by Rev. Ellen Debenport, working at Unity Village.
For nearly 100 years, Unity published a children’s magazine called Wee Wisdom. It is fondly remembered and is still for sale as a collection of its articles. It was born in August 1893 from the heart of Unity co-founder Myrtle Fillmore, who was its editor for nearly 30 years. Myrtle had a vision in the early days of Unity. She saw herself surrounded by crowds of people, many of them unruly children. A voice within asked, “Who will take care of the children?”
Myrtle Fillmore: In the first issue of Wee Wisdom, she wrote, “The mission of Wee Wisdom is not to entertain the children but to call them out. To be always entertained is to be dwarfed and dependent. To be ‘called out’ is to follow the harmonious law of the soul’s unfoldment.” The character- building ideals of Wee Wisdom are thoughtfully phrased, in universal language acceptable to all.
The Unity Village News, celebrating Wee Wisdom’s birthday in 1971, said, “The character-building ideals of Wee Wisdom are not written in religious language but in universal language acceptable to all.
Many of Wee Wisdom’s readers had no idea the magazine came from Unity. Although the Unity name was never hidden, the magazine focused on Truth teachings and practical ways for children to use them. “Our purpose has been to help you discover the finest and best qualities within yourself.”
The retrospective booklet available now can’t begin to do justice to the many colors, features, and personality of Wee Wisdom through the decades. (Bound volumes are in the Archives at Unity Village.) We hope this glimpse of Wee Wisdom stirs memories in those who loved it and reflects one of the shining achievements of Unity for those who were born later.
Through the years, Wee Wisdom was filled with children’s stories, Bible lessons, puzzles, riddles, recipes, paper dolls, comic strips, craft suggestions, pages to color, songs, prayers, and always, poems. Wee Wisdom was also known for its breathtaking artwork, much of it created by Myrtle’s sons. As boys, her three sons took over editing the magazine while their parents were on vacation. They often featured the work of children. As adults, all three of the sons lived with their families at Unity Farm.
Lowell Page Fillmore: became known for his ability to clearly communicate Charles Fillmore’s Unity message in speeches and writings. Lowell was the Unity School president, a post he held until 1964, when he was named president emeritus.
Waldo Rickert Fillmore: was named after Ralph Waldo Emerson and his greatest gift to Unity was his architectural training and skills. When his parents discovered his artistic gift, they were determined he develop them. His education in London and Rome gave him an appreciation for the local architectural styles of those regions and led to the Unity Village master plan: the Italian Renaissance style.
John Royal Fillmore: published his first piece in Wee Wisdom at age 10. Royal was also known for promoting the use of radio in the Unity ministry. Royal was active in the community and was a Master Mason.
11/10/24