In the Back Bay section of Boston is the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, which is at the headquarters for the Christian Science denomination. The church is at the center of the headquarters campus. There are actually two main parts to this building. The larger portion, with the sandstone material and the dome features on top is the younger of the two parts and is often referred to as the extension. The smaller portion, with the dark grey stone material and the spiked bell tower is the original edifice. Within this portion are many stained glass windows placed on all the walls.
These windows are in several shapes and usually depict either a biblical story or feature women in religion. They are as follows:
A pair of rectangular windows depicts Mother Mary and Jesus sitting on a throne, flanked by columns, and Mary Magdalene anointing the head of Jesus.
A pair of rectangular windows depicts the raising of Lazarus from the dead on the left, with Christ Jesus and other onlookers, astonished and praising on the right.
A single window, is of Mary Madgalene anointing the head of Christ Jesus.
A single window, artificially lit from behind, is a representation of the image in Revelations of the woman with a crown of stars and her feet on the earth.
Another single window, also lit from behind, is of Mary at the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
One of the rose (circular) windows has twelve divisions and many panels with images, surrounding the book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that Mrs. Eddy had written, and twelve stars around them.
Below this window is a series of rectangular panes showing six urns.
The other rose window has similar divisions showing clouds around the central image of Christ Jesus healing Jarius' daughter.
Below this window is another series of panes with palm leaves and other abstract designs.
A few other smaller windows adorn the church, as well.
Above the auditorium is a large oval crystal dome with light emanating through that has more subdued stained glass designs, and a star at the center.
The auditorium is available during tours of the church. These are posted on the church's web site. There is parking available at the Prudential Center or on the street, if you can find an open space. The E Line of the MBTA Green Light Rail system has the Symphony stop close by.
Sources:
Sacred Destinations (First Church of Christ, Scientist):
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visit link)
Christianscience.com (Tours):
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visit link)
Armstrong, Joseph. The Mother Church (17th Edition). Boston: Christian Science Publishing Society, 1915.