A Short Biography of Rev. Helen Mouton
Helen Mouton is notable for being one of the first two African Americans ordained in Unity and for founding the Christ Unity Church in Los Angeles.
She was born in Illinois August 14, 1882. Prior to studying Unity, Helen Mouton was a Methodist and belonged to the Methodist Church.
She began studying Unity in December 1933 in order to take up a greater understanding of the Bible. Five or six years later she launched her own ministry as Christ Unity Center at her home at 4621 Hooper Avenue. She writes in her 1949 Field Department Survey:
“Well my greatest event was the vision I got during the Silence 22 of October in 1938. Spirit gave me the vision of doing this work. Also vision of a temple and a home. I immediately started to do something about it. Sent to Unity for application blank to start in Correspondence Course [and] a few days later I met Dr. Jones and she invited me to start with them. So I did and finished with them.”
The 1940 census lists her as being born 1882, married, residing at 4621 Hooper Avenue, with the occupation as minister. Her stated education level was 3rd grade.
By 1946 she had purchased a house at 4419 Mettler St and was using it as the meeting place and her residence. Numerous advertisements are found in The California Eagle starting in 1946 stating that Sunday School was from 10:00-10:45 am, followed by Devotional Services at 11:00. She held classes Monday evening at 8:00pm and Tuesdays at noon. She held silence each week day at 10:00am.
In September 1946, Helen Mouton studied at the Unity Training School where she received training from Norma Knight Jones, Mary Gladys Adams, Ernest C. Wilson, Clara Rowland, Richard Lynch, Frances J. Gable, Margaret Stahle and Rose Emory.
In July 1947, she was given recognition as a licensed teacher.
The Los Angeles Times lists a woman named Helen Mouton being divorced from Claude Collins on April 2, 1949.
In May 1949 she sent in the Field Department Survey which has information about her experience in healing and how she founded Christ Unity Church.
In 1952, she became one of the first two African-Americans ordained a Unity minister.
She transitioned September 3, 1972 at the age of 90, according to California death records.
Her Healings
My husband was healed and lived 7 years after his healing, but could not overcome old habits.
A young lady was healed through prayer in 1946 and is doing fine. Healed of gland trouble in the throat. She is now married and my next door neighbor.
Her story of the founding of Christ Unity Church
Well my greatest event was the vision I got during the Silence 22 of October in 1938. Spirit gave me the vision of doing this work. Also vision of a temple and a home. I immediately started to do something about it. Sent to Unity for application blank to start in Correspondence Course [and] a few days later I met Dr. Jones and she invited me to start with them. So I did and finished with them.
And then [I] took up the Correspondence Course. [I] would have completed it this year but over-work caused me to have to let go so I just kept up my home Center work and hope to get my 2 lessons by June to get my license renewed. I know God is my constant companion. [I] had also a vision to move and buy so in 2 months after I had the vision we were in this place. And we just stepped out in faith with no money in sight. We think it is marvelous.
A Short History of Christ Unity Center
In December 2017 I was shown a posterboard at KRST Unity Center that had the following information:
The Unity Training School followed in 1931 and had its first graduation class in 1933. These graduates spread all over the country and began teaching Unity principles under the name of Unity Health Life Centers. By 1936, a center was established in Los Angeles at 1419 W. Jefferson Blvd. under the leadership of Uana Walters. Another was established at 4614 S. Central Avenue. The minister for both locations was Rev. Anna McMillan.
Christ Unity Center became a satellite chuch of Unity Health Life Centers of Los Angeles. It was organized by Helen Mouton at her home at 4621 Hooper Avenue (see picture). Rev. Mouton later purchased a large home at 4419 Mettler Street and used the living and dining areas as a chapel (see picture).
Rev. Trudie Liddell became a member of Christ Unity Center in Los Angeles when it was meeting on Mettler Street. She became the minister of the center in September 1963. Under her ministry, the current site of Christ Unity Center was purchased. On Easter Sunday, 1964, the center relocated to 78th Place and Western Avenue.
Rev. Mario de Ferrari became the Associate Minister on July 1, 1983. Rev. de Ferrari became the Senior Minister in July, 1984 when Rev. Trudie retired. Under his leadership the Center was remodeled. It got new carpet and new pews. In July, 1986, Rev De Ferrari resigned to become the minister of the Unity Church in Anaheim.
In July, 1986, Rev. Tom (Gordon Thomas) Vivens took over the ministerial duties of Christ Unity Center and served through December, 1986. He made his transition in 2000.
Rev. Clara Epps became the minister of Christ Unity Center on January 1, 1987 and resigned in June, 1987. She returned to Chicago in 2007 and made her transition on July 26, 2014 at the age of 100.
Following the resignation of Rev. Epps in June, 1987, the center was without a minister. Rev. Trudie came out of retirement to head the center until a new minister could be located and installed. She served until December 31, 1988.
