News
We want to share with you all how HTL has been finding its way, since our last newsletter in November 2024.
The team under the management of the Services Manager has been very loyal in supporting the HTL Board of Trustees. This has kept thought open and alive in waiting patiently for Divine Love to direct our way. The HTL Board meets weekly online and regularly at the Manor to evaluate the next steps, and to show our support for the team and the CS nursing community.
Our Christian Science Nurses Training Centre has been periodically used for Christian Science Nurses Training classes conducted by Wendy De La Harpe, an accredited Christian Science nurse trainer in Europe, to train students sponsored by Le Verger, Christian Science Nursing Education.
We continue to assist with ordering nursing supplies for CS Visiting Nurse Services, private duty CS nurses, and individuals. Additionally, nursing equipment is available for local lending upon request
HTL R&S Refresher
Held on 16th to 20th June 2025
The idea for R&S Refresher emerged in late February 2025 as a way to reconnect with friends and associates with whom we had not been in touch for the past few years. We saw a marvellous response to our invitation, which resulted in a house full of guests and day visitors.
We are very grateful for the Westminster Fund’s donation, which encouraged many people to attend. We received wonderful feedback from attendees and some positive ideas to consider moving forward.
We truly appreciate each one’s participation, which made this a very memorable event. It was wonderful to see those fellowship gatherings and people renewing and reconnecting with old friendships.
Some who had been meeting on Zoom since 2019 were finally able to meet their friends in person.
We were blessed with perfect weather that week, and everyone enjoyed walks around the grounds including our orchard. All the activities and metaphysical events were well-attended and enjoyed by many. Some people also appreciated the quiet, prayerful times and the use of our Digital Study Room.
We are displaying a few photos to give you an overview of the event.
Our sincere thanks extend to all performers, helpers, and everyone who donated to the trust.
A Message from our Newly Appointed House Practitioner
I recently had great pleasure in accepting the invitation to be the House practitioner for Hawthorne Trust Ltd.
Looking at the Church Manual provision for the Christian Science Nurse (Art VIII, Sect. 31) there are three specific qualifications our Leader listed for ”A member of The Mother Church who represents himself or herself as a Christian Science nurse:”
- One who has a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice,
- who thoroughly understands the practical wisdom necessary in a sick room,
- who can take proper care of the sick.
And in Science and Health (page 395) she lists these qualities for any nurse:
- The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith,- receptive to Truth and Love.
Here is a lovely poem by Carol Sims from the Christian Science Journal (June 2017 page 33) which illustrates these qualities:
So loving, so kind,
the Christian Science nurse
smiles with tenderness
and compassion,
inspires and lifts our thought.
The littlest deeds,
the smallest considerations,
the heartfelt constancy
are a glow of brightness
that surrounds us.
Never doubting,
never fearing,
you are always praying.
As you witness only
to God’s perfect creation
no graphic picture of mortal mind
dims your scientific beholding,
your ministry of Spirit.
At midnight hour,
at break of dawn,
at noon’s repast –
patient, alert, humble –
Love is your guide
as you walk your rounds.
May the good you do,
the blessings you bring,
make your heart sing!
Years ago I was caring for my father who was under the care of the medical. I had quit my job, and moved in with him. His condition worsened, and although he was having a daily visit from two NHS nurses, this wasn’t enough. I became desperate. So I rang the Committee on Publication to ask if I could engage a Christian Science nurse to help my father. His reply I will never forget. “No, Brian, you cannot call in a Christian Science nurse. But you can give him Christian Science nursing yourself!’ And that is what I did up to the time of his passing. I cannot say how grateful I was for the various “Christian Science Nursing Taster” events I had attended at Charton Manor which enabled me to do this.
Although we are not at the moment in a position to accept patients at Charton Manor, we can still promote these nursing qualities for the benefit of all Christian Scientists and their loved ones. And in our prayers we can support all those worldwide who are in need of the gentle balm of Christian Science nursing.
Brian Blandford CS
House Practitioner
Arrangements, Opportunities and Support
Current arrangements, opportunities, and offers of support to the Christian Science nursing field have continued, including the use of our former Training School, which must be in line with HTL objectives:
- Support to Whitehaven Trust and individuals including private duty CS nurses with supplies
- Loan and delivery of CS nursing equipment
- Providing facilities and accommodation for CSN Training under the auspices of Le Verger. These have already been used, and we are very happy that this is to continue.
Furthermore, we would consider any activity that supports the healing work of our Christian Science nurses and practitioners in forwarding the spiritual healing mission of Christian Science.
We have just completed another financial year and the Board’s Trustee Report will be issued in early 2026, alongside the accounts as at 30th Sept 2025.
We would like to invite the broader Christian Science community to use our beautiful facility and grounds for various events worldwide.
Our vision is to see our facility become a HUB for Christian Science fellowship and gatherings.
Some ideas came up in the recent R&S Refresher session.
These flats are shown in the OSNA (UK) Directory and Guide as individual living flats for those over 55, and preferably, but not exclusively Christian Scientists.
- As stated previously HTL has been the owner of the freehold of this property for many years and the gift of theleasehold to HTL by the OHA is becoming a reality.
- A way that will bless the Christian Science Field with the possibility of providing accommodation for a VCSNS and private duty CSNs (see e. below).
- Naturally, great sensitivity has continued in dealing with the current tenants whilst changes are envisaged.
- Essential maintenance work has taken place in several flats over the last 12 months and some residents have moved out or moved to a more suitable flat within the Orchard.
- We currently await a report from an Architect based on the plans to convert up to two flats for use by a Visiting Christian Science Nurse and private duty CSNs.
- Additionally, plans are being drawn up to upgrade the whole set of 12 flats.
Metaphysical Aspects Including Prayer
There have been many examples of prayerful work amongst our Board, Company Members, and management.
We are also very grateful for the loving support of our ‘House Practitioner’.
Our Mission is to support the Christian Science Nursing ministry.
Communication with the Field
Our website.
Since our report last year we have been in contact with another branch church by zoom and spoken or written to CS Journal listed teachers and practitioners,continuing to seek their views on the future needs of the Field.
The general conclusion is that oneor more smaller OS nursing facilities in the South East would beverywelcomeand possibly at a more easily accessible location closer to London.
The continuation of the growth of VOSNS and private duty CS nursing is also to be encouraged; with many more seeking training both in the UK and at Le Verger.
Prospects and Plans
Consideration and ideas as to how we might generate income from the property utilising the various rooms that we have available for rent using a management company. This, of course, requires careful thought to justify this arrangement within our current healing mission.
If you have any questions or would like to share any ideas, please be in touch. We would welcome your input
We shall keep you updated as the way and direction are indicated to us…… In the meantime, thank you for your continuing support, and with love,
The HTL Board