Our Roots

Crepe Myrtles are planted all around Unity of Dallas to honor Unity Co-Founder Myrtle Fillmore.

Unity Dallas began in 1943 at 1708 Commerce Street, led by Reverend Ruth Gillespie. It initially occupied a storefront, accommodating 100 people later moving to 2030 Commerce Street. In 1951, they relocated to Greenville and McCommas in East Dallas after their lease expired. The dedicated congregation raised $10,000 for the move in a single Sunday service.

Originally known as the Unity Church of Practical Christianity, the church held its first service at the new location in September 1951. Reverend Cora Mae Crandall joined Reverend Gillespie, serving together for 19 years. In 1970, Unity Dallas merged with a Religious Science group, renaming itself The Unity Church of Dallas.

Growing rapidly, they purchased land at 6525 Forest Lane in 1973 and built the present church with Dr. Curtis’ guidance. The first service in the new Sanctuary was in 1986. Unity of Dallas continued to expand, acquiring additional land in 1977, and undertaking an expansion program in 1984, including a 1,000-seat Sanctuary.

Dr. Curtis retired in 1992. Leadership changed over the years, with various ministers serving, the second longest-tenured being Rev. David McClure and wife Donna. In 2016, Rev. James Buchanan became the Spiritual Leader and had become the longest tenured until he left in January 2024.

John Webster has been called the spiritual rock of Unity of Dallas.

He was certainly the heart of the church. An enthusiastic, early supporter of Unity of Dallas, John was a visionary who dedicated 30 years of love, light, and life to the pastoral care and prayer ministry of our church. He was the calm voice and a true leader whenever the church needed guidance. John’s dedication to the Christ Spirit kept him in constant prayer for people in need. From lovingly holding prayers in the prayer box each Sunday literally, to visiting people in hospitals or sitting with someone personally, he knew the power of prayer. His favorite saying, when it didn’t seem like he was getting through to someone, was, “Let’s get you prayed up!” He also took his prayer ministry to every hospital in the city. He liked to bring a stuffed animal to all the patients he was visiting, no matter what their age. He knew that they needed to not only know someone cared but to find hope in something tangible that they could hold on to.

Encouraged by Dr. Curtis, John began his illustrious career taking classes on a part-time basis and eventually became a licensed Unity teacher. When he retired from his job as Vice President of an insurance company, he opened his own agency and was very successful. He then sold his business and with the help of his wife Abbie, a Mary Kay Executive, John was financially able to devote all of his time to his pastoral and prayer ministry. He was ordained in 2001 after 30 years of love and prayer.

John was definitely a light for Unity and the world. Our Prayer Chapel is dedicated in his honor. A gentle soul who touched everyone he met. The greatest gift we can give to John’s memory is to strive to follow his example and let our own Christ Spirit shine through.

From the original meeting space on Commerce Street which opened in 1943 to the 2nd Location on Commerce Street
to Greenville Avenue in 1952.