HISTORY
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST
McLean, Virginia
An informal group of seventeen people interested in Christian Science met together on February 18, 1967, and agreed that the time was right for taking the first steps in forming a Christian Science Society. A committee was selected to choose a meeting place.
Two weeks later a Steering Committee of seven was elected to appoint Readers, a Sunday School Superintendent, and committees. The first Sunday service was held on April 2, 1967, at Langley High School, and services were held there from that date until the opening of our new church building.
Application to become a Christian Science Society and to hold regular Sunday and Wednesday evening services was made to The Mother Church in Boston, and on August 17, 1967, the group was authorized to become the Christian Science Society of McLean, Virginia.
In November of 1967 the membership voted to purchase the lot on Chain Bridge Road, and by January of 1971 that property was owned free and clear. A membership decision to build on our lot was recorded on July 12, 1971, and the Building Committee ordered preliminary designs from the firm of Beery, Rio &Associates, of Annandale, Virginia, which had been selected as the church architect.
As our membership growth continued, the Society expanded services to the community with the establishment of a Reading Room, which opened in January 1973, at 6821-B Tennyson Drive, McLean.
This action was soon followed by application to become a branch church. On April 9, 1973, the membership voted to apply for branch church status, which was approved by The Mother Church on June 1, 1973. The Society thereupon became First Church of Christ, Scientist, McLean, Virginia.
Site clearing on the property began March 26, 1973, and on May 19, 1974, the Church held its first service in the new building at 1683 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia.
Ten years later the church was free of debt and the dedication service was held on May 20, 1984.
A Rodgers Organ, Cambridge Model 835, was acquired in December 1993.
