Unity of Bandon was a divine idea in the minds and hearts of a number people. Their faith and loving energy brought this spiritual community into expression.
Peg Gorman, having moved here from San Jose, loved the beach and town – but something was missing. She missed her Unity Church in Palo Alto and longed for a Unity presence in Bandon. So she walked the beach and shouted affirmations into the sounds of the wind and waves.
Agnes Garner, returning to her home state of Oregon from Sacramento where she attended Unity with Phil & Dorothy Pierson, was looking for a community in which she could retire. Bandon was attractive, but there was no Unity church and that was essential.
Reverend Carole Rose (McArthur), minister at Unity by the Bay in Coos Bay, was being prompted to start a new ministry. An ad seeking Daily Word readers was placed in the free daily paper. Some folks gathered to discuss their desires and the first service was held on Sunday, January 7, 1990 at the Bandon Senior Center.
Reverend E.J. Niles arrived in July as Unity of Bandon’s permanent minister. Under her leadership, Unity incorporated in the State of Oregon. Following her resignation in 1993, guest speakers filled in for nearly a year. In February 1994, Reverend Nancy Cook was hired as an interim minister and a small office space was rented.
On September 11, 1994 Reverend Robin Haruna (Lock) began her tenure as Unity of Bandon’s minister. Under her leadership, the church moved to our present leased location on Highway 101. Reverend Robin retired in March 2022 after serving as minister for over 27 years. Unity of Bandon is a ministry of presence. We are a spiritual community – newcomers are quickly adopted and enfolded into the “family”. Here you will find joy, laughter, compassion and caring.