Pipe dreams realized

[RC]

Pipe dreams realized
Sherri Richards, The Forum
Published Saturday, January 13, 2007

The pipes are strewn all over the sanctuary of Fargo’s First Presbyterian Church. They look more like pieces of plumbing than an organ.

But as the 3,127 pipes are installed over two weeks, they will create one of the most impressive pipe organs in the area.

“It will just be an incredible instrument for our congregation, for hymn singing,” said Mary Beth Berg, organist at the downtown church. “It will just be a wonderful experience to have it as part of our worship.”

Including pipes from the previous instrument, the new organ will have 59 ranks, or sets of pipes. It will cost about $550,000.

http://www.in-forum.com/News/articles/152800

* * * * * * * *

Over a half a million dollars to help the choir to sing in tune? I can think of better uses for that money right here in Fargo. To me this ostentatious sectarian display borders on obscenity. This church could have the same sound for a lot less.
Think of what the interest alone that this money could generate. Apply the interest generated to helping people in need or clothing, food and shelters. There is a real need in this town. This is another reason to treat the churches for tax purposes as non-profits.
BTY, I was raised as a Presbyterian.

[mrcheerful]

1. And these are the people that shrub and his sheep want to turn the welfare services over to

Yeah right real charity. Btw, you have heard the wing nuts claim it was the churchs job to handle welfare haven't you? After all welfare is just charity. Only wing nuts pay into the program.

[Mikey929]

2. I agree

I agree that churches shoudl focus on helping others, and not on the onstentatious trappings of wealth. If churches are going to earn millions of dollars and own tons of land, then they need to pay taxes. If they can show they're putting all their money to worthy causes, then I would give them a break.

One note of caution, however. We need to be careful in saying one certain group shouldn't spend half a million on something like an organ. People could also questoin the cost of politician's inaugural events, office decorations, home ownership, travel destinations. All these rich people could get raked over the coals if we start saying "Hey did you know for the cost of your victory party, you could have put 50 people thru college" etc.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. God will smite them

if they don't have the most ostentatious display of wealth! :sarcasm:

who cares about the suffering? :mad:

$550,000 = 797,101 meals for the hungry (at $.69 each)

[rurallib]

4. HAd a hot little encounter behind the pipe organ in my church

when I was young. Thanks for jogging my memory.
It's really funny. A study comes out a month ago saying righties give so much more to charity. Most of that to their mega churches for shit like this.
I can only hope there is a little space behind the organ where some young folks can couple. Even better if they are gay.