FROM WIKIPEDIA: “The UpStairs Lounge arson attack occurred in 1973 at a gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the (more…)

A memorial mass on the 40th anniversary of the terrible fire in the “Upstairs Lounge” (formally at the corner  of Iberville and Chartes Streets, French Quarter) . Though the arson attack took the lives of 32 men and women, it went largely unreported within the city owing to the fact that the establishment primarily served the gay community.  In the days that followed, churches refused to allow survivors to hold a memorial service for the victims on their premises. Catholics, Lutherans and Baptists all said No.  At considerable personal and professional risk, Fr. Bill Richardson, the rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church held a prayer service for some of the victims. Advertisement only by word of mouth, and drew about 80 mourners. The next day , Rev. Richardson was rebuked by the then  Episcopal Bishop Iveson Noland, Bishop Nolan had received numerous  angry telephone calls from local parishioners, and Rev. Richardson’s mailbox would later fill with hate letters.

On the 22nd of June 2013, St. Georges will offer a mass of remembrance for the dead and thanksgiving for Rev. Richardson’s prophetic work in bringing the Gospel to a community bereft of comfort.   Memorial mass for the Upstairs Lounge, Saturday June 22 @ 2:00 PM  St. Georges Church, 4600 St. Charles Ave.,

June 09-30, 2013 @ 9:00 AM each Sunday prior to 10:30 AM Mass .This class is a good way to learn the history,theology, practice  and essence of the Episcopal Church Available to those seeking Confirmation, reception or affiliation and for anyone else seeking a deeper knowledge of the Episcopal Church. Sign up Sheet located on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, or contact the Parish office at 947-2121