EVOLUTION OF THE TENETS OF THE MOTHER CHURCH Footsteps of Progress These religious tenets or “important points,” as Mary Baker Eddy called them, are read in Christian Science branch churches twice a year, at the communion services held in January and July. Here’s how they originally appeared in 1879, in the minute book of The Church of Christ (Scientist): Tenets and Covenant To be signed by those uniting with this church.