The Christian Science Church of East Aurora was built in 1906 on land donated by Clara B. Emery of the ‘Emery Park’ family. Prior to 1906, church members met in members’ homes. The church was built to be, and has only ever operated as, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, East Aurora. Roycroft influences are noted in the simplicity of detail, beautiful and extensive woodwork, and several of the early members were famed Roycroft craftsmen.

In the early 1900’s, the Christian Science movement and the Roycroft movement were both sweeping across America.  Locally, this church and the Roycroft Inn were both under construction. It’s also true that at this time, the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy, and the founder of the Roycroft movement, Elbert Hubbard, were very famous contemporaries. It has been said that Elbert Hubbard is “the most famous person that nobody’s ever heard of” – and Elbert Hubbard said of Eddy, [She is] “The most successful woman in the world today”.

Regarding students of Christian Science, Elbert Hubbard observed in 1909 that “there are no drunkards, paupers or gamblers.  Also, there are no sick people.”  He wrote “[the Christian Scientist] is diligent in business, fervent in spirit and accepts what comes without protest, finding it good.”  “[Students of Christian Science] do not flee the world; renouncing & denouncing it…and as a people they are well, happy, hopeful, enthusiastic, and successful.