0.0 – Christian Science Author – Helen Spangler – Biography and Publication Index

It is a joy and a privilege to be able to share with you these four addresses on Christian Science by a teacher from the early years of the Church. I did not seek them out, for I had never heard of Helen Spangler until these addresses came to me quite unexpectedly. Someone brought me a box oftranscripts in hopes I would find some of them to be of interest. As I went through them, I came to these addresses by Mrs. Spangler.
I began reading one ofthe addresses, and I couldn't put it down. I realized that I had found another name to be added to the list of published writings by teachers of the past. I had another set of profound addresses to share with those who appreciate the value of these early writings.
Very little is known about Mrs. Spangler, but her addresses are so inspiring that she must have been considered an outstanding teacher during the period when Christian Science churches were overflowing, and every teacher had a full class ofthirty pupils each year. She contributed many articles to the periodicals. She taught and practiced in Los Angeles, California, from the 1930's until her passing in 1964. Only a few of her association addresses have come to  ........  light, but they are enough to illustrate the divinely inspired teaching that took place during this period in the Church.
These addresses were written for Association Day, when the pupils of Mrs. Spangler met together to hear an address from their teacher. Such occasions were very important to those Christian Scientists deeply devoted to their Church. They came from all parts of the country, and even from abroad, to hear their teacher speak. Teachers, therefore, wrote an address worthy of the occasion. Each year they poured into it their deepest understanding of Christian Science. The prosperous years in the Church are becoming a thing of the past, but the need for excellent teaching is as urgent as it has ever been. Fortunately, we have addresses by the early teachers that are meeting this need. Mrs. Spangler now joins the list of those dedicated workers whose writings are destined to enlighten and heal the 'simple seekers for truth' found in every age.
In Unity of Good, Mary Baker Eddy writes, 'Our master said, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand. ' Then God and heaven, or Life, are present, and death is not the real stepping-stone to Life and happiness. They are now and here; and a change in human
consciousness, from sin to holiness, would reveal this wonder of being.' Achieving this change 'from sin to holiness' is the goal of the Christian Scientist.
We read about the possibility of this inner transformation, but Mrs. Spangler writes as one who actually achieved it to a large
degree. She emphasizes the fact that now we are in the kingdom of heaven. Each address presents new insights that define the vast
realm of infinite Mind and our relationship to it.
Many healings come about through this deeper understanding of God, for we learn to overcome subtle forms of sin as we spiritualize consciousness. While we presently seem to live in the mortal dream, Mrs. Spangler shows how the transformation of consciousness is possible - indeed, inevitable. Although our entire being - our life, our body, our world - are here and now spiritual,
the darkened, material thought, like a fog, prevents us from discerning this. She supplies basic ideas that dispel the fog of mortality and bring to light the fact that 'now are we the sons of God.'
I hope, dear Reader, you find these addresses as inspiring as I have found them, and that they bless you with a greater understanding of your relationship to God.
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