Canadian born Clara Sainsbury Shannon was a singer of some accomplishment and became one of the fortunate students to attend the Primary Class taught by Mary Baker Eddy in September, 1888. She later became one of the most trusted students in Mrs. Eddy's household at "Pleasant View" in Concord, NH. After taking two additional courses of metaphysical instruction by the Leader of Christian Science, she was accorded the degree of "C.S.D.", the highest degree conferred of metaphysical accomplishment.