singing, silence and music . . . a community, a spiritual place, like a church for people who don't go to church." The Los Angeles Times described it as "a church without preaching, and without prayer. At its Sunday morning services there is something spiritual, all right, but it doesn't have to do with Allah, or Buddha, or God. Instead, it comes from music, from passionate renditions of works composed by Brahms and Bach and, of course, Beethoven -- for whom the church is named." In 2008, the Church of Beethoven relocated from the filling station to a new home in a renovated warehouse in downtown Albuquerque which has been described as "rather cathedral-like, with warm red walls, vaulted wood ceilings and stained glass windows." A short documentary film about Felix and the Church of Beethoven by Brad Stoddard and Anthony Della Flora was completed and is for sale on Amazon CreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/291475 on DVD Cancer and death Wurman was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2008 and underwent surgery in the spring 2009. When the cancer returned and spread to his bone, Wurman left Albuquerque in the fall 2009 to be near his sister in North Carolina and to receive treatment there. The Church of Beethoven continued to thrive even after Wurman's departure as musicians, poets and participants worked to keep the concept alive. One week before Wurman's death, the Church of Beethoven conducted a fundraiser to help pay for Wurman's medical care; the event featured Schubert's Octet in F major with poets giving readings in brief intervals between the six movements. Poets Tony Hunt and Lisa Gill read poems centered on the themes of time, change, and friendship. The service was intended as an opportunity to demonstrate the community's appreciation for Wurman's life and commitment. Wurman died of complications related to cancer. References External links Church of Beethoven homepage The Story of the Church of Beethoven (DVD) American classical cellists Contemporary classical music performers 1958 births 2009 deaths Musicians from Chicago 20th-century American musicians 20th-century classical musicians Classical musicians from Illinois 20th-century cellists