Some spiritual ideas come and go.
But New Thought has quietly transformed lives for generations—because it speaks to something timeless:
At First Center, we offer practical spiritual teaching for real life—support for healing, self-worth, relationships, purpose, and peace of mind.
We don’t promise quick fixes.
We invite something deeper:
First Center is rooted in the New Thought tradition and the historic legacy of First Church of Religious Science in New York, including the teaching lineage of Raymond Charles Barker.
In her early years, Louise Hay took classes in this spiritual community before becoming a worldwide voice for healing and self-love. Today, we honor that legacy through our weekly Louise Hay self-healing gatherings—offered with warmth, dignity, and practical spiritual tools.
Today, we carry this spirit forward through broadcasts and weekly gatherings—welcoming people from across the country and around the world.
Practice Louise Hay’s self-healing methods in dedicated sessions
Find community without judgment or dogma. We're not asking you to believe anything. We're inviting you to practice, experience, and discover what works for you.
Since 2017,
Rev. Gregory Harte has been doing something rare, building a ministry that honors the intellectual depth of Ernest Holmes, Dr. Bakers, and other spiritual teachers while delivering the warmth and accessibility of Louise Hay.
It started decades ago when someone handed him Louise’s little blue book. That moment sparked a 30-year journey of integrating classical Science of Mind teachings with the affirming, emotionally resonant approach that Louise Hay pioneered.
Nearly 100 Years of Transformation
This isn’t new. This is legacy.
Ernest Holmes founded Religious Science (Science of Mind)—a New Thought movement teaching that consciousness creates reality and universal principles govern how life works.
Dr. Raymond Charles Barker , Holmes’ distinguished student, established The First Church of Religious Science in New York City. For 33 years, Dr. Barker taught thousands how to use their minds as creative instruments.
Louise Hay began studying under Dr. Barker. She learned affirmations, subconscious reprogramming, and New Thought healing practices. Years later, she wrote You Can Heal Your Life—now sold over 65 million copies worldwide.
The techniques in that book? She learned them here.
Under Rev. Stuart Grayson and Rev. Wade Adkisson, The First Center became a sanctuary during the AIDS epidemic—offering spiritual healing, community support, and compassionate care when many institutions turned away.
Rev. Dr. Greg Harte became the Spiritual Director, carrying forward the teachings of Holmes, Barker, and Hay. Today, he leads a diverse community committed to practical spirituality and New Thought principles.
The story continues with every person who walks through our doors seeking truth, healing, and community. What will your chapter be?
Nearly 100 Years of Transformation
This isn’t new. This is legacy.
Ernest Holmes founded Religious Science (Science of Mind)—a New Thought movement teaching that consciousness creates reality and universal principles govern how life works.
Dr. Raymond Charles Barker , Holmes’ distinguished student, established The First Church of Religious Science in New York City. For 33 years, Dr. Barker taught thousands how to use their minds as creative instruments.
Louise Hay began studying under Dr. Barker. She learned affirmations, subconscious reprogramming, and New Thought healing practices. Years later, she wrote You Can Heal Your Life—now sold over 65 million copies worldwide.
The techniques in that book? She learned them here.
Under Rev. Stuart Grayson and Rev. Wade Adkisson, The First Center became a sanctuary during the AIDS epidemic—offering spiritual healing, community support, and compassionate care when many institutions turned away.
Rev. Dr. Greg Harte became the Spiritual Director, carrying forward the teachings of Holmes, Barker, and Hay. Today, he leads a diverse community committed to practical spirituality and New Thought principles.
The story continues with every person who walks through our doors seeking truth, healing, and community. What will your chapter be?
— Ernest Holmes
Watch your thoughts for a week, not to judge but to see which ones you’re repeating on autopilot.
Rev. Harte carries forward the teachings of Ernest Holmes, Dr. Raymond Charles Barker, and Louise Hay, not as museum pieces, but as living tools for transformation. His vision for this community is simple but powerful:
Love Points the Way. Law Makes It Possible.
Love shows us where to go. Universal principles give us the means to get there. Whether you’ve been on a spiritual path for decades or you’re just beginning to ask deeper questions, Rev. Harte invites you to join us, not as a member required to believe certain things, but as a fellow traveler on the path of spiritual discovery. You belong here, exactly as you are.
