FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,
READING
REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR
ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST,
READING
CONTENTS
Trustees, Annual Report
Pages 1-2
Independent Examinerfs Report
Page 3
Statement of Financial Activities
Page 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Page 5
Notes to the Financial Statements
Pages 6-10

First Church of Christ, Scientist,
READING
Trustees, Annual Report for the year Ended 31 March 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Reading, whose address is 52-54 King's Road, READING,
RG1 3AA, is a registered charity, Number 1040054, and is governed by its Constitution and
By Laws originally produced ¢1929 and last arnended in March 2019
The Charity Trustees are the Executive Board, consisting of up to five persons elected
annually by the members from among their number. During the year specified the Executive
Board consisted of..
Mrs C de la Harpe (Chalr)
Mrs A Cheadle
Mrs J Kennedy Ichairl
Mr C Harrison
Mrj Palmer
Mr P Gilford
Mrs A Prlnce
Mrs H Adams
Jan- Dec 2023
Jan- Dec 2023
Jan- Mar 2024
Jan- Nov 2023
Jan - Mar 2024
Jan- Mar 2024
Jan- Mar 2024
Jan- Dec 2023
The land and church buildings at Kings Road are held on behalf of the members by Custodian
Trustees who have no executive role
The Charity Trustees. having full consideration of the requirement for the Charity to hold
Reserve Funds, consider that the level of such funds at the conclusion of the financial year
were appropriate to meet the charity's future planned activities.
Wrth the exception of the paid Reading Room Managers, all the other duties are carried
out voluntarily by ChurGh Members.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The object of the Charity, as ststed in the Constitution, is Yo maintain and spread Ihe truth as
set forth in The Bible and interpreted in 'Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, by the
Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, and so demonstrate this
truth "by bringing forth the fruits of Love- casting out error and healing the sick ' (Science
and Health p 35) in accordance with the example and command of Christ Jesus.
Page 1

The Church holds weekly Sunday Services and Wednesday Testimony Meetings;
provides a Sunday School foryoung people up to the age of 20; opens a public
Reading Roorn. and carries out such other actlvlties that are consonant with its
Constitution and By-Laws and with the Manual of The Mother Church, The First
Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA."
The Charity Trustees considerthat all the activities of the Church, being open to
everyone, the requirements of the Charities Art, 2011 are fully met in this respect.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The core activities of the church have been maintained durin8 the year,
They include:
Readin8 Room and Bookshop which is open three to flve days a week. dependln8 on stsff
availabllity.
Church services and meetings held both in the building and made accessible via
Zoom, Youtube and the church website. On average in-person and online attendance has
been roughly equal. Those joining online to tend to come from a wider geographic area
including overseas.
Public talks. The church was involved In provldin8 a number of talksllectures durln8 the year. One
In-person event which wa5 subsequently edited into three shorter videos made avallable onllne durin8
the summer months. It also sponsored another couple of online talk5, Including one at Christmas, in
conjunction with up to nine other UK Chrlstian Science churches, co-ordinated by the Joint Christian
Sclence Reading Room.
Daily Bible lesson readSng on Zoom has contlnued wlth several re8ular participants from the
wlder UK.
Some time ago the membership had decided to sell a flat in Maidenhead which had been gifted to the
church by the former Christlan Sclence Church in the town. Thi5 had been rented out for several year5
and provided a monthly income. However. rlsin8 costs and a change of agents had made this less
attractlve. The property sale was completed on I, August 2023 and the money added to church funds.
Toward the end of the year the membership approved spendlng on the church's IT system. Includlng a
new network connection. leased line internet and new computers- all primarily 8eared to improvin8
the streaming of seprflces and meetin8s. The work was not completed by the end of the financial year
and is continuing.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial affalrs of the Church for the year to 31 March 2024 are shown in the
attached accounts, which have been prepared under Section 130 of the Charities
Act, 2011.
2024
{For and on behalf of the Trustees)

First Church of Christ, Scientist
READING
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
To tho M•mborn of the Flr8t Church of Chrfst, SclontiS( R•adlng
I report on the Accounts of the Charty for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The Charity Trustees consider that an audrt is not required for thls year (under section
144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Act).
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charlty
Commission {under section 145 (5) (b) of the act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the
Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept
by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wilh those records. It also
indudes consideration of any unusual items or di8closures in the accounts, and seeking
explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken
do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not
express an audit opinion on the accounts.
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention, which give8 me
reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the Members have not met the
requirements to ensure that:
proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 130 of the Act); and
accounts are prepared vlhich agree with the accounting records and comply with
the accounting requirements of the Act; or
to vthich. in my opinlon, attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding
of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah R Hammond FFA
14 Watchet Lane
Holmer Green
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HP15 6UA
12 dwie
..2024
Page 3

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST. SCIENTIST, READING
Statement of Financial Activities for the year •nd•d 31 March 2024
Total Funds
Unrestrlctsd Restrictsd
Fund
Fund
2023124
2022123
Notss
INCOMING RESOURCES
Income resource$ from
generated funds
Voluntary Income
Reading Room Sales
Rental Income & Ground Rent
Lettings l Room Hire
la
12,417
7,351
4,277
12,417
7,351
4,277
15,364
6,054
Investment Income
1b
14,635
14,635
11,342
Investments Realised
12,329
12,329
16,685
Totsl Incoming R•8ourc
51,008
51,008
49,444
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Donations
Investment Manager's Fees
Cost of Charitable Activitie$
Work of the Church
Church Running Costs
Reading Room
Govemance Costs
525
525
650
2b
2c
2c
2d
2•
7,727
49,736
31,965
3,379
7,727
49,736
31,965
3,379
3,463
37,214
28.717
947
Total Resources Expended
93,332
93,332
70,991
Net (Outgolng)Ilncomlng R•8ourc08
42,324
42.324
-23,716
Reall$gd Galns l (Los￿1) on Investmen
-1,151
-1,151
-14,329
Unrnallsod {Loss)IGalns on th•
revaluatlon of Investments
54,082
54,082
38,765
10.607
10,607
-76,149
Total Funds Brought Forward
964,805
1,927
966,732
1,040,954
Totsl Funds Carrled Forward
975.412
1,927
977,339
964,805
Poge 4

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, READING
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
2023124
2022123
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Fixed Assets
590,810
880,423
Investrnents
595,807
420,175
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at Bank and in Hand
6,629
5,709
CREDITORS
Amounts due within one year
6,629
5,709
NET ASSETS
1,193,245
1,306,306
FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds
1,191,318
1,304.379
Restricted Funds
1,927
1,927
TOTAL FUNDS
1,193,245
1.306,306
Approved by the Truslees on .........
signed on their beha￿ by
Trustee
Trustee
Page 5

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, READING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year ended 31 March 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historic cost, as amended by fixed
assets included at market value, in accordan￿ with the Statement of Recommendèd Practice
(SORP 2008) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities. and the Charities Act 2011.
Re¢ognltlon of Incomlng rnsources
These are included in the Statement of Finaniial Activities (SOFA) when:
the charity becomes entitled to the resource,.
the trustees are virtually certain they will received Ihe resources and
the monetary value can be measured wrth sufficienl Teliability
Incomlng re80urc88 With related expendlture
Imiere incoming resources have related 8xpendlture the Incomlng resources and related
expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA
Donatlon8
Donations are induded In the SOFA when the charty has unconditional entit18ment to th8 resources.
T•x and rnclalm• on donatlon• and glft
Incoming resources from tax redaims are induded in the SOFA at the same tim8 as the
gift to which Ihey relate.
Investment Incom•
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Expendltur• and U•bllltle•
Liablliti•s recognltlon
Liabilitbes a￿ recognised as soon as there 18 a legal or constructive obligation committing
the charity to pay out resources.
All expenses are indusive of VAT.
Gov•man¢e co•ts
Indudes costs relating to the preparation and independent examination of the flnanclal statement.
Flx•d A$sets
During 200612008, the original church building was dernolished and in its place a new church and 15
residential flats were built by Bewley Homes plc. The residential propertles are being managed by a separa
rnanagefflent company and are included in the Balance Sheet at market value. A new churth has been built
by Bewley Builders and the buikling is in included in the accounts at market value. In 2015116 the Church wa:
gifted by FCCS Maidenhead a 1 bedroom flat. this was disposed of during the financial year and the proceed:
are held on deposit with the Investment Manager the d8POSrt is shown in the afxounts at its Qu￿ent value.
Depreciation of tangible assets is provided in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life,
using the following rates.
Freehold & Leasehokl buildings
Fumiture, fixtures and equipment
Organ
1% straight line
100/0 straight line
50kn straight line
Pa8e 6

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, READING
Noto• to th• Finan¢i•l Ststements forthe yearended 31 March 2024
Unr•8tricted
Fund
Re8trkt•d
Fund
2023124
2012123
INCOMING RESOURCES
al Voluntary Income .
Collections al Servic88
and Gift AKI
Legacies
Donations
5.395
Rental Income & Ground Rer 4,277
Other
7,022
7.022
9.047
1.048
4.823
5.395
4.277
446
16,694
16,694
15.364
b) Inv88trnenl Incomo
Bank Inl8re81 Received 4,263
Investments- Dividends
and Inleresl
4,263
10,371
10,371
11.338
14,635
14,635
11,342
Page 7
31,329

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, READING
Notes to tha Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
2023124
2022123
RESOURCE EXPENDED
Donation•
525
650
b)
Investment Manag•rfs Fée•
Cost of Charltable Actlvltles
Work of the Church -
Lecture
Advertising
Literature for Church
Committee on Publication
Miscellaneous
Trf from Deposit Njc to Current Alc
Music Committee
ClerkJDeputy Expenses
Gift Subscriptions Donated
Honorariums-
Organists
Soloists
5,730
885
700
420
166
690
608
1,350
642
1,298
7,727
1,992
3,463
Church Running Costs
Service Charges
Water
Heat and Light
Fire Inspection
Repairs and Renewals
Insurance
3,553
199
13,312
4,035
231
6,702
13,321
3,271
1,359
E I I
Committee Expenses
Cleaning
Equipment Purchased
Telephone and Intemet
Depreciation of Church Bldg
1,451
4,852
3,510
3,818
768
2,694
10,823
37.214
2,223
10,823
49,736
d)
Readlng Room
Reading Room purchases
Transfers from Church General Funds
Staff Costs
Reading Room- Expenses
Payroll Fees
3.700
120
22,551
4,755
839
1,000
1,697
21,526
3,723
771
31,965
28,717
Governance Costs
Accountancy Fee
Legal Fees
919
2,460
3,379
93,332
875
72
947
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
70,991
Page 8

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, READING
Notes to th¥ Flnancial Statsments for the year ended 31 March 2024
2023124
2022123
2021122
3 Chureh Buildlng, Refurblshment and Oryan
Depreciated Values as at 31 March 2022
Church Building - Original value of Asset 600,(KKI
Less - Depreciation to 1 April 2023
90,Ct)O
510.¢X
600,CI))
6¢J).000
78,000
522,cKIO
516,OCN)
Less - Depreciation for 2023124
504.¢))O
510,000
516,000
Refurbishment- Original value of Asset
Less- Depre¢iatlon to 1 Awil 2023
74,033
64,440
9,593
960
74,033
63,370
10,883
1,070
74,033
62.1
11,843
1,180
Less - Depre(iatlon for 2023124
8,633
9,593
10,663
Organ - Original Value of A68et
Less - Deprec4ation to 1 April 2023
5,865
4,102
1,763
293
5,865
3,809
2,056
293
5,885
3,516
2,349
293
Less - Depreciation for 2023124
1,177
1,470
1,763
Propety at 9 Bridge Court, Maidenhead
Market Value of Asset
Disposed of during the year
282,360
-282,360
285.210
2,850
285,210
2,850
282,360
282,360
Investment Proprty
Investment Propety - Original value of Asset
77,000
77,000
77,000
Totsl Book Valuo of Non4nOMtary A•••t•
a• at 31 March 2023124
£390,810
£880,423
£887,786
Inv••tm•nl•
Market Value as at 1 Aprfl 2021120
Addth'ons during the Year
Disposal proceeds
Realised Profits (Losses) during the year
Investments Realised
Unrealised Investments
419,892
40.022
-83,789
-1.151
13,480
54,082
Market Value of InV￿tment• - 31 March 2022121
£442,536
HlJtorl¢al Costs
£363,264
Fund8 Managed by the Investment Manager
Market Value of Investrnents held
Cash held by the Investment Manager
Time deposrt held by Investment Manager
442,536
3,271
150.000
£595,807
Pag8 9

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, READING
Notes to the Flnancial Statom•nts for the year ended 31 March 2024
2023124
2022123
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUNDS
Fixed
Assets
Investments
Current
Assets
Current
Liabilities
Total
Unrestricted Funds
General Funds
590,810
595,807
4,702
1,191,318
Restricted Funds
1,927
1,927
590,810
595,807
6,629
1,193,245
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Balance as
al
0110412023
Collectionsl
Donations
Received
Interest
Received
Payments
Out
Balance as
at
3110312024
Family CarelBenevolent
Fund
1,927
1,927
PAYMENTS TO CHARITY TRUSTEES
No payments were made to Charity Trustees for the reimbursement of any expenses
incurred as Charty Trustees in the year 2023124. (2022123 £0)
Page 10