History of Unity of Fox Valley

Rev. Michael Korpan

 

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Unity of FoxValley

 

Please click on the picture below for the

Unity of  Fox Valley – 35th Aniversary

 
 

Brief History of Unity of Fox Valley

In 1973, twelve people came together on Thursday evenings to form a study group in Linda Dillard’s kitchen. This small but mighty group set the stage and established the consciousness that grew into the vibrant spiritual community we know today as “Fox Valley Unity.” This initial study group soon outgrew Laura’s kitchen and moved into a small, renovated house on River Street in Aurora. During this time Rev. Richard Billings, minister at Oak Park Unity, filled the role of teacher and acted as the group’s spiritual leader. The group continued to grow and thrive, and this led to taking the bold step of renting space in a Lutheran school in Geneva. Laura Dillard taught on Thursday nights and Sunday services were conducted by lay spiritual leaders as the group moved closer to being formalized as a church. By the end of 1975, 35 people were meeting regularly and again they needed more space. To more comfortably accommodate services and classes, they moved to a local community center. With the help of the Association of Unity Churches, Rev. Scott Sherman and his wife, Judy, come to guide this committed group of people through the process of incorporating “Unity in the Valley” enrolled its charter members in October 1976, and was officially designated a church. Among those who have served this congregation from its inception are:

  • Rev. Richard Billings
  • Rev. Ed Dawson
  • Rev. Genevieve Campbell
  • Rev. John Williams
  • Rev. Jean Waddington
  • Rev. Bev Kline
  • Rev. Geoff Davis
  • Rev. Bob McCartney
  • Rev. Marcia McCartney
  • Rev. Jan Little
  • Rev. Michael Korpan (Current Minister)

We acknowledge them and extend our sincere thanks. In 1990, following the urging of Spirit, the congregation voted to establish a permanent home in Batavia. A building was purchased on Webster Street and the church’s name was changed to “Fox Valley Unity.” In the spring on 2011, to coincide with the new identity of Unity Worldwide Ministries, we changed our name to “Unity of Fox Valley.”  This location has truly become our very own “Miracle on Webster Street.” When you visit us today, you will see that our Youth Education is a very important part of Unity of Fox Valley under the direction of Mary Nowroozi, CSE (Certified Spiritual Educator). Almost half of our physical space is devoted to our youth, and that space has been newly remodeled. Adult education is ongoing and led under the direction of our minister, Rev. Michael Korpan, and our Licensed Unity Teachers, Maria Cosentino, Deb McQuaid & Marge Orchard. We have a vibrant music ministry under the direction of Kitty Karn, and the congregation is involved in many areas of Sacred Service and Community Outreach. Come join us any Sunday for morning worship at 10:00 am upstairs in the sanctuary and after the service, please join us downstairs for a cup of coffee and a treat in our Sacred Grounds Cafe. Please share your comments by completing the form below: