Eddy
Introduction
Daystar Foundation and Library is pleased to share this video, which highlights its purpose of fostering a deeper and more widespread interest in the history of Christian Science. The video features a look at Daystar’s building, including its main library, exhibit gallery, state-of-the-art archive facilities, and its lovely outdoor courtyards and gardens.
When and why was Daystar founded?
Daystar Foundation and Library was established in 1990 with the purpose to collect, care for, and make available books, papers, and memorabilia relating to the early days of Christian Science, its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, and those individuals who helped her in the fledgling stages of the Christian Science movement.
As time advances farther beyond the period that saw the birth of Christian Science, there will be an increasing need that the written record of those who experienced its pioneer days be preserved and made available to future generations.
What makes Daystar unique among Christian Science historical organizations?
The design of the Daystar facility allows ready access to the collection, which includes material relative to the formative years of the Christian Science movement, as well as historical Bibles, commentaries, and a selection of Bible research works. Daystar’s location in the American heartland has met a need for many interested in studying the history of Christian Science, with its convenient location in the middle of the United States.
How did Daystar obtain its collection?
Daystar has received historical material from a number of different sources. One of Daystar’s founding Trustees, Chester Muth, C.S.B., who had received class instruction in Christian Science from Victoria Sargent (a pupil of Mary Baker Eddy), left to Daystar his collection of notes and reminiscences received from Mrs. Sargent. Shortly thereafter, Daystar became the recipient of a substantial collection of research materials from Jewel Spangler Smaus, the author of Mary Baker Eddy: The Golden Days, published by The Christian Science Publishing Society. In 2023, a collection of materials from the most prolific architectural design firm of Christian Science church buildings was donated to Daystar by Charles Draper Faulkner, Jr., and his family. The visually intriguing collection includes architectural drawings, photos, slides, and documents, among other historical items, related to the combined 75 years of design work of over 160 Christian Science churches by 20th century Chicago-based architects Charles Draper Faulkner, Sr., and Jr.
Other individual collectors have generously donated books, documents, photos, art, and historical objects relating to Christian Science, so that these items may be shared with seekers of firsthand information on the emergence and development of the Christian Science movement.
Other than the historical collection itself, what resources does Daystar offer to those interested in the history of Christian Science?
Daystar’s signature publication, Library Notes, offers original, documented articles that provide background on key subjects that relate to Christian Science history. Library Notes has proved to be an important means of sharing noteworthy material from the Daystar collection, particularly with those who are not able to visit the library.
Daystar also hosts presentations on historical subjects by distinguished guest speakers and staff members, which are presented periodically to the public.
Field programs are offered both domestically and abroad, which immerse participants in the history on location.
The Book Exchange initiative provides an exchange point where individuals or organizations can donate and acquire free used Christian Science books and other materials.
What is Daystar’s main objective?
The purpose behind Daystar is to foster deeper and more widespread interest in and understanding of the history and legacy of Christian Science as discovered by Mary Baker Eddy and to inspire heartfelt appreciation for her and for those students of hers who faithfully served the Church she founded.
Who was Mary Baker Eddy?
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science and Founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist, was a deeply Christian woman and perpetual student of the Bible. The youngest of six children, she was born in 1821 to Congregationalist parents, Mark and Abigail Baker, in the small town of Bow, New Hampshire. The constraints imposed on most women of her time were compounded in her case by frequent bouts with ill health and the early loss of those most dear to her. Yet after her discovery of Christian Science in 1866, the limitations and failures yielded one by one through her absolute faith in and understanding of God’s goodness and love.
