Our Story - Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living

Home Office Based in Golden, Colorado, Centers for Spiritual Living™ is a global community comprised of more than 400 spiritual communities, teaching chapters, study groups and other ministries in 30 countries. These communities teach a New Thought philosophy that brings religion and science together and offers spiritual tools to transform personal lives and help make the world a better place. This is done through the study and practice of Science of Mind® and Spirit, also known as Religious Science®, which holds that all life is sacred—that each human being is an expression of God. We believe in Cause and Effect and teach that “it is done unto you as you believe.” In essence, our thinking and expectations create our reality. Our teachings incorporate the ancient wisdom of spiritual traditions throughout the ages. People of all spiritual paths are welcome in our communities. We help people experience a personal relationship with the creator; promote a community of tolerance, understanding and respect; provide classes, programs, prayer and meditation; and advocate a safe spiritual community of like-minded people interested in living a spiritual life.

Science of Mind® (also referred to as Religious Science) is the core teaching of Centers for Spiritual Living and is based on the writings of Dr. Ernest Holmes. Science of mind is a philosophy that integrates spiritual truths with science and physics. Simply put, Science of Mind teaches the unity of all life. Intentions and ideas flow through a field of consciousness, which actually affects and creates the world around us. This idea is common to most major religions and is supported by the teachings of psychology and quantum physics. In Science of Mind, we believe that the secret to living a successful life is to consciously choose positive and productive thoughts. Put another way, “As you think, so you become.”

The Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living has a long history in Calgary since 1934.

1927 Institute of Religious Science founded by Ernest Holmes.

1929 or 1930 – The first New Thought Centre was a Unity Affiliate.

1934 or 1935 – Albert Greer started the Church of The Truth and ministerial training school in Spokane, Washington. Graduates were Ervin Seale, Bill Graham, Jeanne Babbitt, Gladys Greer and others.

1934 – The Calgary Church of The Truth was established.

1946 – Institute of Religious Science became United Church of Religious Science.

1945-1969 – Rev. Helen Gordon was the minister. In 1946, The Calgary Church of The Truth – Center for Positive Living was incorporated as a society.

May 1969 – Dr. Herman Aaftink took over and we had an attendance of about 30 people. The attendance grew from St. Paul’s Church to the Q.R. Centre* holding 475 people on a Sunday morning.

January 1983 – Dr. Aaftink resigned to branch out on his own.

July 1983 – Dr. Arleen Bump became the minister.

1985 - Services were moved to the Max Bell Theatre and office/classroom building purchased at 2340 – 1 Ave NW. Name changed to Centre for Positive Living.

February 1992 – Rev. Carol Carnes took over from Dr. Arleen Bump and was here for 6 years.

1995 – We acquired the 103 – 17 Ave SE building.

March 1999 – Rev. Toni Hegge became our minister.

November 2005 – Rev. Carol Carnes returned.

2009 – Religious Science International became International Centers for Spiritual Living.

August 2009 – Name changed from Centre for Positive Living to Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living.

November 2011 – ICSL changed to Centers for Spiritual Living due to the integration.

June 2012 – Sold 17 Ave building and bought Kelly Block and held services at SAIT Orpheus Theatre.

December 2012 – Dr. Carol Carnes retired.

April 2013 – Dr. Pat Campbell became our new Spiritual Director.

November 2016 – Sold Kelly Block and leased from them until we found our new home.

January 2017 – Purchased the Manitoba building and completed renovations.