Unity in Fort Walton Beach—which the former Rev. Marjorie Howard started as a small study club, but grew to become an integral part of the Northwest Florida spiritual community—celebrated its 30th-anniversary last month. 

Rev. Stephen J. Kosmyna, says it’s no minor feat in this day of “mega-churches” for a small church to last 30 years. “We have over 350 local churches offering choices for every individual from every walk of life. It comes down to the message of love, acceptance, diversity and inclusiveness,” he says. “People are hungry for Unity’s message of love and possibility, human and divine. We embrace and honor all religions and offer a positive, practical approach to Christianity and living a happy life using the timeless tools of prayer and meditation to navigate the changing world in which we live.” 

Unity in Fort Walton Beach became a full member of the Association of Unity Churches in 1989 and held its first service in its first permanent home, on Hurlburt Road, on Easter Day 1993. After Rev. Howard retired in 1998, the church was without a minister until 2001, when the congregation hired Rev. George Schmidt. Kosmyna succeeded him in 2016.

Over the years, Unity has supported charitable causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Sharing and Caring Food Pantry, teddy bear drives, and backpacks for the homeless events. Its doors are open every Wednesday at noon for a prayer request meeting and Sunday's celebration service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Location: 1797 Hurlburt Rd., Fort Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-864-1232 or visit UnityInFWB.org.