Downtown Boulder presents Real Men of Genius - Mr. Online Ordained Minister Guy
https://reddit.com/link/1tfa215/video/l95ijy37bl1h1/player
From eTown Hall history mural, eTown, 1535 Spruce St, Boulder
"Nick first walked through the old church (which is now eTown Hall) in 1991. Recognizing the potential of the building, he contacted the City of Boulder but was told that the eTown organization couldn't occupy the space because it was zoned only for a church. Eventually, he tried a new approach: he went online and got ordained. Returning to city officials, he explained that, like a church, eTown was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes music and singing and celebrates those who are doing good works in their communities; and he added that eTown was now headed up by an ordained minister! The City finally relented and began working hard to help eTown get through the permit process - without having to become a traditional church. That marked the beginning of several years of challenges in designing, building, equipping and paying for eTown Hall. The team of contractors, engineers and designers did a remarkable job of creating the world's greenest performing arts and recording center - right here in downtown Boulder. It was built without major funding from the city, but with generous donations from eTown listeners and supporters both near and far."