The History of Everett Unity Center for Positive Living
Compiled from the research of Robert Eagan (Feb. 2017)
The Early Days
Unity has graced Everett since the 1920's, when study groups met above a drugstore on Hewett Avenue. As interest grew, ministers from Seattle Unity travelled to Everett, conducting classes and sermons for the burgeoning community. Little is known about the intervening years until on March 4th, 1957, when Everett Unity incorporated under the leadership of Rev. George Emerson Stone.
Unity has graced Everett since the 1920's, when study groups met above a drugstore on Hewett Avenue. As interest grew, ministers from Seattle Unity travelled to Everett, conducting classes and sermons for the burgeoning community. Little is known about the intervening years until on March 4th, 1957, when Everett Unity incorporated under the leadership of Rev. George Emerson Stone.
The Formative Years
By the early 60's, the church had acquired property in south Everett, near what is now the intersection of the Boeing Freeway and I-5. The site has been described as "a quiet place in the forest with meditation paths through the trees and along the hillside". Aptly, we adopted a new name: "Harmony Hill Unity Church" and soon applied for 501(c)(3) status. Long-serving ministers Helen Steigler, and husband Joe, shepherded construction of a building and occupation of our new home. And so it was a delightful place at the conjunction of worship, fellowship and solitude...until 1969 when the interstate was built along side,
Joe and Helen were succeeded by Rev. Sandy Cousens in the middle 1970's, then by Rev. Bob Wasner during the mid 80's. Toward the end of that decade, the church sold its property, renting a dilapidated church building in downtown Everett at 3101 Lombard Ave.
By the early 60's, the church had acquired property in south Everett, near what is now the intersection of the Boeing Freeway and I-5. The site has been described as "a quiet place in the forest with meditation paths through the trees and along the hillside". Aptly, we adopted a new name: "Harmony Hill Unity Church" and soon applied for 501(c)(3) status. Long-serving ministers Helen Steigler, and husband Joe, shepherded construction of a building and occupation of our new home. And so it was a delightful place at the conjunction of worship, fellowship and solitude...until 1969 when the interstate was built along side,
Joe and Helen were succeeded by Rev. Sandy Cousens in the middle 1970's, then by Rev. Bob Wasner during the mid 80's. Toward the end of that decade, the church sold its property, renting a dilapidated church building in downtown Everett at 3101 Lombard Ave.
The Ascendency of Robert Egan
And there--on the first Sunday in March of 1982--began the ministry of Rev. Robert Eagan. He remembers a worn-out, leaky roof with pans and buckets on the floor to catch drips and birds flying in and out between the missing shingles. Not to be disheartened by a landlord unwilling to keep up with repairs, the church acquired the property in April '86 and restored the historic site to its former glory. She became sound and beautiful, even receiving an award from the Everett Historical Society. And she earned a reputation as a hallowed place for gathering in peace and love...
Paperwork was filed for a second name change in 1988. As "Unity Center for Positive Living", the congregation thrived, eventually expanding to multiple services on Sunday. Bob's wife Charlotte stepped up to fill a much-needed support role for the growing congregation. The vibrant community found its stride, gathering and prospering for many years under Bob's nurturing guidance.
And there--on the first Sunday in March of 1982--began the ministry of Rev. Robert Eagan. He remembers a worn-out, leaky roof with pans and buckets on the floor to catch drips and birds flying in and out between the missing shingles. Not to be disheartened by a landlord unwilling to keep up with repairs, the church acquired the property in April '86 and restored the historic site to its former glory. She became sound and beautiful, even receiving an award from the Everett Historical Society. And she earned a reputation as a hallowed place for gathering in peace and love...
Paperwork was filed for a second name change in 1988. As "Unity Center for Positive Living", the congregation thrived, eventually expanding to multiple services on Sunday. Bob's wife Charlotte stepped up to fill a much-needed support role for the growing congregation. The vibrant community found its stride, gathering and prospering for many years under Bob's nurturing guidance.
The Fire
On the evening of February 11, 1999, a fire left our precious building in ashes, "sparking" (pun intended) a quite unexpected journey. The first visitors in the morning were the FBI and ATF, investigating the possibility of racism and arson. A media blitz was not far behind, with national news and the four local TV networks in hot pursuit of information and interviews.
A succession of challenges ensued, presenting hardship and joy in equal measure. Half the congregation left, most never to return. Visitors arrived sporadically--old traditions faded and a fresh energy emerged. Finding a place to worship on short notice was no small matter, either. Church services were moved to the Historic Everett Theater. Our diminished ranks accepted ritual of transforming the auditorium--stage often filled with production props--into a place of worship, and back again, every Sunday. It was both inspiring and humbling to sense the presence of Helen Keller, Al Jolson, touring Presidents, and the famous Vaudeville acts that once performed there.
On the evening of February 11, 1999, a fire left our precious building in ashes, "sparking" (pun intended) a quite unexpected journey. The first visitors in the morning were the FBI and ATF, investigating the possibility of racism and arson. A media blitz was not far behind, with national news and the four local TV networks in hot pursuit of information and interviews.
A succession of challenges ensued, presenting hardship and joy in equal measure. Half the congregation left, most never to return. Visitors arrived sporadically--old traditions faded and a fresh energy emerged. Finding a place to worship on short notice was no small matter, either. Church services were moved to the Historic Everett Theater. Our diminished ranks accepted ritual of transforming the auditorium--stage often filled with production props--into a place of worship, and back again, every Sunday. It was both inspiring and humbling to sense the presence of Helen Keller, Al Jolson, touring Presidents, and the famous Vaudeville acts that once performed there.
The Christian Science Hall
In the fall of 1999, the nearby Christian Science Church put their building on the market. It had seen a couple of renovations since its construction, but still featured curved oak pews from 1910 and a pipe organ that was added during World War II. The original coal-fired furnace had long been replaced, probably when the basement was expanded in the 1950's. But more importantly, an unmistakable spiritual aura permeated the sanctuary; it was stunning, beckoning, and irresistable. A cash offer was made and accepted, without hesitation by either party.
In the fall of 1999, the nearby Christian Science Church put their building on the market. It had seen a couple of renovations since its construction, but still featured curved oak pews from 1910 and a pipe organ that was added during World War II. The original coal-fired furnace had long been replaced, probably when the basement was expanded in the 1950's. But more importantly, an unmistakable spiritual aura permeated the sanctuary; it was stunning, beckoning, and irresistable. A cash offer was made and accepted, without hesitation by either party.
The insurance settlement amply covered the purchase price, with some left over for furniture, fixtures, and a grand piano to replace the one destroyed by fire. The fine piano, acquired from the Seattle Opera House, produced spectacular music due to its acoustic quality and responsive keyboard that talented pianists sought to play. On the last January in 2000, the stalwart members assembled for their first service in the new sanctuary. Those attending described the feeling as "bathing in love" and, to a person, pledged to expand that consciousness.
The Grand Farewell
In 2012, Bob retired after 30 years of esteemed service. Juan Enrique Toro was hired to replace him and Julie Montague followed in 2013. After her departure two years later, the congregation relied on borrowed ministers, guest speakers, and Board members for Sunday "lessons", as they came to be known. While the absence of a presiding minister was certainly felt, more time for grieving and centering was needed before the church could summon the right energy for an amicable ministerial search.
The hiatus was a time of communal introspection, not an idle one. Within it, the need for handicapped access became apparent, resulting in the installation of a motorized lift from street level up to the worship hall and down to the social hall. Funds from Whidbey Unity, which had recently disbanded, were generously donated, easing the financial impact.
In 2012, Bob retired after 30 years of esteemed service. Juan Enrique Toro was hired to replace him and Julie Montague followed in 2013. After her departure two years later, the congregation relied on borrowed ministers, guest speakers, and Board members for Sunday "lessons", as they came to be known. While the absence of a presiding minister was certainly felt, more time for grieving and centering was needed before the church could summon the right energy for an amicable ministerial search.
The hiatus was a time of communal introspection, not an idle one. Within it, the need for handicapped access became apparent, resulting in the installation of a motorized lift from street level up to the worship hall and down to the social hall. Funds from Whidbey Unity, which had recently disbanded, were generously donated, easing the financial impact.
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The Kevin Hart Journey
Toward the end of 2017, we welcomed Kevin Hart as Spiritual Leader. Kevin rose from the membership ranks, having gained prominence as one of our popular guest speakers. His position was part time as he pursued a path to ordination through Unity Worldwide Ministries. Kevin demonstrated a natural ability to teach from his heart, and even before formal training, was an able ambassador for Unity traditions and New Thought beliefs. |
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The Covid-19 Hiatus
Having closed our sanctuary for over a year due to the pandemic, we survived with virtual services and a community more or less compelled to accept change. Little did we know how much change, though, as Kevin moved on and livestreaming stayed with us. Stay tuned....
Having closed our sanctuary for over a year due to the pandemic, we survived with virtual services and a community more or less compelled to accept change. Little did we know how much change, though, as Kevin moved on and livestreaming stayed with us. Stay tuned....
Milestones In Brief
- 1957 - "Everett Unity Church" officially incorporated in the state of Washington
- 1964 - Name changed to "Harmony Hill Unity Church"
- 1965 - Relocated to what is now the intersection of the Boeing Freeway and I-5
- 1968 - 501 (c)(3) status granted by the IRS
- 1970-ish Sandy Cousins hired as Minister
- 1980-ish Bob Wasner hired as Minister
- 1980 - Relocated to the corner of Pacific and Lombard in Everett
- 1982 - Bob Eagan hired as Minister
- 1988 - Name changed to "Unity Center For Positive Living"
- 1999 - Church destroyed by fire
- 1999 - Relocated to the Historic Everett Theater on Colby Ave
- 2000 - Relocated to the corner of 33rd and Colby in Everett
- 2012 - Bob Eagan retired
- 2012 - Juan Enrique Toro hired as Minister
- 2013 - Julie Montague hired as Minister
- 2016 - Accessibility lift installed
- 2017 - Kevin Hart hired as Spiritual Leader
- 2019 - Front porch renovated
- 2020 - Building closed during "Stay Home" orders; Church transitions to livestreaming only.
- 2021 - Kevin Hart resigned
- 2022 - Building reopened for in-person services and social events. Livestreaming continued.
