IS LAKE BLUFF RESIDENCE A HOME OR A CHURCH?

Chicago Tribune
July 17 2008
IL

LAKE BLUFF, Ill. – A battle is brewing in the North Shore suburb
of Lake Bluff over a Chicago banker and real estate firm owner’s
contention that his $3 million home is a church.

When George Michael converted his residence into the Armenian Church
of Lake Bluff, it qualified him for a nearly $80,000 break on his
annual property tax bill.

Village officials wonder how they will make up the lost revenue.

Michael told state officials last month that he began his congregation
more than a year ago after he got a pastor’s degree from an online
religious site.

While only a handful of close friends and family attend the church,
his attorney said Michael made the move to spare his disabled wife
the hardship of having to travel to practice her religion.