The History of Our Church
The growth of the Unity Church of Brazosport, Texas, from its beginning in the summer of 1984 to the present
has seemed to those involved to illustrate most dramatically the results that occur when steps are taken in faith and when
reliance is placed in divine order. Rob Robinson, an almost-licensed Unity teacher, arrived with perfect timing in September
1984. He provided advice and assistance by scheduling speakers and soloists, drawing on his many friends and acquaintances
in Houston.
In early 1984 when our regular organist became unable to continue, Pat Bonney was able to step in
and continue the music program with no interruption. In addition, a lawyer "appeared" ready to offer his services
to help in completing the necessary legal procedures to dissolve our membership with the Church of Religious Science and incorporate
as the Unity Church of Christianity-Brazosport and become affiliated with the Association of Unity Churches.
On
Sunday, December 3, 1984, we met in the pyramid on Bryan Beach, Texas, for the first time in our new identity. Shortly thereafter
it became apparent that our congregation was outgrowing the Bryan Beach facility. In addition, the property was due to be
sold and would become unavailable to us. We were miraculously able to find a lovely building to rent. We moved again and Sunday,
January 6, 1985, we held our first meeting in the sanctuary of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Richwood, Texas. Soon after,
a number of activities began. A logo was chosen. Judy Runnels, who provided us with our first Unity wedding, stepped in to
set up and run the bookstore. A children's Sunday school and nursery was organized, along with a an adult study
group prior to Sunday service, A support group for A Course in Miracles was continued, meeting at the church on Sunday
evenings. By the autumn of 1984 we even had enough voices for a choir!
On March 10, 1985, Albert Wingate joined
us to perform the dedication of the church and the first baptism for new members. Nearly the entire congregation took part
in the ceremony. During the spring and summer of 1985, the church had a host of guest speakers and soloists, usually from
Houston. Along with Albert Wingate there were such notables as Jerry Fankhauser, B J Kruse, Wanda Umeojiego, Ray Reynolds,
Behee, and Cleola Williams. B J Kruse began teaching Unity accredited courses on Wednesday evenings at Earl Knight's office
in Angleton.
In May, Rob Robinson left, with the church's blessing and support, to begin his two-year training
at Unity Village. Wanda Umeojiego stepped in to continue scheduling speakers and soloists and to provide a number of other
services.
In June 1985, the church was ready to take the next step, selecting our own minister. We chose a Search
Committee, interviewed several candidates. In November we hired J. Scott Thornton, a 10-year veteran of four Unity churches
from Florida to Oregon. On December 1, 1985, as we celebrated the first anniversary of our founding, Scott preached his initial
sermon as our minister. Scott Thornton was replaced by Ron Ballinger in February 1989. Then in September 1990 Bill King became
our minister. He left in 1992.
In January 1994, the church moved to its present location at 507 South Brooks, Brazoria.