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When and why was Daystar established?
Daystar was established in 1990 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.
There are other organizations that preserve Christian Science history. Why is Daystar necessary?
The relatively modest size of the Daystar facility allows ready access to the library collection. Most books are shelved within the study rooms so that visitors may explore for themselves the library's holdings, which, in addition to the material relative to the formative years of the Christian Science movement, include historic Bibles, commentaries, and a selection of Bible research works. Daystar's location in the American "heartland" has met a need for those interested in studying the history of Christian Science who may be unable or have little occasion to travel outside the Midwest. And, most importantly, 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.
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. Other individual collectors have generously donated substantial libraries of books relating to Christian Science, so that these items may be shared with seekers of firsthand information on the emergence of the Christian Science movement.
Other than the library collection itself, what resources does Daystar offer to those interested in the history of Christian Science?
Daystar's biannual 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 sponsors talks on historic subjects by distinguished guest speakers, which are presented periodically to the public.
What is Daystar's main objective?
The purpose behind Daystar is to foster deeper and more widespread interest in the history 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.
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