History of Unity Palo Alto
Community Church

It has been said that the church was founded on faith and built with courage. Although the outer form of the church has changed through the years, the teachings of the basic truth principles have remained the same. The ministry began as a Religious Science study group with meetings held at the Community Center and Women’s club. From its earliest days the church has held the strong belief that affirmed “With God all things are possible.”

In February 1949, the “First Church of Religious Science, Palo Alto” was formed. In 1952, Dr. Docia Norris became the first long term minister of the church. In 1959, Rev. Docia with the support of her visionary congregants began plans for the building of a church facility. Under her leadership, a church was built at 3391 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. This continues as our site to this day. Docia was also visionary enough to insist that the church purchase adjacent property for a second parking lot which is very much needed today.

An interesting anecdote is that during the initial construction phase, the church was turned down by several financial institutions for a needed loan of $20,000. Rev. Docia secretly wrote a check for $20,000 to the church, signed it “God,” and put it in her desk where it lay forgotten. Some time later, a loan officer from a local Savings and Loan, reviewing the loan application, was very skeptical and said, “I don’t know how much money you anticipated but all we could loan you would be $20,000.” When the intention is put forth, Spirit always provides the answer.

In 1967, Dr. Raymond Lilley, a Religious Science minister, became the spiritual leader. In Raymond could be found a very strong expression of Truth principles. Under his guidance the church became an Independent New Thought church in 1980 and was known as “Palo Alto Community Church.”

Rev. Stan Hampson began serving this ministry in 1982. Under his guidance, the church joined the Unity movement in 1984 and changed its name to “Unity Palo Alto Community Church.” His was a very dynamic and passionate ministry which attracted growing numbers of people on the spiritual path. Within a few years the church was filled to overflowing capacity. In 1990 the “old” church was torn down and a new facility was constructed on the Middlefield site. During the construction period, services were held at Gunn High School. A celebration of Cinco de Mayo was held on the first Sunday in the new facility in May 1991. The year 1999 marked the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the church. During that same year, Rev. Stan Burnett-Hampson retired after 17 tears of service to this ministry. An interim minister, Rev. Donald Morgan provided leadership for the ministry during a nine month transition period.

Rev. Roger Goodwin was hired in September 2000 and welcomed with a grand celebration of rose petals and love. His arrival and leadership marked the next step in the development of the church. Rev. Roger was known for his profound heart for pastoral care and his commitment to spending time in service to individuals and families in need. In late 2004 Rev. Roger announced his intention to leave Unity Palo Alto, opening up the next chapter in our church’s history.

In October, 2005 our church hired Reverend Karyn Bradley as our new Senior Minister. A dynamic speaker, teacher and leader, Karyn brings with her a tremendous background in Unity ministry, and is leading our congregation into the next chapter of its history.

In addition to its senior ministers, Unity Palo Alto Community Church has been blessed with a number of associate ministers through the years. These include Jean Grover, Greg Barrette, Scott Sherman, Michael Murphy, Hypatia Hasbrouck, Alyzsa Van Til, Melanie Schley, Susan Burnett-Hampson, Kathy McCall, Doris Lewis, and Eric Nitzberg.

The Future

The church is now poised for an exciting spiritual journey of growing into what God would have us do and be. We honor and bless all who have gone before. Their faith, courage, love and dedication have created a solid foundation for the new millennium. High on the wall at the front of the sanctuary is written “With God all things are Possible.” We are receptive to the unfoldment of God’s perfect plan. In faith and confidence we move forward to do the mighty works that God would have us do.