Church of Satan
15 June XXXIII A.S.
Dear Satanist,
I never thought I'd be sending you a letter like this, but extraordinary circumstances demand unusual actions. This is an unusual act - a letter from the Church of Satan asking for your help.
Since the death of our High Priest on October 29th of last year, we've all had to take time to grieve and to reflect on how his death - and, more importantly, his life - has influenced us. Now, I'm going to challenge you to express how much Anton LaVey and his writings mean to you. I'll cut to the chase: If we don't act now it is very likely that the house in which the Church of Satan was founded will be torn down. You all know the one I mean; it's been mentioned in every book or article that's ever been written about Anton LaVey. Originally built in the 1880's, it survived the devastating 1906 fire and earthquake. It's been a speakeasy, a "spook parlour" and, when Dr. LaVey bought it in 1956, it was owned by one of Mammie Pleasant's girls, one of the most notorious madams in San Francisco. Dr. LaVey made it world-famous when he performed history's first Satanic wedding and baptism here; his 500-pound lion, Togare, was raised here. Dr. LaVey was forced to sell the house several years ago because of a relentless civil suit. That fight almost killed him, but this house meant a great deal to him. He said it was part of his own personality - that its roots went all the way to Hell. Now Anton LaVey is gone and the people who own the property want to tear it down to build an apartment complex.
I've tried to contact people discreetly in order to raise the money to buy the place back, but I'm not getting very far. I need your help. I don't like to beg for money; that's one reason why I became a Satanist, in defiance of all the rip-off, "gimmee-gimmee" churches. But these are special circumstances. I don't expect I'll ever write another letter like this. I'm not asking as an organization; I'm asking as a friend. This house is worth saving and I can't do it alone. If we could raise enough money to buy and restore it, the Black House would be granted the care it deserves. Ideally, we could eventually have tours for selected members, perhaps even limited rituals and seminars as Dr. LaVey himself once held. But that's just a pipe dream if we don't act now.
It's up to you. I know many of you are just as deeply committed to Anton LaVey and the ideals he founded as I am, and you've wished for an opportunity to express that commitment. If every person who has been influenced by Anton LaVey's writings sent in just one dollar to fund this special preservation project, we'd have more than enough money to buy the property and restore it. There will never be another Black House. Once the wrecking ball hits it, there will be nothing any of us can do to bring it back.
Thank you for your consideration and any help you can give. Please make sure your contribution is clearly marked "LaVey Archives." All such funds will go into a special account set aside for this purpose. Here's to strength and clarity.
Hail Satan!
High Priestess Blanche Barton
Church of Satan
Church of Satan
23 December XXXIII A.S.
Dear Satanist,
When I sent out letters in June informing you of the possible destruction of the Black House, you gave generously to save it. You didn't expect a tax break, because you knew you weren't sending the money to an organization that takes advantage of tax-exempt status. You sent whatever you could, even if you couldn't afford it, because you believed that this San Francisco Victorian is a historical site that deserves to be preserved. And, though we fell far short of our necessary goal of the asking price of $400,000, we should all draw strength from the fact that we made the effort.
Though it's time to return the money you donated, we aren't abandoning all hope for the Black House. We have been in contact with a number of organizations in San Francisco who make it their business to see that historically significant homes aren't destroyed. We will also continue efforts to "get the word out"; through affiliating websites and newsletters, we'll let people know that, if someone's in the market for a notorious home that needs love and attention, he need look no further. Please do all you can - call that distant rich aunt of yours and convince her she really needs a change of scenery. Contact any Victorian preservation or sales sites on the Web you can track down; let them know about the house. Also consider the option of pooling resources with other Satanists to buy the house. $400,000 is a bit steep for most of us, but with two or three other people, it becomes more possible. Obviously, any decisions or networking along these lines must be done quickly. I have been stonewalled by the company that owns the property and I can't give you much information on what's happening to it now that we've been forced to vacate. But I know the place is still standing. I don't know what Grosvenor's plans are - renovate or tear down - but any updates will be passed along to you, if possible. If something happens with little warning (like a confirmed date for the house's destruction) I'll make sure cooperating webmasters know as soon as I do.
We've received literally hundreds of supportive letters and donations since news concerning the Black House was announced. Satanists are a minority on this Earth but the solidarity you've exhibited in response to this challenge has been remarkable. We may not have reached our goal, but this cohesion and focus has been magically significant, and will not be wasted.
Thank you all for your continuing dedication. May you persist in defiance and courage.
Hail Satan!
High Priestess Blanche Barton
Church of Satan
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