doorway spacer
 Home Home > About Unity > History

About Unity Christ Church 

History of Our Church

"Love is leading us on"

Unity Christ Church had its roots in 1981 when a small group of people began meeting as a Course in Miracles and Edgar Cayce teachings spiritual study group in a hotel in Gaithersburg. In 1983 Allen and Anne-Jeanne Quay, fresh out of ministerial school, were invited to be its ministers. The group officially became a Unity church and soon bought land on Central Avenue and moved to its own facility in 1985. The house on the property was transformed into space for the church office, a bookstore, and the Sunday school, while the large garage, to the rear of the property, was converted into the sanctuary. In 1990 plans were drawn for a larger sanctuary, bookstore and offices. Church members, whose prayers and affirmations were written on the studs behind the walls, did much of the labor. This facility was dedicated in 1992.

Unity Christ Church has continued to grow and transform. Early on the decision was made to create an outstanding bookstore and gift shop as part of the church's outreach into the community. Thus "Illumination: A Unique Book Shoppe for Body, Mind and Spirit" was born.

1995 saw the beginning of the Continuing Education Program in the Eastern Region, better known as SEE East. Attendees from all over the eastern seaboard experience the joy of shared classes taught both by local Unity ministers and faculty members from Unity Village. 1998 brought us the "Peace Pole," one of over 100,000 in 160 countries, which brings friends, family and community together in the spirit of global peace and harmony. Our Peace Pole is handcrafted and says "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Tibetan, Chinese, American Sign Language, Lakota Sioux and Animal Paw Prints. The Peace Pole stands as a constant reminder to keep peace ever present in our thoughts and prayers.

Also in 1998 Unity Christ Church welcomed the addition of a labyrinth. Labyrinths are spiral patterns that date back 4,000 years. It is a single winding path that leads to a central point, then the path leads out again. Our labyrinth is modeled after one created by Benedictine monks over 800 years ago for the great Cathedral at Chartres, France. Walking it is a spiritual practice that is gaining popularity as a way to calm the mind, relax the body and reduce stress.

1999 saw the fulfillment of yet another dream as our new Youth Education Building was completed and dedicated. It stands as a constant reminder of the importance that our young people have in our ongoing vision of Unity. Once again much of the finishing work was done by Unity Christ Church members, and the congregation had the opportunity to write affirmations and blessings on the studs behind the walls.

Flight of the Soul Homeward,” the beautiful stained glass window designed and built for the new building by members of our own community now serves as our logo. The design shows the earth emitting light rays, a layer of clouds, and finally a sea gull in flight. The different colored rays, which come from the earth, speak of Unity's ecumenical spirit, recognizing there are many paths home. The layer of clouds shows the obstacles that seem to block our way from time to time. The seagull, a symbol of the soul, has already passed through the layer of clouds and nothing interferes with its homeward flight.

After serving Unity Christ Church for 20 years, in 2004 the Quays moved away to semi-retire. The house at the front of the original piece of land was remodeled and named the Quay Caring House in their honor.  In 2004 the Quays turned over the care of Unity Christ Church to Barry Vennard, a Unity Transitional Ministry Specialist. He led the church through the transition process of taking ownership of the church and preparing for a new minister.

After a comprehensive search for a new minister, Reverend Roger Goodwin took over the duties in August of 2005. Under his leadership, the future looks bright as Unity Christ Church continues to grow and transform. The Board of Trustees, minister, and membership continue to work together to become a "permission-giving church," which consciously builds community through increased awareness and communication, small group experiences and heart-centered service. In 2007 a strategic plan was finalized which will serve our ministry well for the next several years. The slogan for our 25th anniversary year of being a Unity ministry is “Let’s celebrate in 2008.” As we walk this path together, let us honor the past, ground ourselves in the present, and create a future of miraculous good as we "teach and live the Truth that empowers personal transformation by extending Love to all."