ABOUT THE DIVINITY CENTER

On an autumn October afternoon in 2002, the journey to start a Universal Foundation for Better Living study group in Washington, DC  began.  Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson, at the arrangement of Rev. Bernette Jones, Senior Minister of One God One Thought Center for Better Living in Baltimore, MD, was introduced to Rev. Taiwo Inman, a longstanding metaphysician who frequented Unity churches and was touched by the work of Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon and Rev. Dr. Helen Carry.  (more)

ABOUT THE DIVINITY CENTER (continued)

Rev. Donaldson and Rev. Inman polled their friends and co-workers on their interest to participate.  Rev. Donaldson began to forge a plan that he shared with Rev. Inman, which centered on the Lenten Resource booklet sent by UFBL to member churches.  After reviewing the booklet, Rev. Donaldson decided that if Lent is about spiritual preparation this would be the perfect activity to begin the study group.  Rev. Donaldson developed a study group preparation manual and shared the idea with his wife Valencia and Rev. Inman.  He asked them to gather as many people as possible for one more meeting.  At the meeting Rev. Donaldson revealed God’s idea -- the Divinity Center for Better Living.

The plan was simple.  Before starting the study group, Rev. Donaldson would bring a group of committed individuals together to help engage people in the Metropolitan Washington DC area in their spiritual unfoldment during the Lenten season.  As a result, a mission and a vision for the Divinity Center for Better Living Study Group and Church would be established and unveiled.  So, on March 1, 2003, thirteen people met at the Savory Coffee Shop in Takohma Park, MD (a nearby suburb of Washington, DC) and a conversation around Lent began.  The plan was called “The Lent Events”.  The group established  places in and around Washington DC  to hold the Lent events and also met every Thursday evening from 7pm – 9pm at the Ideal Charter School in NW Washington DC.  The Ideal School’s Director Rev. Paulette Bell was a gracious host for nearly 9 months. 

Shortly following Lent Rev. Donaldson asked the group if they were still interested in starting a UFBL study group.  The answer was an overwhelming YES!  A letter was sent to Rev. Ann Jefferson, UFBL’s builder of churches and Rev. Dr. Mary Tumpkin, President of the Universal Foundation for Better Living expressing an interest in making The Divinity Center for Better Living the 26^th Church or Study group in the UFBL.  Sixteen people signed the document that was sent to Rev. Dr. Tumpkin, committing them to the idea and becoming our founding members.   

Later, the group received the authorization to move forward by Rev. Dr. Tumpkin.  We invited Rev. Jefferson to meet with our founding members.  Since the Lenten season, our study group has ministered 45 people, with 21 people now participating regularly.  In addition to Rev. Donaldson’s certification as a Licensed UFBL Teacher, and ordained UFBL Minister, Rev. Judith Hokhmah received her teaching certification in 2003.   

In 12 months, the Divinity Center for Better Living has offered 24 Better Living courses, seminars and workshops, sponsored 4 special events ,participated in two Panorama of Truth church conference, traveled to Christ Universal Temple Chicago, IL during Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon’s 48^th Anniversary Celebration, and now facilitate  a daily inspirational conference call that support  people across the country gain spiritual understanding and peace. 

Sincere appreciation and thanks to the members and many friends of The Divinity Center for Better Living for their loving support and generous service.