Our History

One Heart was founded by Ruth Hanna in 1981 as the Miracles Contact Center. Ruth sold books and tapes on the topics of Miracles studies, subliminal suggestion, near-death experiences and related topics in the field of expanding consciousness at a time when they were not generally available at local bookstores. From 1984-2000, Ruth taught A Course in Miracles at Maryville University (St. Louis, Missouri) in the continuing education department. Since 1993 Ruth has been a licensed professional counselor in private practice. She is also a certified teacher of the Focusing process.

For many years One Heart organized events and sponsored outside speakers intended to enhance the process of personal growth and spiritual discover, awareness, and unfolding. In 1988 Robert Ferre moved to St. Louis, married Ruth, and expanded the scope of One Heart. In 1989 they formed One Heart Tours, for taking small groups on pilgrimage to sacred sites in France, which they did through 2004. (Photo: Robert and Ruth at Mont Saint Michel in 1998. ) Together, Ruth and Robert continue to coordinate a number of activities, as described on the pages of this website. From 1991 to 1993 Robert organized events for Christian Almayrac, known as Dr. Happiness. Robert is now president of Labyrinth Enterprises, LLC, founded in 1995 as the St. Louis Labyrinth Project.

In 2006 we added One Heart Books as the vehicle to publish Ruth's book, HEART LESSONS FOR THE JOURNEY HOME: Essays to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire. For more information, see Heart Lessons. Activities of One Heart were mostly discontinued after 2001, when Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer. Others in the St. Louis area were carrying on activities similar to those of One Heart. Ruth greatly enjoyed her years as a psychitherapist. She stopped seeing clients in early 2006 for health reasons, and passed away in January, 2007. This One Heart website is maintained by Robert as a tribute to Ruth, her life's work, and in loving memory of their 18 years together..