Is it a church or a swing club?

[two4youinswva]

So, you're just going to have to read this one for yourself.

Link to the story.

[fun4Ds]

I'm all about, "to each their own, leave em alone". Especially when they say over 21 only.

Whats up with the needles and condoms would make me wonder though..... I would have to think at first, Shit Slingers. Then again, you never know.

[aster]

haha, well, at least there were no fights.

[Thrax]

Swinger's Palace is one of three on-premise lifestyle clubs within about an hour's drive of Pittsburgh. The club is in a two-story house, in a wooded area of a sparsely-populated valley. It probably was not an ideal living space since it sits very close to a big power relay station. It has it's own off-street parking.

For many years that residential location housed a couples-only lifestyle club, the name of which escapes me. As now, during that time no one lived at the house, but it was the site of parties on weekends and holidays.

John and Kim, who currently run the operation, took charge in 2001 and renamed it Swinger's Palace, and they started allowing singles to attend the parties. I visited SP once just after they took over, but I didn't like the vibe and have not been back.

The other two area clubs (DJ's Island and Mountain Retreat) cater to mostly couples, some SFs and too many SMs, and there's no (at least in the open) bi-male or gay male activity. SP started the same way -- from what I saw on my visit -- but within a short while it started advertising to and welcoming all comers, so to speak. SP is straight/bi/gay male and female swinger-friendly. It also welcomes transvestites, the transgendered, and folks with a variety of fetishes. SP does have a devoted clientele (congregation?). It's nice that those folks have an option for their sexual circumstances and interests, although the club is obviously not to everybody's tastes.

If they're styling themselves as a church now, that's news to me, as I'm sure it would be to a lot of SW Penna swingers. I imagine those midnight services would be interesting, to say the least.

Thrax

[SecretAsianMan]

Well... I know in both institutions there's usually a lot of people on their knees and a lot of folks calling out to "God" ... (although "Oh God, Oh God, Oh GAWD!" might not be QUITE the same)

[fun4Ds]

Thanks for some first hand observation Thrax.

[JustAskJulie]

Ok, on one hand I was thinking... that's COOL... as we've often said that it would be ideal if we could just classify ourselves as a religion and have the freedom to live our lives by our own religious outlook.

On the other hand, something strikes me as a bit odd that a church (of any kind) would charge admission. That's where the attempt to call themselves a church completely leaves the path of believability. At this point I have to believe that John & Kim are just using the "religion" idea as an excuse to try to get around the fact that once again someone is operating a house party without getting the proper licenses and permits.

[2insandiego4u]

Originally Posted by JustAskJulie

On the other hand, something strikes me as a bit odd that a church (of any kind) would charge admission.

They shoulda called it a "donation"! That fits in well with both swing parties, and churches!

[Chicup]

Originally Posted by JustAskJulie

On the other hand, something strikes me as a bit odd that a church (of any kind) would charge admission. That's where the attempt to call themselves a church completely leaves the path of believability.

Allow me to introduce you to Scientology

[ownerspet]

Originally Posted by 2insandiego4u

They shoulda called it a "donation"! That fits in well with both swing parties, and churches!

However, even if you call it a "donation." You can't require a donation, because by definition, donations are voluntary.

Once it becomes a required donation, it is considered by most courts to be a fee, and thus you have a business in the eyes of the court with the need to obtain proper licenses and permits.

[two4youinswva]

Originally Posted by Chicup

Allow me to introduce you to Scientology

Nice call.

Originally Posted by ownerspet

However, even if you call it a "donation." You can't require a donation, because by definition, donations are voluntary.

I guess they call them "Love Offerings" or Tithes.

[Chicup]

Originally Posted by ownerspet

However, even if you call it a "donation." You can't require a donation, because by definition, donations are voluntary.

Once it becomes a required donation, it is considered by most courts to be a fee, and thus you have a business in the eyes of the court with the need to obtain proper licenses and permits.

As a business owner myself, if I give money to a school newsletter, they, for my 'donation' give me add space and even let me distribute fliers as inserts in the publication.

You could say that to be a member of the church its free, but to be allowed in the inner sanctum (play area) its only after your tax deductible donation.

[celtic239]

I don't know the individuals in question but by calling the "Swing Palace" a church sounds like a tax evasion scam. The article states that the Rev never went to divinity school. I sure hope for his sake that they didn't file for any tax exempt status with the IRS or the local tax authorites. He could wind up in a world of financial hurt if he gets hauled into court for back taxes as well as other issues.

[two4youinswva]

Another entry on the story.

Digital Journal

[Chris&Amelia]

I think there is some confusion because they keep hearing people screaming "OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD ALL MIGHTY I'M COMING!" from inside the building.