THE CHURCH OF GOLD

Who is Harry? How could a nice Librarian become an Atheist?

This page is under reconstruction. Librarians are radical in that they seek to empower people rather than exploit them, and trust humans with information and to make good decisions. Not all librarians are as radical as Harry, or have studied philosophy, theology and social sciences for as long or as personally. More to come on all of that...

In Massachusetts, Harry was featured and pictured numerous times in both of the daily papers published in his community, discussing the $1.1 million state grant he had won for the town, toward a $2.8 million renovation of the library.

In one of the articles, Harry was quoted as saying "I'm a truck driver's son from a truck driving family. Thanks to libraries I had the opportunity to attend an ivy league university and have a wonderful career. We are in the business of providing tools so young people from any background can 'pull themselves up by their bootstraps.' When libraries were introduced, only the rich could afford books. Now libraries are providing the same kind of universal access to computers, the internet and other electronic information resources." Not a bad way to make a living!

Most tiring news was that Harry and his tiny staff moved an entire 70,000 volume library, and all its equipment, to a temporary location at the Town Hall. The project began to inch up toward the 3.5 million dollar mark after asbestos was discovered throughout the building. Instead of working in the 1966 wing of the building, while the 1914 part was renovated, they closed down for two weeks, sorted and boxed about 50,000 books for storage, boxed another 20,000 to take to Town Hall, packed up, moved, and set up a brand new library in June, 1998.

Harry with Holmes Harry stands next to a recently restored 19th Century portrait, one of 7 which were displayed when the library renovations were complete in 2002.

Why a Librarian?

Harry became a librarian to have fun and to save the world. In the sixties he was a guru and formed a commune. Communism quickly proved non-productive for humans. Guru-hood proved shallow. The library remained as one of the positive forces and institutions already accepted in our society, one which is dedicated to helping individuals improve their own lives.

As described in the "books" page, Harry Browne's seminal book, How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World led Harry to the only writings he considers "sacred," the writings of Ayn Rand. (See links and books pages.) More people call her masterpiece, Atlas Shrugged, the most influential book they ever read, than say that about any other book except The Bible. Read it! You'll see why our "church" is of Gold, Not God.


JESUS CHRIST

Harry The Librarian has spent more time contemplating the crucifixion, standing, sitting and on his knees, often in tears, than many self-declared Christians. The Christians (particularly the Catholics) say that Jesus was the best man who ever lived - and we must participate in his execution (and, again as especially emphasized in Roman Catholicism, must eat of his body and drink of his blood - "literally") to be saved from our own evil nature. Harry says, "Thanks, but No Thanks - I don't want to perpetrate such injustice! Why should HE die for MY sins? I'll pay for my own sins, thank you. JESUS, COME DOWN FROM THAT CROSS!"

None of that means that Harry is mean or mean-spirited. One of the most unfair assertions made about Atheism is the contention by some believers that, without religion, humans would be cruel and immoral. Many Atheists are generous, friendly people who enjoy "doing good." Harry recently walked with fiancee Jody in the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life," and they support many causes - rational, make-this-life-better causes. It is interesting that most wars have been fought between religious rivals (to borrow U-2's title) "In The Name of Love."



Grandpa!

Harry's first grandchild, little Rowan Justina, made her appearance at 4:50 PM Eastern time, Thursday, November 6, 1997. Rowan was 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and 19 1/2 inches long. She came with ten each of toes and fingers, each equipped with a nail, and a full head of curly dark hair. Baby and mother are well and Harry realizes he now has to drive very slowly and make other drivers crazy.

In accordance with his nicknames "Lucky" and "Ziggy," Harry was driving to the hospital after work on Wednesday the 5th, to see how the labor was going and bring daughter Heather some flowers. This was 24 hours after paying $420 to winterize the car and "hold it through Spring." His transmission died on a scary highway in the cold night. Getting towed took over two hours. He had to hitchhike to work Thursday morning. The car was in the shop for over a week and the repair cost another $670. In the meantime he went to see baby and mother on Friday, with a borrowed car. Rowan was so beautiful and lovely and loveable (in Harry's not so humble, and very prejudiced, opinion) as to make it all worth while!

Rowan rapidly grew in both size and skills. She had lots of baby talents. She slept more readily and longer than her Mom did at her age, so Harry's "Just wait until YOU are a parent" fell flat. He doesn't really mind. He got to babysit, along with his lovely fiancee Jody, a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time. His face did hurt, afterwards, but only from smiling so much. When this page is updated, there'll be lots more about Rowan as a four-year-old!

Harry as Grandpa1 Harry sings "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" to the newborn Rowan

After Rowan moved home with her Mom Heather and Dad Gary, another baby joined their household. Here is Rowan with Vlad, a beagle.

Rowan with Vlad Rowan with her puppy, Vlad.

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Top of Page Church Home Page Do Atheists deserve a Sanctuary? Worldly radicals. A Rational mind in a healthy body. Don't use drugs. Libertarian politics. Try these links. Church of Gold slogans. Harry's world of sounds. A Librarian's books. A Goldbug's investments. Harry's resume.

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