- 1975 – October – Unity Headquarters was contacted by Eloise Cousins Henderson about getting support to establish a Unity church in Gainesville, Florida. Doris Green and Gwen Lindsley attended an organizational meeting for a Unity church in Panama City, Florida, where Rev. Loren Flickenger, Southeastern Regional Representative from Unity Village, was speaking. Doris and Gwen approached him about holding meetings in Gainesville and assist in forming a Unity group. He told them that he was already planning to go to Gainesville and it was his next stop. He came weekly to Gainesville for that purpose.
- 1976 - The organizational meeting met at the Holiday Inn. The Unity Study Group met at Gordon Glen Manor Apartments' conference room, SW 13th Street. On Thursday nights, Rev. Loren Flickenger rode his motorcycle from Tallahassee each week to lead the group. Press releases referred to the group as Unity Center of Gainesville. Gwen Lindsley served as first librarian (bookstore), hauling books in a cardboard box from home to the meetings every Thursday night.
- 1977 - Ann Hodge, a member of the group, invited everyone to meet at a building she owned on SW 2nd Avenue.
- 1977 - Rev. Paul Funk, from Brooksville, Florida, came up one night a week to lead the group.
- 1978-81 - Rev. Funk asked Ron Palumbo, a member of the group, to be a volunteer spiritual leader during his absence.
- 1981 - Group moved the meetings to another of Ann Hodge’s buildings on NW 13th Street. Ocala Unity Minister, Rev. Marlowe Cline, held Sunday services and occasional classes. Rev. Shirley Newman and Rev. Bill Pherigo were also guest ministers. Location fondly remembered as “on 13th Street behind the Pizza Hut.” Rent was $50 per month.
- 1982 - Revs. John and Marlene Davis, Unity Church in Jacksonville, Florida, spent time with Unity of Gainesville, designated as a satellite church of the Jacksonville church.
- 1982 - The 1st Board of Trustees was elected. President: Ron Palumbo; Treasurer: Norma Shore; Trustees: Jacque Tatum, John Germany.
- 1982 - The first Sunday school for children was started by Gwen Lindsley. Over the years, her dedication has led her to add education classes for ages 3-10 (Unikids), 11-13 (Uniteens) and 14-18 (Youth of Unity or Y.O.U.). Gwen developed the program into the Youth and Family Ministries and serves as its Director.
- 1982 - “A Course in Miracles” study group was introduced by Jacque Tatum.
REV. JOE HIRED AS FIRST MINISTER...
- 1983 - Rev. Joseph Bettencourt was hired as full-time minister; and served until 1989. He relocated to Gainesville from Unity of Toronto, Canada, with his wife Arlene, two sons (David and Ken), and his two sisters, Mary Vena and Rose Aullenbach. The Prayer Center was formed under Rev. Joe’s direction and was headed by Mary and Rose. Charter members included Doris Green, Gwen Lindsley, Isabel Celmer, and Evelyn Hooten.
- 1984 - February 22nd – The Articles of Incorporation were filed for Unity of Gainesville, Inc.
- 1984 - Cora Lee Brewer served as 1st Music Director.
- 1986 - March 7th – The first church site was purchased on NW 19th Street. It had a playground, sanctuary, offices, and open areas for parking. When the building became too small for all our needs, a 4-room building was built for Sunday school classes and an office.
- 1986 - Doug Halper, UF student, started 1st Y.O.U. (Youth of Unity) group. They met in a utility shed on the playground... no heat, lights or AC!
- 1986 - December 31st - The "World Instant of Cooperation" was celebrated by a early-morning breakfast which drew 99 people. Since then, many people world-wide celebrate December 31st as "World Healing Day" or "World Peace Day." Read about the history of this event; print or download the Healing Meditation and/or the fliers created by Sue Henry Young for Rev. Joe in 1986/2010.
- 1988 - Anna Moo hired as Music Director.
- 1989 - Cathy DeWitt served as Music Director under Rev. Joseph Bettencourt as well as through several other ministers including Sharon Connors, Julie Keene, Marciah McCartney, Stan McNeese, and Jennifer Sacks; totaling nearly twenty years of service. She stepped down from her role in 2017 but continues to perform as guest musician on occasion. She also had a short stint during the late 90's (for 2 years) at Unity of Ocala and Oakbrook Life Enrichment Center (Ocala) before returning to Gainesville. Besides being a musician, Cathy is also a consultant, writer and speaker. ... Read more about her HERE.
- 1989 – February 10th – The property at 8801 NW 39th Avenue was purchased.
- 1989 – Rev. Joe Bettencourt retired as Minister due to his wife's serious illness.
- 1989 – Rev. Sharon Connors was hired as Minister; she served until 1991.
THE 1990s... NEW CHURCH BUILDING on 39th AVE. - PIERCE MEMORIAL GARDEN ESTABLISHED...
- 1991 – Rev. Sharon Connors resigned as Minister. She relocated to Unity of San Francisco to be closer to her children.
- 1991 – Rev. William (Bill) King was hired as Minister; he served until 1995.
- 1993 – The church building was constructed on the property at 8801 NW 39th Avenue.
- 1993 – August 22nd – Rev. Bill King dedicated the church.
- 1994 - The Pierce Memorial Garden was established on the front lawn among the trees. It was designed with benches to sit upon for reflection and prayer. At the entrance, an angel welcomes those who enter. It was made to honor Lois and Larry Pierce, two of the pillars of Unity church, who served by doing whatever needed doing... cleaning, setting things up, fixing things, lawn work, as ushers or greeters, mailing out the newsletter, etc. Larry's love of flowers caused him to make sure that flowers grew in every season.
- 1995 – Rev. Bill King resigned as Minister.
- 1996 – Rev. Melanie Schley was hired as Minister; she served until 1999.
- 1998 – Pam Schauer and Theresa Wesley served as Administrator and volunteer spiritual leader, respectively; they served until 2000.
- 1999 – Rev. Melanie Schley resigned as Minister.
- 1999 (date?) - Storage building was placed on property to house the golf cart. Lawn tools were also stored there.
THE 2000s...
PRAYER CHAPLAIN PROGRAM BEGUN - ROSE MEMORIAL GARDEN ESTABLISHED - ART in the SANCTUARY PROJECT STARTED...
PRAYER CHAPLAIN PROGRAM BEGUN - ROSE MEMORIAL GARDEN ESTABLISHED - ART in the SANCTUARY PROJECT STARTED...
- 2000 – Pam Schauer and Theresa Wesley resigned and began the "Spirit of Truth” center in Gainesville, Florida.
- 2001 – Rev. Julie Keene was hired as Minister; she served until 2005.
- 2005 – Rev. Julie Keene resigned as Minister.
- 2005 – Rev. Sharon Connor returned to serve as Temporary Minister for six months.
- 2006 – Althea Wright and Jacque Tatum began the Prayer Chaplain Program.
- 2006 – Rev. Marciah McCartney was hired as Minister; she served until Dec. 5, 2010.
- 2007 - November - The Rose Memorial Garden was established and dedicated to Rose Aullenbach, sister of Rev. Joseph Bettencourt and co-founder of the Rose Prayer Centre along with their sister Mary Vena.
2009 - May 2 - Earl R. Young, MSW, made his transition after a valiant 42-days in Shands' ICU in Gainesville, FL. He was introduced to Unity in New York City where Rev. Eric Butterworth had his church in the early 1970s. Earl's mother had been a faithful subscriber to the Daily Word. After moving to Gainesville in 1974, Earl found himself drawn to the study group (in the early 1980s), that became our church. He and his wife, Susan Henry Young, became members when Rev. Joe Bettencourt was being considered as our first minister as he wanted us to vote him in because he was sure Rev. Joe was "the one." Earl was a dedicated student of Unity and metaphysics. Rev. Joe would ask him on occasion to give the Sunday lesson, he facilitated small-group personal growth workshops, and served on the board as trustee and president.
Click HERE to read Earl's obituary.
- 2010 – December 5th – Rev. Marciah McCartney resigned as Minister.
- 2010-2013 – A wide variety of guest speakers are invited to speak on Sundays.
- 2011 - February - The "Art in the Sanctuary" project was begun by long-time member Sue Henry Young with a two-month exhibit of paintings by her father, the late Jon Henry. Over the course of six years, Sue scheduled exhibits for thirty artists, mostly local. The project ended in 2016. View some of the Art Exhibit Fliers.
- 2011 - November 29 - Doris H. Green, 90, made her transition at Haven Hospice House in Gainesville, FL. In 1975, Doris, along with her daughter Gwen Lindsley, approached the Southeastern Regional Representative from Unity Village, Rev. Loren Flickenger, about assisting them in forming a Unity group here in Gainesville. (See above.) She was one of the original founding members and gave abundantly of her time, talent and treasure to start a study group that grew into our church.
- Click HERE to read Doris' obituary.
An exhibit of Doris' paintings was featured in "Art in the Sanctuary" during June-July 2012 - view the flier.
- 2013 - William Michael "Rev. Mike" Hall made his transition under Hospice Care in Gainesville, Florida. He was a beloved teacher of ACIM (A Course in Miracles) for many years at Unity of Gainesville. To read Rev. Mike's obituary and memorial service booklet, click HERE.
- 2013 – A second storage building was purchased and located on the property to store items for fundraisers.
- 2013 – November 7th – Rev. Stan McNeese was hired as full time Minister, contract to be effective January 1, 2014.
- 2014 – January 1st – Rev. Stan McNeese began as full time Minister. He relocated to Gainesville from Miami. On February 19th, Rev. Stan submitted his resignation to the Board of Trustees citing family health concerns and theology conflicts requiring him to return to Miami.
- 2014 – April 20th – Easter Sunday, Rev. Stan McNeese gave final sermon.
- 2014 – April 27th – Rev. Marty Dow was hired by the Board of Trustees as Transitional Spiritual Leader until a Minister can be hired. In addition to speaking on Sundays, she facilitates a bible/meditation class on Sunday mornings, a Thursday afternoon prayer-circle for the church and is available Thursday afternoons for prayer-counseling by appointment. She has also been a stabilizing presence at Board meetings.
- 2014 - A Minister Search Team, composed of a team leader, 2 Board members, and 3 non-board members, was formed to review resumes and video/cds of minister applicants. They will identify candidates and submit recommendations to the Board.
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2014 - OUR BELOVED REV. JOE MAKES HIS TRANSITION...
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- 2014 - December 7 - Rev. Marty Dow's last Sunday as our Transitional Spiritual Leader. Fellowship Sunday was dedicated to her with thanks for her inspirational lessons and support to the church and the board since April.
- 2014 - December 7 - Contract with new minister, Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks, was signed; her first sermon scheduled for Sunday, December 21. The church was excited to have her for Christmas! Rev. Sacks served nearly 3 years, resigning in September 2017.
- 2015 - February 3 - Ruth Clark Byars, one of the founding members of Unity of Gainesville, passed away on this day. Ruth served on Unity's Board of Trustees, several committees, and was a Prayer Chaplain. She was also an ordained minister of the Alliance of Divine Love. Her Celebration of Life Memorial Service was conducted by Rev. Jennifer Sacks, Unity of Gainesville, on February 10.
- To read the Ruth's Memorial Service Program and obituary, click HERE.
- 2015 - February 18 - Evelyn Louise Johns Hooten, 89, a founding member of Unity of Gainesville, passed away. She is remembered fondly by many in her Unity family. Her Celebration of Life Funeral Service and Graveside/Committal Service were officiated by Rev. Jennifer Sacks, Unity of Gainesville, on February 28th at Memorial Park Central Chapel in Gainesville.
- To read Evelyn's Funeral Program and obituary, click HERE.
- 2016 - January 21 - Roderick "Rod" Hooten, Evelyn's husband of 70 years passed away. He was 96.
- 2015 - April 27 - Martha "Marti" Reno passed away. Her Memorial Service was held May 9 in Austin Cary Memorial Forest, Gainesville. She was instrumental in assisting Rev. Marita Graves with "A Ladies' Play Day" event at Unity in July 2013, as she had had a extensive career in marketing.
"AFTER GLOW"
I'D LIKE THE MEMORY OF ME TO BE A HAPPY ONE.
I'D LIKE TO LEAVE AN AFTER GLOW OF SMILES WHEN LIFE IS DONE.
I'D LIKE TO LEAVE AN ECHO WHISPERING SOFTLY DOWN THE WAYS,
OF HAPPY TIMES AND LAUGHING TIMES, AND BRIGHT AND SUNNY DAYS.
I'D LIKE THE TEARS OF THOSE WHO GRIEVE, TO DRY BEFORE THE SUN
OF HAPPY MEMORIES THAT I LEAVE WHEN LIFE IS DONE.
- Unknown
I'D LIKE THE MEMORY OF ME TO BE A HAPPY ONE.
I'D LIKE TO LEAVE AN AFTER GLOW OF SMILES WHEN LIFE IS DONE.
I'D LIKE TO LEAVE AN ECHO WHISPERING SOFTLY DOWN THE WAYS,
OF HAPPY TIMES AND LAUGHING TIMES, AND BRIGHT AND SUNNY DAYS.
I'D LIKE THE TEARS OF THOSE WHO GRIEVE, TO DRY BEFORE THE SUN
OF HAPPY MEMORIES THAT I LEAVE WHEN LIFE IS DONE.
- Unknown
2016 - CONGREGATIONAL CARE & PRAYER MINISTRY TAKES FORM...
- 2016 - The Prayer Chaplain Ministry evolved into the Congregational Care & Prayer Ministry. For those called to serve in this ministry, opportunities are available in the Rose Prayer Centre, serving as a Prayer Partner or starting a Master Mind Prayer Circle. Read more...
- 2016 - Sun., January 3 - A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held for Priscilla "Chris" Hendrickson. She was a devoted Unity member and served the church in many ways. She loved to travel and take photographs.
- 2016 - Fri., January 15 - A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held for Fran Reed. She was 86.
- 2016 - Sat., February 13 - A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held for Juanita Marie Conley Cendro. She was 84. Marie served as a prayer chaplain in Unity's Care and Prayer Ministry.
- 2017 - February - Steve Greenough was hired to be the Minister's Assistant. He also volunteers to operate the sound board on Sundays, adjusting the microphones and recording the service onto CDs.
- 2017 - March - Barbara Gordon was hired to be the Church Administrator. She also volunteers as the Usher/Greeter team leader.
- 2017 - April 3 - Ian Seitman's Memorial Service was held at Unity. After a long career as a hairdresser in south Florida, Ian became a light therapy practitioner with the Floating Lotus Health Spa, Gainesville. He was always eager to talk about the benefits of his "healing lights."
- 2017 - Over the span of several months, the church's interior walls were repainted in the hallway, bathrooms, Upper Room, and classrooms. Several congregants helped in this effort, including Jim Holloway and Jane Roy.
- 2017 - Sun., August 6 - Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks informs the church at the Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting that she is resigning as Minister.
- 2017 - Sun., September 17 - The final sermon by Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks, joined by her husband Rev. Manzel O. Berlin. Their message was "New Thought Conversation on Endings and Beginnings." They relocated to Atlanta, GA
2017 - Sat., November 25 - Memorial Celebration for Jarvia Ann Coleman was held. Ann was wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, educator, business owner (manager), musician, artist, church youth leader... talented in so many ways. Ann was instrumental in re-starting the Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) in 2004 after it had fallen in attendance. To read Ann's obituary and remembrance by her husband Gary, click HERE.
2017 - Sat., November 25 - Memorial Celebration for Jarvia Ann Coleman was held. Ann was wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, educator, business owner (manager), musician, artist, church youth leader... talented in so many ways. Ann was instrumental in re-starting the Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) in 2004 after it had fallen in attendance. To read Ann's obituary and remembrance by her husband Gary, click HERE.
- 2017 - December 10 - The carpeting in the Gathering Room and Sanctuary was lovingly cleaned and scrubbed free of marks by two dedicated members: Ann Scruggs and Jim Holloway. It looks and smells like new... in time for the holidays and a new year. Much appreciation was expressed for all their hard work.
- 2017 - December 31 - The Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Rev. Eleanor Bentley as our "Permanent Part-time Minister." Rev. Eleanor was ordained at Unity Village in 1995 and served in churches in Missouri and in Florida. She retired from full time ministry in Oct. 2016. She served until August 10, 2020.
2018- NEW BEGINNINGS...
- 2018 - March - Restoration of the rear deck began by removing worn, rotted wood boards and underlying structure; and rebuilding or replacing them. Work was delayed due to injury and inclement weather. Steve Greenough, Minister's Assistant, oversaw the work along with landscape assistant Travis. After the wood cures, plans to prime and paint will commence. After several months of delay due to rain, the painting was completed in October 2019.
- 2018 - Gary Coleman was hired by Rev. Eleanor Bentley to serve as Music Director. He began to re-energize the choir, "The Unity Singers" during his teure. He served for several months before a full work schedule caused him to resign.
- 2018 - May 27 - The History of Unity of Gainesville was celebrated with the display of a "History Scroll" in the sanctuary. Gwen Lindsley, founding member and current director of the Youth & Family Ministry, constructed the scroll, with key dates, events, and photos that extended around three walls of the sanctuary. Additional information and photographs provided by Sue Henry Young.. Many congregants added thoughts, remembrances, and photos to it.
- 2018 - June 3 - An historical DVD, created by Gabriel Coleman, was shown that included an abundance of photos of Unity of Gainesville through the years. Many photos were taken by Argyle "Guy" Abbott, who served as "photographer in residence."
- 2018 - June 3 - The mortgage was ceremoniously burned as a finale to this Sunday Service... to the cheers of the minister and congregants alike.
- 2018 - August-September - Ground was cleared to establish the Ann Coleman Memorial Garden.
- 2018 - October 21 - The History Scroll was taken down, rolled up, and stored in the archive.
- 2019 - March - The 'Portals' Bookstore was given a fresh coat of paint and a redesign. A smaller check-out counter enables a more open space to browse the bookshelves.
- 2019 - Sat., March 9 - Celebration of Life Service was held for Deborah Haas Sylvester who had once served as a prayer chaplain. She was 65. Read her obituary HERE.
- 2019 - Sun., March 10 - Celebration of Life Service was held for Frances Elizabeth de la Cuesta, mother of Celeste (Laurie) Kroll, long-time members. She was 92. Read her obituary HERE.
- 2019 - May - Rebecca Vincent was hired as Music Director. She is a multi-octave singer and multi-instrument musician who brings joy and enthusiasm with her on Sunday mornings.
- 2019 - June - A TV monitor was set up in the Gathering Room that displays a PowerPoint presentation created by Gabriel Coleman, current Board member and sponsor of Y.O.U. He included photos and information about the church, the bookstore, the classes and meetings held here, and set it to run on a continuous loop. It is easily readable and allows both current and new congregants to read what's happening on any day.
- 2019 - October - Painting of the restored deck was completed.