New Look for Sacred Garden

Lowell’s Garden Terrace reflects his love of nature, and his big heart

Unity Village has many beautiful nooks and crannies across its 1,200 acres, but perhaps none are as sweet as Lowell’s Garden Terrace, nestled into a grove of trees next to the Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center.

When I visited this sacred spot on the occasion of its rededication—42 years after its debut in 1977—I was greeted not just by the blooming trees and flowers but also by a beautiful pergola archway, complete with an outdoor chandelier. A brick terrace filled with several rows of benches faced the archway, and behind the benches was a small, three-tiered fountain.

On the outer edges of all this, I found magical places to explore. One was the Kindness Rock Garden, which the Unity Arts Ministry keeps supplied with small, brightly painted rocks featuring inspiring messages. Visitors are invited to take one for inspiration, share one for motivation, or leave one to help the garden grow. A mulch and garden-stone pathway winds past the rock garden to a small wooden bridge and continues behind the pergola and around to the other side of the garden. On that side, I found an inviting bench with a backrest shaped like a large set of butterfly wings.

The Beating Heart of Unity

The garden is named in honor of Lowell Page Fillmore, eldest son of Unity founders Myrtle Fillmore and Charles Fillmore. If Myrtle is considered the “Mother of Unity,” Rev. Mark Fuss said at the rededication ceremony, then Lowell is its “great beating heart.”

Long committed to establishing and promoting communications from the Unity movement, Lowell got his first job in the Unity mailroom at the age of 10. He later became an editor and contributor to publications like Weekly Unity, helping to grow Unity publication subscriptions to 27 million and spurring the explosive growth Unity experienced in the first half of the 20th century. Lowell moved to Unity Village in 1928 with his wife Alice and eventually became president of Unity School after his father made his transition.

The garden was initially constructed to honor Lowell and his love of nature (particularly at the Village), two years after his own transition. While it fell into some disrepair throughout the ensuing years, Fuss says the garden is like a seed that was planted 42 years ago. With the renovations completed to breathe new life into the space, it is a true reminder of the natural splendor Unity Village has always been known for.

The garden was initially constructed to honor Lowell and his love of nature (particularly at the Village), two years after his own transition. While it fell into some disrepair throughout the ensuing years, Fuss says the garden is like a seed that was planted 42 years ago. With the renovations completed to breathe new life into the space, it is a true reminder of the natural splendor Unity Village has always been known for.

A Natural Space for Outdoor Events, Personal Reflection

Lowell’s Garden Terrace can be booked for ceremonies, services, and events (including weddings). It is just a few steps from the labyrinth, the Unity Village Bookstore and Coffee Shop, and the entrance to the Carl L. Chinnery Nature Trail, and it’s a short walk to the Rose Garden and fountains.

Anyone seeking the respite of a sacred garden for personal reflection and prayer is welcome.

May your experience here echo these words Lowell wrote in his 1923 poem “The Answer,” displayed in full on a bronze plaque by the garden’s fountain:

In that still moment,

After self had tried and failed,

There came a glorious vision of God’s power,

And, lo, my prayer was answered in that hour.

This article appeared in Unity Magazine®.