One of the oldest churches in the Unity movement in the United States, Unity of Louisville, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The church is marking the occasion with a celebration on Sunday, November 14, and with a $100,000 fund drive it launched to lay the foundation for the next 100 years after receiving unexpected support from a local Jewish synagogue.
The connection with the Jewish community dates to 1957 when Unity of Louisville purchased its present building at 757 S. Brook St. from Congregation Adath Jeshurun, which had occupied it since it was built in 1918. The temple is an important element in Louisville’s outstanding collection of architecture. It was designed by prominent Louisville architect J.J. Gaffney and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The relationship with Congregation Adath Jeshurun was rekindled as a result of a World Religions series at Unity of Louisville that featured a representative of one of the world’s great religions each month. In August, Rabbi Robert Slosberg was the guest speaker.
When he learned the church would face a deficit as a result of the anniversary celebration, he offered to raise funds to help erase their deficit. Rabbi Slosberg then offered to help the church organize a major fund drive, which so far has raised $44,000 toward the $100,000 goal that will pay for additional staff, building improvements, and other needs.
The anniversary festivities culminate on November 14 at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, which will feature Rev. James Trapp, CEO of Unity Worldwide Ministries, and Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Karen Taylor Good.
The community is invited to attend Sunday services. WAVE-TV anchor, Dawne Gee, will emcee the celebration luncheon party after the second service at the Olmsted. There’ll be music and dancing, a live auction, raffle and giveaways. For more information on attending the 100th anniversary celebration, log on to www.unityoflouisville.org or call (502) 583-5559.
