Once known as the 'Walking Church'

1,000 walkers to Canterbury

To raise funds for a church building on the newly built Ramsden Estate, 1,000 walkers hiked 55 miles from Orpington to Canterbury. It was one of many fundraising walks, and these events united Christians from many different churches in Orpington, as well as local groups.

Before the main walk, Brian Todd and two of his police colleagues walked from York to Orpington in five days, carrying a letter from the Bishop. The faith and courage of these fundraisers made it possible to begin building the Church of Unity.

1967: the Church of Unity opens

On 9 September 1967 the Church of Unity was officially opened, as the Anglican Church partnered with the Methodist Church. Over many years the church served the estate and had a significant impact on the lives of many children and young people.

As the years passed, numbers declined, and there was a great need for more workers to rebuild and strengthen the church. As work began to bring new life to the Church of Unity, God was calling men and women to mission on the Ramsden Estate, and a new partnership between the Anglican Church and Regions Beyond was being formed.

2012: a new start

On 3 June 2012, Unity Church was launched under a Bishop's Mission Order. The new church brought together the original Church of Unity congregation and Christians mainly from Christ Church Orpington and Hope Church.

Since then, God has done so much. People have come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Many children and young people have found a place where they are valued and cared for. People struggling with food poverty receive practical help and support. The building has been improved and updated, and God has amazed us with his provision.

2026: joining the Pioneer Network

In February 2026, Unity Church joined the Pioneer Network.

What's next?

As soon as you write history, it needs updating. So why not come and see for yourself what God is doing at Unity Church?