Where We Began: Sheboygan Unity of Sheboygan
On November 5th, 1950, LaVerna Bauer, a licensed minister of the Milwaukee Unity Ministry, gave a lecture at the Foeste Hotel in downtown Sheboygan to a small group of people. Because the response was good, study classes were started. Due to an increase in the rent at the hotel, classes were moved to Concordia Hall at 9th and St Clair.
During the Lenten season of 1952, a Sunday service was given for the first time and it was well attended. The students moved to Castle Hall at South 9th & Spring Ave, where classes were held on Tuesdays and devotional services and Sunday School on Sundays.
In October of 1954, the group became an incorporated entity leading to the Unity Church we know today. On April 1st, 1964, two lots were purchased on North 8th Street and Bell Ave. and groundbreaking for a new church was held on September 27th, 1965. The first services in the new facility and current location at 2409 North 8th Street were held on Palm Sunday, April 3rd, 1966.
Unity Christian Fellowship files to incorporate.
(Printed in the Sheboygan Press, October 5, 1954)
“Articles of Incorporation for Unity Christian Fellowship, Inc, 1005 Swift Ave. Sheboygan, WI, have been filed with the Register of Deeds, Ben W. Diedrich. According to the articles, the purpose of the corporation is to promote the common good of our united efforts to serve the ONE in whose ministry we are all engaged, and that through our association there may be a clear understanding of the message of the Christ as interpreted by the Unity School of Christianity at Lee's Summit, MO.”
Rev LuVerna Bauer (pictured above) became an ordained minister primarily through her own search for God and religion.
She received a late start in her career being ordained in 1955 when she was 58 years old.
Born in Springfield Minnesota, she taught school for two years before marrying George Bauer. After their farm burned down in a fire, the Bauer's moved to Milwaukee. The Bauer's had two children. It was after the couple moved to Milwaukee that LuVerna became interested in Unity.
In addition to teaching and administering every aspect of the church, she took an active part in the Sunday School program.
The devoted, loving, wise, strong woman is the reason we have Unity Of Sheboygan today. She made her transition on December 25, 1993 at the age of 95.
As we continue to commemorate our Unity Spiritual Centers 70th anniversary, we honor the dedicated reverends and interim leaders who have guided our community with unwavering commitment and love. Their contributions have been the foundation of our journey, and we are forever grateful.
Reverends
1950-1972 - Rev. LuVerna Bauer
1972-1975 - Rev. Don Bould
1975-1977 - Rev. James Dawson
1977-1980 - Rev. Gerald Melin
1981-1986 - Rev. Mary Rowe
1986-1989 - Rev. David Travis
1989-1998 - Rev. Dan Mueller
1999-2002 - Rev. Sara Duncan
2002-2005 - Rev. Barbara Hill
2006-2007 - Rev Glenn & Martha Mosley
2010-2011 - Rev. Ginny Stuve
2011-2014 - Rev Pat Brown
2018-2024 - Rev Aubree Lynn Maugeri
Interim Leaders:
Rev Monica Driscoll
John Knowles
Sherryl Andrus
Janette Faul
Thank you for your service, wisdom, and the spirit you have brought to our community. Here’s to continuing this incredible legacy together! 🙏❤️
Please celebrate with us as we mark 70 incredible years! Explore our origins and the moments that shaped our legacy. Keep coming back for updates on special events and new stories—let’s honor this milestone together!