This milestone deserves special recognition.
It is BIG and we have decided that nothing less than a Season of Celebration will do.
We will celebrate the past, remain grateful for the present, and envision the future of Unity of Dallas.
Events will kick off in October and last through the holidays, capped off with a Gala in January of 2024.
We invite you to participate in as many events as you would like to.
Please share your memories of UoD, sign up to star in a video, or let us know what you can do to help.
Want to participate in planning or staffing events?
Email reception@unitydallas.org or text/ call Cynthia Heyn at 972.896.1857
We making a Video Montage in honor of the 80th Celebration.
This is with a free online service (named Tribute) you can use from wherever you are and on any platform with a camera and microphone (computer, smartphone, tablet).
This opportunity to record and share ends on Sept. 28, 2023.
OCTOBER 2023
- Guest speaker Diane Kennedy from UWM, 11 am service on 10/1/2023
- 80th Anniversary Sunday Service Kick-Off, 11 am on 10/8/2023 with History Presentation From Commerce to Forest, the History of UoD
- 50 Years of UoD! History Presentation on 10/15/2023
- 80th Anniversary Celebration Concert & Mixer, 6 pm -10 pm on 10/20/2023
- Dr. Curtis Era History Presentation on 10/22/2023
- Annual Unity Campout, 11 am check-in on 10/27/2023 through checkout 10 am on 10/29/2023
- UOD's Children Church & YFM. History Presentation on 10/29/2023
- Fall Festival, 12 pm – 4 pm on 10/29/2023
NOVEMBER 2023
- Remembering the Eras History Presentation on 11/5/2023
- The McClure Era History Presentation on 11/12/2023
- Now and Then, Remember When? History Presentation on 11/19/2023
- Cornucopia Sunday Service, 11 am on 11/19/2023
- Holiday Bazaar & Craft Fair, 12 pm – 5 pm on 11/19/2023
- Thanksgiving Eve Potluck & Pie Auction, 6:30 pm - 8 pm on 11/22/2023
- Gratitude Service with Rev. Deb Stovall, 11 am on 11/26/2023
- Debenport, Webster, Condra, Townley Eras History Presentation on 11/26/2023
DECEMBER 2023
- Epps, Shouse, Robinson Eras History Presentation on 12/3/2023
- 80th Anniversary Vows Renewal Ceremony, 1 pm – 2 pm on 12/3/2023
- Rev. James’ Years here at UOD History Presentation on 12/10/2023
- UOD’s Music & the Arts History Presentation on 12/17/2023
- Christmas Cantata Sunday Service, 11 am on 12/17/2023
- Christmas at UOD Through the Years History Presentation on 12/24/2023
- Christmas Eve Pajama Sunday & Hot Chocolate Bar, 11 am on 12/24/2023
- New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service, 11 am 12/31/2023, details TBD
- A Legacy for the Future, UoD Time Capsule History Presentation on 12/31/2023
JANUARY 2024
- 80th Anniversary Gala Celebration, on 1/6/2024
- White Stone Ceremony Season of Celebration Conclusion, 11 am on 1/7/2024
- Letters to God Sunday Service, 11 am on 1/14/2024
Through trials and triumphs, Unity of Dallas has stood the test of time. During this season of celebration let us celebrate the path we have traveled together.
Our church’s anniversary is a reminder that together we are stronger, together we can make a difference, and together we can change the world. In this sacred place, hearts are mended, lives are transformed, and dreams are realized.
May the love that flows through our church’s walls spill into the community, spreading kindness, compassion, and hope. I invite you to participate in as many activities during this season as possible.
This is a time for our church family, our Ohana, to celebrate the past and embrace the future with open hearts and eager spirits. Celebrating the path, we have traveled together, knowing that together we are co-creating a bright future with a vibrant and loving community.
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 longest-tenured being Rev. David McClure and wife Donna. In 2016, James Buchanan became the Spiritual Leader.
Unity Dallas has a rich history of growth and transformation since its humble beginnings in 1943.
Unity in Dallas Over the Years
From the original meeting space on Commerce Street which opened in 1943 to the 2nd Location on Commerce Street to Greenville Avenue in 1952.
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Unity of Dallas