Tampa Unity Church History Page
The story behind Tampa Unity is a solid foundation of
dedication and commitment that began 70 years ago. Mrs. Ruby Wagner began studying Unity
in 1928, was ordained in 1944, and then handed the leadership of what was then called,
‘The First Unity Society’. The initial 82 members were received into membership
on October 27, 1946, when the Church was incorporated. At the time of incorporation, the
church was in its third location having moved to 413 Grand Central Avenue, with services
held in the Tampa Women’s Club on Hyde Park Avenue.
According to the Church historical data, it was April of
1946, when the ‘Young Women’s Sunday School’ class began holding monthly
meetings, adopting the name, ‘Keeper’s of the Light’. One of the leaders of
that group was a woman named Clara Belle Williams, who served the church for 42 years
prior to her retirement in April of 1990.
Although there are signs of a YOU group organizing as early
as 1946, The first ‘Youth of Unity’ group was activated in 1950, and in 1951,
became affiliated with International YOU at Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The YOU has had a
strong presence for almost 50 years now, and has played an active role in the success of
Tampa Unity.
Under Ruby Wagner’s strong leadership, the congregation
moved into their newly built church home on October 30, 1948. Mrs. Wagner radiated
spirituality and love, and emphasized prosperity and healing in her teachings. Her husband
Karl, was witty and down-to-earth, and was choir director for many years. Mr. Wagner was
ordained as a Unity minister in 1958, and became associate minister before his passing in
1967. Mrs. Wagner retired in 1972, after 30 years of service, and passed away February 10,
1985.
Ross Goodman became the Minister of Tampa Unity when Ruby
retired. He faced some very difficult challenges when the church of 33 years sustained a
fire on New Year’s Eve, 1981. The congregation was forced to meet in the auditorium
of the Tampa Preparatory School during the ensuing months. In 1982, the congregation began
holding services on Sundays at the First Seventh Day Adventist Church at 822 West
Linebaugh Avenue. The current home of Tampa Unity was purchased approximately one year
later, after a diligent search.
Ross Goodman and his wife Joan led the church for almost 25
years prior to his retirement in January of 1997. He had met his wife at a YOU function
and they were married in October of 1951. They parented seven children and both Ross and
Joan were active in civic affairs. The current courtyard of Tampa Unity is the
‘Goodman Courtyard’, which was built as a remembrance of their dedication, love,
energy and leadership.
In August of 1997, after a lengthy search and many hours of
effort, the selection committee announced its choice of Reverend Allen Moss, as the new
Minister of Tampa Unity. He and his wife Debbie, had lived in the Bay Area previously and
were thrilled to be returning to Tampa.
Since their arrival, they have enthusiastically implemented
a variety of new ideas at Tampa Unity, including seminars, guest speakers, workshops,
concerts, C.E.P. classes and retreats. Debbie Moss is a commissioned pastoral care
volunteer for St. Joseph’s Hospital, and both are involved in the expansion of the
facility and the growth of the ministry.
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