Free Republic

George Nathaniel Stang, 26, stands accused of a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief, after confessing that it was he who spray painted homophobic, pro-Nazi and pro-Trump graffiti last November, including a swastika, on the church where he was the organist. When confronted by police, Stang — who is gay — reportedly admitted to staging the vandalism and wrote in a handwritten statement to police that he did it to “mobilize a movement” ....

Derek Dye is spending the summer before his senior year at the University of Illinois interning for the Daytona Cubs. If an internship is supposed to offer you real world experience, Dye’s experience on Wednesday night was proof. Dye was being given the chance to run the organ music during Wednesday night’s game. There was a questionable call at first base. “Looked like our first baseman caught it, and then lost it on the transfer. So you figure the call would be out,” Dye told 94WIP’s Marc Farzetta. So Dye thought he’d have a little fun. “I played “Three Blind...

Gene Ludwig of Monroeville, PA, billed as "relentless" in the energy he brought to his music, died Wednesday at West Penn Hospital Forbes Regional Campus. He was 72. The native of Twin Rocks, Cambria County, was a well-known jazz performer in this area, but was known nationally as a frequent guest at clubs in New York City and San Francisco and at international events, such as the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Marty Ashby, executive producer of MCG Jazz at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in the North Side, called Mr. Ludwig "one of a kind" in his dedication to the...

ELCA NEWS SERVICE October 30, 2009 Paul Manz, Distinguished Lutheran Organist, Composer and Teacher, Dies 09-244-JB/FI* CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Paul O. Manz, a well-known Lutheran organist, composer, church musician and teacher, died Oct. 28 after several weeks of hospice care in St. Paul, Minn. Manz, 90, was surrounded by family at his death as they sang "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come," his most famous choral work. A memorial service is planned for Nov. 8 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul, said Manz's son, the Rev. John C. Manz, a pastor at Gloria Dei, where the elder Manz attended....

Sexual predator was barred in 1994 from holding leadership role in church The bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa is considering whether to enforce a 10-year-old ban prohibiting a convicted pedophile from playing the organ and conducting an adult choir at a downtown church. Bishop Peter Coffin said he is pondering what to do with John Gallienne, a sexual predator and former choirmaster barred by senior Anglican officials in 1994 from holding a leadership position in the church, but who is now an organist at Elgin Street's St. John the Evangelist. "I just might mull it over for a...