Everyone should be able to expect to have peace in their own homes. Very recently, a small group of people with questionable motives activated an amplified sound system in the Glen Royal Baptist Church.

The church is old, as is the neighborhood. Whether the residents have lived here since birth or moved in last week, we should be able to enjoy our homes inside and out without an inescapable sonic assault played three times a day, 7 days a week.

The chimes began in September 2023. Those of us with more than a decade in the neighborhood all know the chimes were absent before that time. The chimes are loud (measured at 81 decibels), persistent (6-15 minutes per concert), and obnoxious. We who live within a few blocks of the church cannot escape the noise indoors with all doors and windows closed.

Several of us reached out to the church by phone and social media; no response was received. The neighbors compared notes and circulated a paper petition, gaining dozens of signatures in an afternoon requesting a stop to the noise. The pastor acknowledged receipt of the petition in December 2023. Nothing changed. 

We were granted a meeting on February 9, 2024, where we learned the following:

·      The Mill Village neighbors appreciate the church’s presence and support the church’s right to conduct its mission.

·      The Mill Village neighbors’ complaint is strictly limited to the noise from the chimes, and we request them to stop.

·      100% of neighbors present request a stop to the thrice-daily hymn chimes.

·      85% of neighbors present would not object to the hourly Westminster chimes. However, these have a disproportional adverse impact on those living closest to the church.

·      No church staff live within hearing distance of the chimes.

·      Very few church members live within hearing distance of the chimes.

·      Pastor Skinner reported that the Congregation approved the activation of the chimes after a bequest was received for its repair, but the Congregation was not informed of the times, content, nor duration of the daily chimes.

·      The congregation was not aware of the neighbors’ complaint at the time of the meeting.

·      The Deacon said that he directed the technician who activated the system to play the chimes in the manner they are being played.

·      Since our meeting they have added a tolling at 8PM, and the volume has been raised and lowered at various intervals.

·      The church has indicated that they will wait until their own meeting with the town before responding to us.

The church's website summarizes their mission: 'we are dedicated to spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ to our community and beyond. Through our various ministries and programs, we strive to make a positive impact on the world around us.'

We in the world next door do not find the noise to be making a positive impact on anybody in the neighborhood. Pastor Skinner seems to be intentionally sowing discord and division.

As Jesus never said, 'Antagonize your neighbors in my name, so that they may gnash their teeth and resent my holy Church. Buy a shitty sound system. Become the oppressor, deny them peace, for this is how you love your neighbor.'

We also live near a railroad. The train noise is infinitely more pleasant and useful.