Unity Eastside began its life as Unity Church in Christ on Christmas Eve 1994. A small group of dedicated individuals had prevailed upon the governing body of Unity churches to allow a second Unity church to be pioneered in Tallahassee. Founding minister Rev. Nancy Worth held church services in Robert Butler Hall, a Masonic Temple, until space was rented in Cross Creek — a strip mall on Apalachee Parkway. At the Parkway location, Unity Church in Christ flourished. In 1998, Rev. Nancy’s husband, Bill, was ordained and became Nancy’s co-minister. With the growth in membership, programs and vision, it became apparent that a permanent spiritual home was needed. In 1999, the search began, and it ended in 2000 with the purchase of our spiritual home on Buck Lake Road.
In May of 2002, the Reverends Worth felt called to leave Unity Church in Christ. The spiritual community came together and decided to seek new leadership. By October of 2002, a new minister had been called. Rev. Jean De Barbieris Owen, newly ordained and ready to serve, was installed as our spiritual leader in February of 2003 and served for 20 years when she retired in May 2023. Through the years, we’ve faced some challenges, celebrated accomplishments, said good-bye to beloved members, and welcomed many more new people into our spiritual community.
We see ourselves as “a link in the great educational movement inaugurated by Jesus Christ.” Our theology is described as “New Thought,” which is not to be confused with “New Age.” We claim the Judeo-Christian Bible as our principle textbook and assert that Jesus Christ is the head of this church. In keeping with the foundation of the Unity Movement as initiated by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, we affirm prayer as the cornerstone of our ministry.
Our members come from a variety of denominational backgrounds and are invited to join Unity Eastside without relinquishing membership in any other church or spiritual organization. Unity is an “added dimension” of spirituality, not a substitute, for many of our friends and members.
You can learn more about Unity by clicking here.
