HISTORY
For over 40 years, Unity of Bloomington has been an evolving movement across town, with many leaders and many members.
From our humble origin of a study group to our current congregation, we continue to develop and grow as a community.
Our Early Years
The Former Carnegie Library
The John Waldron Arts Center
April 1982 - Nicholas DeWitt, IU Professor of Economics, organized the Unity of Bloomington study group. The first meeting was held at the Fountain Park Community Center.
February 1987 - The first Sunday Service was held in the auditorium of the Old Library, now the Monroe County Historical Society at 6th and Washington. Services were led by members of the spiritual family and a variety of guest speakers.
June 1989 - Rev. David LeBeau, son of founding members Bob and Vivian LeBeau, became the first minister of Unity of Bloomington.
August 1989 - The Unity Spiritual Growth Bookstore was established with the guidance of Bob LeBeau.
October 1989 - Unity of Bloomington was officially incorporated as a church in the State of Indiana and became a full-fledged member of Unity Worldwide Ministries.
September 1992 - Sunday services moved to rented space at the John Waldron Arts Center at 4th and Walnut.
June 1997 - The growing community moved again to a location at 6th and Washington.
Vivian & Bob LeBeau
Rev. David LeBeau
Our First Building
14th & Dunn
February 1998 - Unity of Bloomington purchased a building at 14th and Dunn, serving as the eventual home of our chapel, offices, bookstore and lending library.
January 1999 - Rev. David LeBeau retired
January 2000 - Rev. Judith Ballard was inducted as the new minister and resigned after a brief tenure.
August 2000 - The Reverends David LeBeau, Lynnette Carlson, and Sam Windell began a cooperative ministry as Unity of Bloomington's spiritual leaders.
August 2004 - Rev. Sam Windell made his transition. Rev. Lynnette and Rev. David continued to share the ministry leadership.
Rev. Lynnette Carlson
Rev. David LeBeau
Our Current Location
4001 South Rogers Street
October 2005 - Unity of Bloomington purchased the building at 4001 S. Rogers Street.
February 2006 - Renovations were completed, and services began.
January 2007 - Ginger Curry, who had been serving as Choir Director, joined the staff as Music Director.
February 2010 - Rev. Lauri Boyd assumed spiritual leadership as full-time minister.
April 2012 - Unity of Bloomington celebrated its 30th Anniversary as a spiritual community.
March 2015 - Rev. Lauri Boyd retired.
April 2016 - Rev. Lynnette Carlson and Ginger Curry assumed the role of Spiritual Coordinators.
January 2020 - Unity of Bloomington began livestreaming Sunday services.
October 2022 - Rev. Lynnette Carlson and Ginger Curry retired.
November 2022 - Rev. Nat Carter became our interim minister on a six month contract.
April 2023 - Unity of Bloomington celebrated its 40th anniversary. Rev. Nat Carter completed his contract.
June 2023 - The Unity of Bloomington Ministry Search Committee completed their search packet for Unity Worldwide Ministries. Unity of Bloomington is in transition, and is commUnity-led while we set the intention for our next, right minister.
October 2023 - The Chapel Update Team approved the addition of a wheelchair ramp to the chapel stage. Our cherished ‘Love Quilt’ is finally back on display after being professionally cleaned and framed.
… And more to come!
Rev. Lauri Boyd
Served Feb 2010 - March 2015
Ginger Curry & Rev. Lynnette Carlson
Served April 2016 - Nov 2022
Rev. Nat Carter
Served Nov 2022 - April 2023