[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITY CHURCH IN GRAPEVINE

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                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize 
the 30th anniversary of Unity Church located in Grapevine, Texas. It is 
an honor for me to celebrate this congregation's achievement and share 
its history with my fellow colleagues in Congress.
  The Unity Church of Northeast Tarrant County, which is now commonly 
called the Unity Church of Grapevine, held its first worship service in 
rented hotel facilities on September 12, 1982. The church moved to 
facilities in Hurst, where they remained until 1991 when the church 
purchased property at 1970 E. Dove Road in Southlake, Texas.
  In January 1996, the church purchased 5,825 acres on Hughes Road, one 
mile south of downtown Grapevine. The church built a 13,116 square foot 
building which was dedicated in September, 1996. Funding for the 
building was through issuance of $920,000 in church bonds through 
American Church Trust. The bonds were re-financed in 2002, providing 
funding for the start up of Hughes Road Montessori in September, 2003. 
The Church sold 1.75 acres of back property in 2005 for $285,000, 
leaving it with roughly 4 acres. The church received a signing bonus 
for the property mineral rights from Chesapeake Exploration in 2008 for 
the amount of $92,754.50 which was applied against the mortgage. A 
campaign to pay off the mortgage of $106,000 by June 1, 2012 began 
February 12, 2012 from a $50,000 matching contribution from anonymous 
donors.
  For 26 years, Unity Church in Grapevine has conducted a weekly 
ministry in the Federal Prison System at Federal Correctional Institute 
in Fort Worth, Texas. 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, a Care Team was established in the church with its members making 
hospital calls, nursing home visits, furnishing food for members as 
needed, and contacting members by phone once a month.
  Active in the community, Unity Church of Grapevine assists Grapevine 
Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) by furnishing food for the food 
pantry. The church partners with Grapevine Middle School and has tithed 
to the school over the past eleven years with funds providing an after 
school martial arts program, medical assistance, and for needs of 
students and their families in time of crisis. Members also volunteer 
as mentors to the students.
  Rev. Carol Record has served the Unity Church in Grapevine since its 
inception. She served as Chaplain of Trinity Springs Pavilion (the 
County psychiatric hospital), the first woman president of Grapevine 
Rotary, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a 26-year volunteer at 
Federal Correctional Institute, mentor at Grapevine Middle School, and 
a MHMR Visions Board member. Rev. Record leads the weekly Sunday 
services, teaches a Bible class each week as well as spiritual growth 
classes throughout the year. She is a published author, a well known 
speaker, and a community leader.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I 
ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Unity 
Church in Grapevine on its 30th anniversary.

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