My Mile Hi Journey

Featured Article About Rev. Marilyn Leo, Beloved Long-Standing Mile Hi Church Member

A few years ago, Rev. Marilyn Louise Leo noticed she thoroughly enjoyed Mile Hi Church via online participation, including the speakers and community programs.

“I didn’t want to be critical while listening to speakers and found that I wasn’t entertaining critical thoughts during Sunday Service at Mile Hi!” She has stayed ever since. “Mile Hi offers so much! The speaker always has a lesson to share. Out of habit, I take notes every week.”

No stranger to churches, Marilyn’s stepfather, Reginald “Reg” Armor, was a good friend, ministerial colleague, and next-door neighbor of Dr. Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science and the Science of Mind teachings.

When Marilyn’s mother Elsie married Reg, Marilyn, then eight years old, met the lovable couple next door. “Ernest and Hazel popped in and out of our house, invited us to parties, and were very respectful to children. They said, ‘Call me Ernest; call me Hazel.’” Marilyn also fondly remembers Dr. Holmes laughing easily, enjoying barbequing, and making delicious chili and a custard dessert, which her mother gives Ernest credit for teaching her to cook.

Despite being surrounded by philosophical and spiritual conversations at home and next door, Marilyn shares with a smile, “I was rebellious as a kid!” She enjoys recalling a three-month solo trip throughout Europe and other youthful pursuits in her 20s and 30s. Along the way, Marilyn married and adopted a daughter. In 1975, she re-engaged in spiritual studies enrolling in Religious Science coursework. In 1985, she became a minister. When she married Rev. Richard Leo, they moved to Oregon and founded Medford Church—now Rogue River—and together enjoyed many years of joint ministry in both Oregon and Southern California before Richard’s passing in 2001.

Today, Marilyn is a tireless supporter of The Science of Mind Archives, which she founded and proudly reports has grown from a 10’ x 12’ room of memorabilia to over 2,600 square feet of artifacts including furniture and artwork from Holmes’ house. The archives are currently located in Golden, CO. She has also authored five books about our church history and is an ongoing writer for the Science of Mind Magazine.

But at Mile Hi, from the comfort of her California home, Marilyn has put down church roots. “I love the messages of Dr. Michelle, Rev. Josh, and Dr. Roger. The talents in the youth group and music ministry are incredible. The community events are inspiring. I wish I could be there in person more often!”

Living out of state and participating online doesn’t stop Marilyn from being generous. She says she enjoys financially reciprocating the spiritual “food” and insights she receives online. “I give 100% of the tithes from my investments, speaker’s fee, and book royalties to Mile Hi,” adding with a laugh, “I even tithe 10% of my Social Security check to the church!” She summarizes her appreciation, “Mile Hi on Sunday mornings gets me started for the wonderful week ahead.”