Dr. Barker and the Expansion of Religious Science
The evolution of the Religious Science movement in the mid-20th century was significantly shaped by the leadership and vision of Dr. Barker. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to metaphysical teachings, Barker expanded the reach of these principles from the West Coast to the heart of New York City.
The Path to Religious Science
Barker's journey into the movement began in 1940 during a visit to Los Angeles, where he met Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science. This encounter drew Barker toward the philosophy of Religious Science, setting the stage for his future leadership roles.
During the same year, Barker attended the International New Thought Alliance Congress. This event was hosted by Elizabeth Carrick-Cook and her Absolute Science Center. The meeting sparked a lasting friendship and introduced Barker to the metaphysical teachings of Frederick Lawrence Rawson, an English thinker whose American legacy had been maintained by Carrick-Cook's late husband, Jay Williams Cook.
In 1944, Barker and Carrick-Cook entered a co-ministry at the San Francisco Institute of Religious Science. As Barker joined the newly formed Religious Science Institute in San Francisco, Carrick-Cook merged her existing activities with the organization.
Establishing the New York Ministry
After serving as President of the Religious Science Institute, Barker resigned in 1945. This transition occurred at the request of Ernest Holmes, who urged Barker to formalize a Religious Science ministry in New York City.
On February 1, 1946, Barker founded the First Church of Religious Science in Manhattan. The congregation grew rapidly, moving through several locations to accommodate its increasing membership:
- 1949: Services were held at New York's town hall.
- 1952: The church acquired a building at 122 W. 55th St.
- 1966: The ministry moved to 14 East 48th St, near 5th Avenue.
- 1969: Due to the limited size of the 48th St location, Sunday meetings were moved to Alice Tully Hall in the Lincoln Center.
Leadership and Influence
Beyond his local ministry, Barker held prominent international leadership positions. He served as the president of the International New Thought Alliance from 1943 to 1946 and led Religious Science International from 1954 to 1957.
Barker extended his reach through mass media, hosting a weekly program on WOR, a radio station serving the New York City metropolitan area. His influence also extended to his students, who included future leaders in the movement such as Louise Hay and Stuart Grayson.
One of Barker's most notable contributions to the movement's literature was his book, God is Money. In this work, he presented the founding tenet that "Money is God in action, and it takes money to put God into action," a belief he maintained throughout his life.
Key Facts
- Founder: Established the First Church of Religious Science in Manhattan on February 1, 1946.
- Key Mentors: Influenced by Ernest Holmes and the teachings of Frederick Lawrence Rawson.
- Leadership: President of the International New Thought Alliance (1943–46) and Religious Science International (1954–57).
- Notable Students: Taught future leaders including Louise Hay and Stuart Grayson.
- Core Philosophy: Authored God is Money, linking financial action with divine action.
| Year | Event/Role | Location/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Met Ernest Holmes and Elizabeth Carrick-Cook | Los Angeles / Int. New Thought Alliance |
| 1943–1946 | President | International New Thought Alliance |
| 1944 | Co-ministry with Elizabeth Carrick-Cook | San Francisco Institute of Religious Science |
| 1946 | Founded First Church of Religious Science | Manhattan, New York |
| 1954–1957 | President | Religious Science International |
| 1969 | Sunday meetings moved to Alice Tully Hall | Lincoln Center, New York |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the founder of Religious Science that influenced Dr. Barker?
Ernest Holmes was the founder of Religious Science who attracted Barker to the movement during a visit to Los Angeles in 1940.
When and where did Dr. Barker establish his church in New York?
Dr. Barker founded the First Church of Religious Science in Manhattan on February 1, 1946.
What was the central theme of Dr. Barker's book, God is Money?
The book posits that money is "God in action" and asserts that financial resources are necessary to put God into action.
Which notable figures were students of Dr. Barker?
Among his students were future Religious Science leaders Stuart Grayson and Louise Hay.
How did the First Church of Religious Science handle its growth in New York?
The church moved from town hall to 122 W. 55th St, then to 14 East 48th St, and finally held Sunday meetings at Alice Tully Hall in the Lincoln Center to accommodate the growing number of attendees.