A Quick History of Unity of Charlotte
The first meeting of Unity in Charlotte was held in 1969 at a private home. Unity Minister Rev. Myrtle Fitzpatrick traveled from Asheville on Friday nights to provide classes. The study group voted to charter as Unity of Charlotte in October 1974. It became the second Unity church in North Carolina, after Unity of Arden. Meetings were held in an office building on the corner of Sharon-Amity and Providence Road. Rev. Esther Louis was the minister. Later Rev. Eudolene Steeves was the minister, April 1975. In January 1979, Rev. Jerry Belanger, was the minister.
Rev. Jervais Phillips became Unity of Charlotte’s minister in May 1984. His wife, Elizabeth became the musical director. Unity moved to the Matthews Community Center, January 1992.
In May 1992 Rev. Randolph Wilkinson, a dynamic and powerful leader, was hired as minister. After serving Unity of Charlotte for a decade, Rev. Randolph made his transition in March 2002. Nancy Ennis, was a Licensed Unity Teacher and was the church administrator. At the same time, she pursued her education as an ordained Unity Minister.
Interim Minister Dr. Nicholas Griffin served for several months in 2002 and again in 2003. In July 2005, Rev. Phillip Smedstad was the minister.
Unity moved to 401 East Arrowood Road in March 2006. Rev. Nancy Ennis was ordained by Unity Worldwide Ministries and became the minister. In 2014, she was joined by Rev. David Hulse, who served as Minister of Education. Rev. Marty Bacher became the next senior minister and served for three years departing in February 2020.
Unity ministers Rev. Jim Ernstsen and Rev. Lisa Herklotz were hired in November 2022. They have been responsible for new and energized classes and workshops, as well as growth in attendance. Unity now meets at Wesley United Methodist Church on Rea Road. The facility includes a beautiful sanctuary, several classrooms, space for Youth and Family Ministry and a large kitchen.