Man converts home into church to save tax
By Tom Leonard in New York
Daily Telegraph/UK
20/07/2008
A Chicago estate agent has sparked a row over the extent of his
religious fervour after he converted his home into a church, saving
himself $80,000 (£40,000) in taxes.
George Michael said he converted his $3 million home in a Chicago
suburb into the Armenian Church of Lake Bluff so his disabled wife and
daughter did not have to travel to worship.
Mr Michael told Illinois officials he started his own congregation –
reportedly numbering a few close friends and family – a year ago after
receiving a pastor’s degree from a religious internet site.
He placed a cross on the side of his lakeside mansion home which
neighbours accepted as a sign of his Christian devotion.