Center of Unity in Grapevine was started by the current minister, Rev. Carol Record, and some friends thirty-three years ago in a rented hotel room. For the past eighteen years the church has been housed in the location it built at 1650 Hughes Road, Grapevine.
Twenty-six years ago, Carol started a weekly ministry in the Federal Prison System at Federal Correctional Institute in Fort Worth, a program which continues today. In June 1989, the Church received the John Templeton Radio Grant to begin a radio ministry and in 1991 was awarded the first Voice of Unity Award for excellence in broadcasting. Also in 1991, Carol established a Care Team in the Church, with its members trained to make hospital calls, nursing home visits, monthly calls to members, and to assist congregants in times of challenge and joy. Under Carol’s leadership, Hughes Road Montessori began in 2002 and offers educational opportunities for children of the community.
The Church previously partnered with Grapevine Middle School, mentoring students and providing funds for the after school martial arts program, medical assistance, and filling the needs of some students and their families in times of crises. The Church also assists Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) by regularly furnishing food for the food pantry.
Active in the community, Carol is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, was the first woman president of the Grapevine Rotary Club, was Rotarian of the Year in 2009 and was the recipient of the Grapevine Colleyville Partners in Excellence Community Service Award for 2003-2004. For nine years, Carol served as Chaplain of Trinity Springs Pavilion (the County psychiatric hospital). She was also on the MHMR Visions Foundation Board of Directors and serves on the Anchors for Life Foundation.
Established in 2013, when one scholarship was awarded, the Rev. Carol Record Scholarship provides financial assistance for seniors in the GCISD as well as seniors in the church who are graduating and meet the requirements. In 2014, three scholarships were awarded and this year, the fund had grown enough to award seven; three to teens who attend Center of Unity and four to young people in the GCISD. Carol Record and the scholarship committee want to be sure the community is aware this scholarship money is available!
The church offers two Sunday services; Country Truth from 8:15-9:15 AM, is a laid back service with emphasis on country gospel headed by Bill Brooks, a voice artist for over forty years and president of the board of the Artisan Theater in Hurst. Accompanying Bill on vocals and instrumentals is Kevin Hanson, Deedle Muncrief and Jim Brunnell. This is a fun and spiritual service with a unique flavor of its own. The more traditional Unity service meets at 10:10 for an hour and also boasts some great music. Byron Holder, local theater director, theater teacher and vocal instructor, selects excellent and unique talent for the services. Bob Snook is the pianist, with guitar and drum back-up by Lori Elhardt, Brett Thurman and Jim Brunnell. This service has the same practical, uplifting message as the first service, delivered by Rev. Carol. A great youth program for infants through teens is provided at both services. Workshops, classes and other activities are listed on the website, www.centerofunity.org