Christian Science Hymnal
Bound Book/Religious Liturgical Text • Published by The Christian Science Publishing Society, Boston
Style & Movement
Art Deco/Modernist Religious Institutional Design
Medium & Technique
Mass-produced printing on paper; cloth-bound hardcover with gold-stamped lettering and blind-embossed central decorative vignette.
Creation Period
Early to mid-20th century (likely c. 1932 edition)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6 x 9 inches; portrait orientation
Subject Description
A collection of hymns used in the services of the Church of Christ, Scientist. The cover features an embossed octagonal vignette depicting The Mother Church building in Boston, Massachusetts, symbolizing the foundational headquarters of the movement.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; show signs of significant age and use.
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Likely owned by a member of a Christian Science branch church; no specific individual labels visible on the exterior.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the standardization of music and liturgy within the Christian Science movement founded by Mary Baker Eddy. The architectural vignette serves as a key iconographic link to the movement's history.
Notable Features
Includes a gold-leaf title on the cover and a detailed architectural rendering of the Boston Mother Church dome and tower within an octagonal frame.
Condition Issues
Fraying at the spine edges and corners; significant surface staining/discoloration on the cloth cover; fading of the blind-embossed central image; potential internal foxing or yellowing typical of pulp paper of this era.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a cool, dry environment with stable humidity to prevent further cloth decay. Handle with clean hands to avoid skin oils transferring to the porous fabric.