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Below left is an artist rendition of Unity Center of Tulsa's original facility, after the addition of the Sanctuary in 1960. It shows the unusual stained glass tower called the "Tower of Light" on the west side of the building, as well as the original decorative wall. On the right is an image of the Tower taken in April, 2008 by Milton Hardy, looking up the Tower from the ground level.
The Tower was built in 1960, as the sanctuary was being constructed. A gift to Unity Temple by an anonymous donor, it was meant to be a carillon.
In 1974 Tulsa stained glass artist, Pepe Mendez, was commissioned to design a "Torch of Truth" to fill the tower. His inspiration was the cover design on the 1968 edition of Elizabeth Sand Turner's popular book, LET THERE BE LIGHT. His finished work was installed in 1975 by the Pepe Mendez Art Glass Company.
Unity Center of Tulsa celebrated its 63th anniversary on May 22, 2008, evidence of the power of faith and early vision of its founder, Rev. Grace Kehrer and its members.
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Artist rendering of
Unity Center's Tower of Light
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Tower of Light
taken April, 2008 by Milton Hardy.
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It was in 1945 that Unity Center of Tulsa was incorporated in the State of Oklahoma. Years before, Rev. Kehrer had hosted Unity study groups in her home. When Rev. Kehrer's prayer group became too large for her home they rented a
store-front on S. Boston that later became the home of Ike's Chili Parlor. The
group then moved upstairs into the ballroom of the Masonic Temple at 7th and
Boston. Their business meetings were held in the Commissioner's Room at City
Hall.
The Church Facility
In November, 1953, Rev. Kehrer and members held a groundbreaking for their new home at 1830 S. Boston Avenue. At the ceremony, members decided, "I believe that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The Center first consisted of the room often called the "friendship room" and adjoining offices. The 246-seat sanctuary and lobby were added in 1960. No major structural changes have been made to the property since, except for the addition of the Dorothy Maffett Meditation Garden in 1992.
Unity Center of Tulsa Spiritual Leaders
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Unity Center's founder, Grace Kehrer, received the call to the ministry in 1930 and enrolled at the Unity School of Christianity, Lee's Summit, Missouri in 1933. In the same year, Grace began holding Unity Faith study classes in her home. After completing her class work, Rev. Kehrer was ordained as a minister in
1938. According to the earliest minutes that have been preserved, "Unity Center of Tulsa business meeting was held
in the Commissioners' Room of the City Hall with Rev. Kehrer the leader." Rev. Kehrer pioneered the Unity Movement in Tulsa. Under Rev. Kehrer's leadership, Unity Center (later named Unity Temple) was constructed in two stages and incorporated as a church on May 22, 1945. Grace resigned as the full-time minister on December 6, 1956 to become the Associate Minister. Rev. Kehrer made her transition on June 28, 1972, having lived 86 years.
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Since the passing of Rev. Grace Kehrer in 1972, Charlotte Lucas has been considered the matriarch of Unity Center of Tulsa. Her steadfast faith, prayer, and devotion and tenacity was the glue that kept Unity Center together during some trying times.
When Rev. Kehrer retired from active ministry in 1956, she was succeeded by the
associate minister, Rev. Norman B. Godfrey. It was during his ministry that the
second stage of the church, the sanctuary and the lobby was competed. The new
entrance on S. Baltimore (as shown in the sketch) faced Boulder Park and was
visible across the park from the 21st Street bridge, which was a main artery
into downtown from the west.
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Charlotte Lucas
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Rev. Godfrey retired in 1977. Mr. John Clark, a member of the church, graciously consented to temporarily fill the position until a new minister was chosen. He held that position until 1989, 12 years.
Rev. Helen Callaway became the minister in 1989 and remained until August, 1998, having served 9 years. Rev. Dian & Ed Williams became co-ministers in August, 1999, serving until April, 2003, when they resigned to become the associate ministers of Unity Church of Christianity in Houston.
Barry Vennard came as our Interim minister in June, 2003 and remained until
January, 2004. Rev. Ann Marie Davis became our full-time minister in June 2004 and is our current Minister.
Unity Center Symbols
Unity Center of Tulsa's symbol is depicted on the outside of the building: a sun with rays beaming in all directions, signifying that faith in God glows in all directions and God's love is reflected in each of us no matter our spiritual path. Under the symbols are the words, "Positive, Practical Christianity" that says we believe in the healing power of prayer.
Show below is the symbol of National Unity, "the Winged Globe". This symbol also graces the wall above the sanctuary stage and represents "the consciousness of the planet lifted up on Wings of Truth". Thus, we lift our thoughts to God in prayer and are lifted to a higher state of consciousness.
Rev Kehrer and early members had the faith for a home for Unity Center of Tulsa, and we all are blessed today.
We welcome you, and we behold the Christ within you.
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