wfn.org | United Methodist churches receive help from piano trust

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Nov. 5, 2001 News media contact: Thomas S. McAnally7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.     10-71B{512}

By United Methodist News Service

A dozen United Methodist churches are among 100 U.S. congregations that have
received $500 grants from the Boston Piano Religious Trust since it was
established in November 1996.

The trust was established by the Boston Piano Co. in response to the series
of church burnings in the South. Most of the one-time, unrestricted $500
grants are going to houses of worship that were damaged or defaced by hate
crimes. Grants have also been given on a case-by-case basis to congregations
struck by arsonists or vandals.

"Music is such an integral part of worship that we felt compelled to reach
out to these congregations and demonstrate our true concern," said Bob Dove,
Boston's general manager and executive vice president.

The National Council of Christians and Jews has voiced support for Boston's
willingness to take a public stand against crimes of hate.

"Boston Piano's commitment to the rebuilding of churches is an affirmation
that we must never let hatred or violence destroy the communities that these
churches represent across America," said Brian E. Foss, the national
conference's vice president. "We hope other corporations will be inspired by
Boston Piano's generosity and caring."

The Boston Piano Co. is a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Properties,
Steinway & Sons' parent holding company. The Boston is sold at Steinway
dealerships worldwide.

United Methodist churches that have received grants from Boston are:
7	Trinity United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, Fla.
7	First United Methodist Church, Memphis, Tenn.
7	Madison Street United Methodist Church, Clarksville, Tenn.
7	First United Methodist Church, Beebe, Ark.
7	Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church, Little Rock, Ark.
7	White Memorial United Methodist Church, Little Rock, Ark.
7	Faith United Methodist Church, Moline, Ill.
7	New Salem United Methodist Church, Commerce, Ga.
7	Faith United Methodist Church, Xenia, Ohio.
7	Usher Valley United Methodist Church, Pontotoc, Miss.
7	Providence United Methodist Church, Titus, Ala.
7	Mullens United Methodist Church, Mullens, W. Va.

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United Methodist News Service
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