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Click to enlargepadExcerpts from June 17, 1992

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Excerpts from June 17, 1992 The Los Angeles Church of Christ is getting into the night club business, KCOP News 13, Los Angeles
Part 1
News 13 Ross Becker: For several years the China Club was a trendy Hollywood hot spot, a place for dancing and drinking...

News 13 Ross Becker: ...however News 13 Hal Eisner said it's not just any church but a religious organization some say is little more than a front for a cult.

News 13 Hal Eisner: These are members of the Los Angeles Church of Christ according to some this church is one of the hottest tickets to God. To make it even more hip they have purchased Hollywood's once popular China Club and turned it into their own night spot. The church has named its new club the Upside Down Club because as they put it the Bible says the disciples turned the world upside down, now they hope that is something they will be able to do...

News 13 Hal Eisner: ...But this is a religion that has come under fire. Ex-members like Howard Elmer say the church is a cult that practices mind control, that it takes large amounts of money from church members and controls their lifestyle. He got out when according to him the church leaders would not allow him to marry his chosen fiancee...

News 13 Hal Eisner: ...Church leaders say their methods of life involves strict observance of Bible teaching...

News 13 Hal Eisner: ...Alan Reno dismisses those accusations...

...The club is slated to open tomorrow night, reporting from Hollywood Hal Eisner News 13.

Part 2
Excerpts from June 18, 1992 The Los Angeles Church of Christ is getting into the night club business, News 13, Los Angeles

News 13 Ross Becker: Last night we told you about the Upside Down Club, a new name for a new and controversial night spot. Taking over the former Hollywood hang out the China Club, it also has a new owner and a new mission. Tonight leaders of the L.A. Church of Christ are hoping to turn the trendy night club into a place where the religious come to play and pray...

News 13 Hal Eisner: ...The grand opening of the Upside Down Club was itself a little upside down. Protesters objecting to the Los Angeles Church of Christ getting into the night club business said tonight's opening was the same as opening pandora's box.

News 13 Hal Eisner: Many of the protesters were former members of the Los Angeles Church of Christ, they accuse the church of being a mind controlling cult. Taking large amounts of money from its membership and and making its flock conform to their life methods...

Former Church Member Christie Ann Brown: People will be lured into the group as I was and once your lured in, it is hard to get out again.

News 13 Hal Eisner: ...church leaders said none of that was true...

...reporting from Hollywood Hal Eisner News 13.