The Shrine of the Master, Church of Metaphysical Christianity, was started in 1949 in Sarasota, Florida. Its founders were Rev. Dorothy G. and Dr. Russell Flexer, a husband and wife team of Spiritualist ministers and mediums.

The church evolved from the Spiritualist Episcopal Church, the parent organization that the Flexers belonged to in the early days of their ministry.  In 1958, the Flexers created a new denomination and called it Metaphysical Christianity.

After starting churches in Reading, Pennsylvania and Norfolk, Virginia, the Flexers under the guidance of Spirit, came to Tampa, Florida in 1946. One year later, they with the help of others, started the first Shrine of the Master Church.

Two years later, also under the guidance of Spirit, the second Shrine of the Master church was begun in Sarasota.

The Flexer‘s goals and dreams for the Shrine of the Master were to bring to people an awareness of understanding of spiritual truth found within the physical and spiritual planes of existence. These teachings are brought forth with everyday language and are taught with practical applications that can be used by anyone regardless of their level of understanding or experience. The primary subjects that are taught in the classes are understanding of Spiritual Law, Vibrational Healing Energies, Meditation, Spirit Communication, Mediumship Development and Biblical History and Interpretations.

Metaphysical Christianity is a way of life built upon the spiritual principles of life.  Primary to its teachings are the concepts of personal responsibility and the fact that we determine the conditions of our lives through our thoughts and actions. 

Through the guidance of many Spirit teachers and many on earth, the Shrine of the Master has evolved into a “Center of Light” where all people can come to worship and learn according to their interests.  The church will  soon celebrate its 61st year. Sarasota is also the home for the Church of Metaphysical Christianity (CMC), which is expanding to become a national organization of like minded churches, retreats and spiritual centers.