Joyful Noise Makes Neighbors Unhappy

Praise the Lord, but lower the volume, please.

The United Latin American Pentecostal Church in Delta, Colo., faces two counts of causing unreasonable noise, a misdemeanor. The charges were filed by the city after neighbors complained of a din of shouting, electric guitars and amplified sermons.

In September, the congregation moved into space vacated by a Catholic congregation. It holds evening services on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Meri McCartney, who lives next door, said the music was so loud that when she called police to complain, the officer on the line asked her to turn down her stereo.

“It’s a rock band with amplifiers,” she said. “Actually, the band isn’t too bad. They’re just too loud.”

David Livingston, who lives across the street, said, “I can sit in my brick house with my double-paned windows closed and I can hear every word of the sermon on their P.A. system.”

Susan Hillyard, a lawyer who represents the church, said it is trying to keep the noise down. However, she said, the form of worship is characteristic of the denomination, which claims 5,000 members nationwide.

Said Katy Livingston: “I think it is wonderful that they are going to church. More power to them. I just wish they would do it quieter.”