Unity Temple of Pratical Christianity

In 1924, a beacon of spiritual growth was ignited in Denver. This beacon was the Unity Temple of Practical Christianity. It was founded by the Reverend Ethel Chipperfield, a woman with a vision. Denver’s oldest Unity Church, the Unity Temple of Practical Christianity, didn’t have a permanent home at first. For twelve years, the congregation moved from place to place. They finally found a home at 1555 Race Street. They rented the building, and then eventually purchased it. Under Reverend Chipperfield’s leadership, the Unity Temple of Practical Christianity thrived. They offered a prayer ministry. They published a newsletter, the Truth Herald, which reached 500 people. They produced plays and even established a youth organization called “Youth of Unity”. The founders of the Unity movement themselves, Charles and Cora Fillmore, visited the Unity Temple in 1938. Reverend Chipperfield married Dr. Fred J. Burkle in 1934. He was a chiropractor and minister who assisted with the center. After Ethel’s passing in 1945, Dr. Burkle and Reverend Mabel Beech, Ethel’s sister, continued the work. Dr. Burkle later married Josephine Wallace in 1949. Together with Ethel’s children, Ruth and Charles, they maintained the Unity Temple. Following Dr. Burkle’s death in 1980, the church faced difficult times. Reverend Ed Dawson stepped in to help reorganize and affiliate the Unity Temple with the Association of Unity Churches. The Unity Temple persevered, even without a permanent minister for a period, thanks to the dedication of Arnita Benson and her study group and prayer ministry. The Unity Temple of Practical Christianity has been a steadfast beacon of the Unity message since 1924. They continue to be devoted to spiritual growth and the teachings of Myrtle and Charles Fillmore. Did you know that Unity is home to the Daily Word? It’s the oldest devotional publication in America. The Unity Temple is firmly Bible-based, interpreting the Bible metaphysically. It’s a place where faith and reason intertwine.