In May 2006 Gordon was appointed Director of Music at Grace Church and St Stephen's, Colorado Springs, a post he took up in September 2006.  As soon as he arrived he discovered that he was in the middle of a very troubled situation, none of which was even hinted at during the interview process. The chairman and at least one of the 'search' committee were on the church council and must have known that the Rector, Donald Armstrong, was already being investigated by the diocese for financial irregularities, but chose not to share that information with the applicants.

As the situation became more and more troubling, and the financial position more and more difficult, it became clear that the future of the church and the music programme in particular, was very insecure. In November Gordon took legal advice and decided to resign. He left Colorado Springs on December 25th. The following week  Armstrong was suspended by the Bishop whilst a full investigation was held. The charges against Armstrong can be found here http://www2.gazette.com/interactives/pdf/Presentment.pdf   This summer a church court found him guilty on all charges http://frjakestopstheworld.blogspot.com/search?q=donald+armstrong+

Although Gordon's time in Colorado Springs was rather shorter than he had expected, he made some really good friends there and receives daily emails about the situation at the church.  The congregation is now divided with Armstrong and his followers still in the building although no longer part of the Episcopal Church of America, but part of the church of Nigeria and its Archbishop, Peter Akinola. Those who did not want to go to Nigeria, which includes almost all the adult singers, are worshipping in another church. The Bishop has taken legal action to get the church back.

It is an incredible situation. Even if the 'Episcopal' congregation get the building back, it will be a much smaller group, with a much smaller budget, there will certainly be no professional choir and little hope of rebuilding the failing Welte organ. Indeed most of the things which attracted Gordon to Colorado Springs will not exist.