Thomas Whittaker

Terry Cole-Whittaker, born December 3, 1939, and passing October 23, 2024, was a prominent figure in New Thought literature and ministry. Her journey included early exposure to "Principals of Prosperity," a stint as Mrs. California, and a career as an opera singer before dedicating herself to spiritual leadership. She earned a Doctor of Divinity and was ordained in the United Church of Religious Science, eventually leading a large congregation in La Jolla that expanded to include educational institutions and a syndicated television program.

In 1982, she established Terry Cole-Whittaker Ministries, attracting thousands to her services and offering spiritual guidance through various media. Despite significant fundraising success, the ministry faced financial challenges, leading to the cessation of her Emmy-winning television show. Subsequently, she founded Adventures in Enlightenment, organizing international retreats in exotic locales and establishing a foundation that aimed to create a retreat center and organic farm. Her later endeavors included starting an ashram and library in India to teach Westerners about traditional Indian religions.

Terry Cole-Whittaker's early life was marked by an introduction to "Principals of Prosperity" through a high school teacher. Her path then took an unexpected turn as she competed in the Mrs. America Pageant, achieving the title of Mrs. California in 1968 and placing third nationally. This was followed by a period as an opera singer with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera and the establishment of her own company, Success Plus, where she worked as an inspirational speaker, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to personal development and public engagement.

Cole-Whittaker's spiritual career gained momentum when she earned a Doctor of Divinity in 1973 and was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Religious Science in 1975. She became the pastor of a growing congregation in La Jolla, which expanded significantly over time, attracting thousands for services and leading to the establishment of a grammar school, a ministry school, and multiple teaching centers. Her influence extended to television with a syndicated program that reached fifteen stations, promoting her message of abundant living with the slogan, “You can have it all — now!"

Following her departure from the United Church of Religious Science in 1982, Cole-Whittaker launched Terry Cole-Whittaker Ministries. This new venture drew large crowds and offered extensive resources like newsletters and instructional videos. Although the ministry experienced financial difficulties, leading to the discontinuation of her television show, Cole-Whittaker pivoted by creating Adventures in Enlightenment. This organization facilitated intimate, one-on-one meetings with her in unique global destinations such as Machu Picchu and the Himalayas, and later supported the development of a retreat center and an organic farm in Washington, as well as an ashram and library in India.

“You can have it all — now!”