Founder
Senior Pastor
OUR HISTORY
Unity Church Of God In Christ was founded in October of 1985 by Arthur Carven S. Walker. “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity” (Psalm 133:1). These were the words given to Elder Walker as the building blocks from which Unity was started.
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The church began with four members, Pastor Walker, his wife, Paulette, and their two sons, Arthur II and Marlon. The church was located at the home of Elder Walker on Roslyn Avenue in Akron, Ohio.
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In January 1986, Pastor Walker sought to establish services at a building on Exchange Street but encountered obstacles when the landlord failed to provide access despite payment. Fortunately, James Stewart and Bill Calhoun of Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home generously offered their main chapel for Unity's services, where they congregated for four months.
By April 1986, with approximately 25 members, Unity relocated to 1040 Howard Street, a former Lawson's store. Everyone did everything...from singing in the choir to janitorial services. However, on Sunday morning, we were ready to worship and praise God!
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With significant growth in membership by 1989, regular attendees had to relinquish their seats to accommodate visitors, highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated church building.
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In June of 1990, Unity traveled by caravan to our present location, 1019 Harpster Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44314. In eight short years, Unity was blessed to pay off the church's mortgage. Since then, we have acquired additional properties and the land adjacent to our present location.
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On October 17, 2000, Unity Church Of God In Christ changed its name to Unity Holiness Ministries COGIC.
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Throughout the years, Unity has assisted the homeless, hungry, disabled, naked, abused, incarcerated, bereaved, and hurting. Many have been blessed through this ministry! Today, we continue to serve in these areas with an even greater sense of responsibility for those in need.
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In 2017, Pastor A. Carven Walker named his son, Elder Marlon C. Walker, Co-Pastor of Unity Holiness Ministries COGIC.
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On December 10, 2018, our founder, Dr. Superintendent A. Carven S. Walker went home to be with the Lord. His son, Eld Marlon Walker, assumed the role of CEO and Pastor for two years.
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On January 28, 2020, Elder Larry D. Chadwick was installed as the new Pastor of Unity Holiness Ministries COGIC.
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Currently, Unity has eighteen ministries designated to meet the needs of the people both spiritually and physically. We continue to embrace people of all backgrounds with a message of unconditional love and abundant grace. We envision a community of fully equipped believers of Jesus Christ who endeavor to proclaim the message of hope and facilitate opportunities for progress within the city, state, and even our nation.
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From these humble beginnings, the membership has grown both in size and purpose. We celebrate our glorious past, embrace our promising future, and continue to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ!
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We accept the bible as God’s Word and not man’s opinion.
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We believe that man is a sinner both by nature and practice, and the only means for salvation is personal faith in Jesus Christ. (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23; Acts 16:31)
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We believe that Christ gave three (3) ordinances to the New Testament Church.
† Water Baptism Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16
† Communion 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
† Feet Washing St. John 13:2-17
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We believe in holy living. (Titus 2:11-12)
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We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4)
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We believe in and support Christian outreach and world mission. (Matthew 9:37-38)
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We believe in Christian education. (II Timothy 2:15)
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We observe Sunday (first day of the week) as the Lord’s day for worship. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)
We believe that spiritual growth depends on personal devotion. (Rom. 12:11)
† Bible Study St. John 5:39
† Prayer Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
† Fasting Matthew 6:16-18
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We believe that tithes and offerings are the means of support to sustain the Christian ministry. (Malachi 3:6-8; Luke 6:38)
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We believe that regular attendance to services scheduled will enrich Christian fellowship and spiritual strength. (Hebrew 10:25)
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We believe that the Pastor is the spiritual leader and the counselor of the local church, and should be sound of character and of good moral conduct. (1 Timothy 5:17)
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Our Belief Concerning the Bible
We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written Word of God.
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Our Belief Concerning God
We believe that there is One God, eternally existent in Three Persons;
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
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Our Belief Concerning The Church
We believe in the Blessed Hope, which is the rapture of the Church of God,
which is in Christ, at His return.
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Our Belief Concerning Sin
We believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance,
faith in the precious Blood of Jesus Christ, and baptism in water.
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Our Belief Concerning Salvation
We believe that regeneration by the Holy Ghost is absolutely
essential for personal salvation.
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Our Belief Concerning Salvation
We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing in prayer.
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Our Belief Concerning The Holy Ghost
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Ghost,
according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it.
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Our Belief Concerning Sanctification
We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, by Whose indwelling,
the Christian is enabled to live a holy & separated life in this present world.
AMEN