For more than 50 years, the spectacular central fountains and reflecting pools at Unity Village have been iconic symbols of Unity's world headquarters. In the fall of 2003, a portion of the central fountains collapsed and the beautiful flowing waters were stilled. But last week, Unity held a spiritual blessing ceremony to mark the beginning of an exciting and extensive fountain restoration project.

Fundraising for the restoration began in 2007, when Unity employees collectively contributed more than $15,000 in “seed money.” Since then nearly 4,000 donors worldwide have contributed additional funds through cash donations and the purchase of engraved brick pavers to honor loved ones, friends and special occasions. More than $2.5 million has been raised to restore Unity's fountains.

With the groundbreaking under way, excitement about the new fountains is mounting. “Unity's commitment to preserve this amazing architecture and the Fillmores' vision at Unity Village continues with this major restoration project,” says Charlotte Shelton, Unity's president and chief executive officer. “… My hope is that our new fountain courtyard will serve the community's spiritual needs as well as provide physical beauty.”

The Mediterranean-style central courtyard where the fountains are located was originally designed by Waldo Rickert “Rick” Fillmore, son of Unity founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. “My father studied art and architecture in Europe, and he was especially inspired by the Mediterranean architecture in southern France and Italy,” recalls Rickert's son, Charles R. Fillmore. The mirror pools, built in the late 1940s, were part of the campus' air-conditioning system. In the early 1950s, when growth and expansion increased the cooling demands at Unity Village, cast-concrete dome fountainheads and spray nozzles were added. The decorative fountains were used to cool water for the chiller equipment.

 “When [my grandfather, Unity's co-founder] Charles Fillmore had the vision for a special place for Unity headquarters for all Unity people to come and gather … both he and my father believed that incorporating a fountain series in the middle of the complex would add much to the beauty, as well as be an inspirational place where flowing water would induce a feeling of tranquillity and peace. …The fountains symbolize the spiritual oneness among all Unity people,” says Charles R. Fillmore.

Watch Us Flow!

The spiritual blessing ceremony took place Thursday, April 1, in the Rose Garden plaza at Unity Village. Duke Tufty, senior minister at Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., and chair of Unity's Board of Directors, placed an honorary brick paver dedicated to Rickert Fillmore in a location overlooking the fountains. Attendees at the ceremony received an affirmation commemorating the past, present and future of the fountains.

“This campus is a great gift to the region and draws guests from all around the world,” continued Shelton. “It will be a picturesque place for weddings and memorial services and will be open to the public for personal prayer and meditation.” The anticipated completion date and formal dedication ceremony of the new restored fountains will take place during Unity's World Day of Prayer on September 9, 2010.
 

To learn more about donating a brick paver in honor of a loved one, friend or special occasion, e-mail Unity.