The Cleveland Church of Religious Science held its first meeting on Sunday, June 25, 1967, at the Cleveland-Sheraton hotel. Four months later they moved to Holiday Inn hotel at Route 90 and Euclid with the 50 members needed for a Charter. On November 15, 1967 we moved into a former library at 3482 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio. Our first congregational meeting was held a month later and a Board of Trustees elected and junior church organized.
Rev. Lester M. Mitchell began accredited classwork in the study of the Science of Mind on January 15, 1968. Two months later, on March 3rd, the Cleveland Church was presented with its charter by Dr. Vernon McHenry, President of the national Board of Trustees.
During 1968 we established our church facility at 20120 Lomond Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio. Highlights during this time :
* The membership doubled
* We held our first baptismal service
* The first church picnic was held
* The inauguration of Rev. Mitchell's famous speech class
* Science of Mind Classes
Since its beginnings in 1967 the First Church of Religious Science has been led by the following ministers:
1971 - 1975 Dr. Donald P. Kelsey, Master Practitioner, Teacher, All-around minister, pastor, organizer.
1975 - 1977 Rev. Henry Plate, The Compassionate One. During his service the youth church grew from 10m to over 100 youths.
1977 - 1980 Rev. Richard West, His unique personality stimulated outstanding enrollment in the Science of Mind classes and Sunday attendance at the beautiful Jewish temple, the new facility moved into during Rev. West's tour of service.
1981 - 1982 Rev. Donald R. Henderson - He brought to the church humor, good music and a healing consciousness. However, during his service the church experienced its biggest challenge when it went through a major division, creating two wonderful churches of Religious Science.
Sept. 1982 - 2005 Rev. Ruth M. McDonald, the first African American minister, the first female minister graduated from the Ernest Holmes institute of Ministry on June 22, 1982 and became the minister.
1988 This year finds the First Church of Religious Science holding its services and classes in its own building at 11713 Buckeye Road, Cleveland, Ohio.
2009 - 2013 Rev. June M. Clark and Rev. Leora Nash came from Hemet California to become Senior Co-ministers.
2013 - present Rev. June M. Clark.
2018 - Miracle Center for Spiritual Living moves to 2653 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118
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