Friday, February 24, 2012

A House of Worship in the Domain of Saint Germain

Does the Saint Germain Foundation qualify as a church? That’s the story the listing agent sticks to in her description of the property for sale on the corner of Greenbriar and Portsmouth. As a qualifying religious institution, it’s exempt from local property taxes. The Illinois-based group, founded by mining engineer Guy W. Ballard in 1934, is selling its longtime Houston home across Greenbriar from the Shepherd Plaza shopping center and worldly-goods discounter Tuesday Morning. According to followers of Ballard’s teachings, the organization’s founder had previously completed earthly stints in the person of Achilles, Alexander the Great, Kings Richard I and Henry V of England, and George Washington; in 1939, in lieu of dying, he became Ascended Master Godfre. The 3,000-sq.-ft. home at 3700 Greenbriar was built a year later.

* * *

Inside, you’ll find 3 living rooms — or 2 worship areas and a screening room, depending how you’re counting.

Also, 2 bedrooms and a lounge area.

The lot measures 7,000 sq. ft. It was listed for $627,000 just last week.

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6 Comments

  1. 1
    From mel:

    So many Amen-ities!

  2. 2
    From Personman:

    I lived near that place for years and never did manage to find out anything about them. Thanks for this! My curiosity is sated.

  3. 3
    From movocelot:

    yeah I liked the history lesson!
    And it looks like a nice place.

  4. 4
    From Eric:

    You know, there are some pretty funky religions out there.

  5. 5
    From Miz Brooke Smith:

    Such soothing po-mo colors, room by room. Or is it chapel by chapel?

  6. 6
    From dan:

    I don’t see the alter where virgins are sacrificed to the white magicians, planetary buddah, or cosmic jesus.

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