'Flying spaghetti monster' ends local courthouse artwork

'Flying spaghetti monster' ends local courthouse artwork

By KRISTYN HENTSCHEL
6 News Reporter 

CROSSVILLE (WATE) -- A statue of a "flying spaghetti monster" is being blamed for a recent decision to end the Freedom of Speech zone and remove law artwork at the Cumberland County Courthouse.

As explained on Wikipedia, "the Flying Spaghetti Monster is the deity of a parody religion called The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and its system of beliefs, Pastafarianism. The religion was founded in 2005 by Bobby Henderson to protest the decision by the Kansas State Board of Education to require the teaching of intelligent design as an alternative to biological evolution."

The display in Cumberland County gained national attention, including a mention in the April issue of Rolling Stone magazine, because it stood beside a statue of Jesus on the courthouse lawn.

"It's not that people thought things were necessarily bad. It was just, it got a little too much," says Harry Sabine, chairman of the building and grounds committee.

But now, the spaghetti monster and all the other displays must go because there's no longer a free speech zone on the lawn.

"The spaghetti monster, I think, is what brought it to a head perhaps, but anyways, that's what happened," Sabine adds.

For years, John Teeple's work, including bear displays and Last Supper pieces, were showcased on the lawn.

"It really hurts. It really does. I've always enjoyed putting my work out," Teeple says.

He also says he has nothing against the spaghetti monster, but admits it may have been too much for some in the community.

"I guess it's something we're not used to in this area," Teeple says.

Officials say now there'll be less clutter on the beautiful courthouse lawn. 

The artists who created the spaghetti monster maintain it was just their chance to exercise freedom of speech and religion.

All displays must be taken down by May 1.