Welcome. We're Glad You Found Us

If you’re searching for something deeper—answers, healing, peace, or just a place where you can ask honest questions, you’re in the right place. Let us show you what this is all about.

You Might Be Here Because…

Traditional religion, self-help, meditation apps, none of it quite fits. You want teachings that go deeper than surface advice.

Same patterns, same struggles, same loops. You want to understand why and learn how to actually change, not just cope.

Loss, illness, betrayal, transition, life hit hard. You need more than time. You need tools that actually help you heal.

You’ve heard about Louise Hay, New Thought, or Science of Mind. You want to explore what it means, without pressure or judgment.

Take our quiz to find the answers you're looking for:

So... What Exactly Is The First Center?

We’re a spiritual community in Manhattan that’s been teaching something called “Religious Science” (also known as Science of Mind) since 1946.

We are:

A place where you learn how your mind actually works

A community that teaches practical techniques for working with your consciousness

Part of a spiritual movement called "New Thought" that started in the 1800s

The place where Louise Hay (yes, that Louise Hay) learned before writing You Can Heal Your Life

Think of us as:

A school for understanding how your thoughts, beliefs, and consciousness shape your life and how to use that knowledge intentionally.

What Is The New Thought Movement?

The Core Idea:

Your thoughts aren’t random mental chatter—they’re creative forces that shape your reality.

Not “think positive and problems disappear.” More like: “Understand how your subconscious works, and reprogram patterns that run your life without permission.”

New Thought teaches:

Your subconscious creates patterns in health, relationships, and daily life—practical, not magical
Those patterns can change through specific techniques—you’re not stuck
Universal principles operate like spiritual laws—learn them, work with them
Consciousness shapes reality—change your inner world, shift your outer world (alongside medicine/therapy, not replacing it)
You’re connected to something bigger—God, Universe, Intelligence—and you’re part of it

Used by: Louise Hay, Oprah, Wayne Dyer, Michael Bernard Beckwith, and millions more.

What Is Religious Science

Religious Science = Science of Mind

(Same teaching, two names)

It addresses life’s big questions: What’s real? How does life work? What’s my purpose? How do I heal?

Why "Science"?

It’s based on principles that work consistently—not “believe and hope,” but “here’s how consciousness operates, here’s how to use it.”

The Big Idea:

Creative Intelligence (God/Universe/Spirit) flows through everything, including you. Align your thinking with it, understand your subconscious, and create real change.

Not magic. Not wishful thinking. Just understanding how your mind works—and using it intentionally.

"Spiritual Healing" Sounds Abstract. Here's What It Actually Is.

Ready to see if it works for you?

Enter your details below, and we’ll send you the free guide right away on

“The 7-Day Mirror Work Challenge: A Simple Spiritual Healing Practice”.

Everyone’s Welcome. Really.

You don't have to:

You can:

Okay, I'm interested. What Do I Do First?

Path 1: Start Small

Not ready to visit in person? Try this
Get New Thought teachings delivered twice a month. Learn from home. No commitment.
“The 7-Day Mirror Work Challenge: A Simple Spiritual Healing Practice” — everything on this page and more, in a PDF you can keep.
Hear Rev. Dr. Harte teach so you know what to expect.

Path 2: Dip Your Toe In

Not ready to visit in person? Try this
 Thursday at 7:00 PM — Louise Hay class. Very practical. Easy to slip in and out.
Creative Living series is offered online too. Join from home.
10:45 AM meditation + 11:00 AM lesson + 12:15 PM fellowship. The full experience.


Path 3 : Jump Right In

Ready to fully experience this community:

View the complete schedule and choose what fits.
If you want to go deeper with studies, practitioner training, or community involvement.

Okay, I'm interested. What Do I Do First?

Questions We Hear Often

Common Concerns We Address

Do I have to believe in God?
No. We use the word “God” to mean Universal Intelligence, Creative Spirit, the Force behind everything—whatever that means to you. Atheists, agnostics, and people of all faiths learn here.
It’s a spiritual philosophy and practice. Some people treat it like their religion. Others practice it alongside their existing faith. You get to decide what it means for you.
Absolutely not. We’re not recruiting. We’re teaching. Take what works, leave what doesn’t.

Perfect. Nobody does at first. New Thought has its own vocabulary. It takes time. Ask questions. That’s what we’re here for.

Nope. Come as you are. We’ll teach you what you need to know. (Though if you want to read ahead, we can suggest resources.)

Sunday services are free (with optional donation). Classes and events vary—some free, some by donation, some have fees. Check individual event details.
Whatever you’re comfortable in. Some people dress up. Some wear jeans. Nobody cares
yes, absolutely. All ages are welcome. No barrier
Especially for you. Many people find us during difficult periods. That’s actually when these teachings help most.
Then you’ll have learned something about yourself and what you’re looking for. No hard feelings. Seriously.

Meet Rev. Dr. Greg Harte

Spiritual Director & Senior Teacher

The voice you’ll hear most Sundays is warm, wise, and refreshingly real.

What makes Dr. Harte different

Decades of practice in Science of Mind—he's lived these teachings

Makes complexity simple—no spiritual jargon, just clear truth

Welcomes tough questions—skepticism included

Tests over beliefs—he won't ask you to accept anything you can't try yourself

His approach: Practical stories over abstract theory. “How to use this” over “what to believe.”

"He makes you feel like you're having coffee with a wise friend, not sitting through a lecture." -Community Member

ONE MORE THING...

We know starting something spiritual can feel vulnerable. You won’t be put on the spot, pressured to join, or asked to commit to anything. Visit once or return every week. Ask questions or just listen. The only requirement is curiosity. If you’re searching, questioning, or wondering if there’s more—you belong here, and we’re glad you found us.