Father Ted Keating, a priest at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic church in Pennsylvania, got quite a surprise when he informed bingo players that bingo night would no longer be held at the church.
Bingo players have been traveling to this location because of they like the atmosphere which includes a casino-style light board and a lottery-like ball machine. Seats were always filled and players awaited the meal that was served alongside the bingo every Thursday night.
“They just closed it down after 60 years,” said Ed Egenrieder, a Seven Sorrows bingo operator.
Keating kept his composure but the mob showed its anger with boos and foul language.
Bonnie Maulfair, a bingo player said, “I thought it was horrible. You don't talk to a [priest] like that over bingo.I like bingo, but that night was uncalled for.”
“Most of the people down there were upset because it was their night out,” Egenrieder said. “It's a community social event.”
Keating told the media that the decision to cancel bingo night was a recommendation from the diocese as it would allow more time for the hall to be used as soup kitchen or as a senior center.
“It is a form of gambling, but you're not going to lose your shirt,” Egenrieder said. “It can be a cheap night of entertainment.”
The Middletown Youth Club will be assisting Egenrieder in finding a new place to host bingo night and the church intends to donate all its bingo equipment to the new site.
Bingo players have been traveling to this location because of they like the atmosphere which includes a casino-style light board and a lottery-like ball machine. Seats were always filled and players awaited the meal that was served alongside the bingo every Thursday night.
“They just closed it down after 60 years,” said Ed Egenrieder, a Seven Sorrows bingo operator.
Keating kept his composure but the mob showed its anger with boos and foul language.
Bonnie Maulfair, a bingo player said, “I thought it was horrible. You don't talk to a [priest] like that over bingo.I like bingo, but that night was uncalled for.”
“Most of the people down there were upset because it was their night out,” Egenrieder said. “It's a community social event.”
Keating told the media that the decision to cancel bingo night was a recommendation from the diocese as it would allow more time for the hall to be used as soup kitchen or as a senior center.
“It is a form of gambling, but you're not going to lose your shirt,” Egenrieder said. “It can be a cheap night of entertainment.”
The Middletown Youth Club will be assisting Egenrieder in finding a new place to host bingo night and the church intends to donate all its bingo equipment to the new site.
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
