PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A Manayunk Church is thanking the heavens — and City Council — for okaying a measure on Tuesday that will allow its historic bell to keep ringing morning through night despite the concerns of some neighbors.
The city’s health department (which administers noise regulations) — prompted by complaints by a few anonymous neighbors — last month warned St. John the Baptist Church in Manayunk (above) not to ring its bell at 7:00 AM. Church supporters were furious at the city, but now the matter seems settled.
A City Council committee has approved a measure that exempts all churches from the city’s noise ordinance. Councilman Jim Kenney was the sponsor:
“Simple things like this need to be done, because it means so much to so many people.”
The pastor of St. John’s, Father James Lyons, is grateful:
“Not just for me, but all the other churches in the city would benefit from this legislation.”
A final vote by Council comes later this month and approval is expected. In the meantime the bell, which dates from 1895, is still ringing.
Reported by KYW City Hall Bureau Chief Mike Dunn.
File photo
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10 Comments
“The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His apostles, which enjoins humility, piety, and benevolence; which acknowledges in every person a brother, or a sister, and a citizen with equal rights. This is genuine Christianity, and to this we owe our free Constitutions of Government.” —Noah Webster– History of the United States :: 1832
“Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens.” – George Washington
“It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity and freedom of worship here.”
—Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775 at the Second Virginian Convention
given at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia.
November 9, 2010 at 10:11 am
You do not mention anything about the noise issue in your rant.
This is NOT a religion issue. It IS a noise issue.
November 9, 2010 at 10:28 am
It’s better than hearing gunshots. In some neighborhoods that’s all you hear. Thankfully, I am not in said neighborhoods.
October 5, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Church bells are noise to the devil.
October 5, 2010 at 6:04 pm
– Bells are not noise! Spoken like true poilticians. LOL
October 5, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I’d rather wake to the sound of church bells at 7 AM instead of someone unlocking their door with their keyless remote at 5:30 in the morning. That damned alarm chirping in the early morning hours is the bane of my existence.
October 5, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Church bells, traffic related noises, construction, crying infants, children at play, fireworks, mating cats, etc. All considered background noise. Those who are hypersensitive to loud noise learn to adapt or buy earplugs. Speaking as one of the hypersensitive I say not everything can or should be legislated. Also, it’s majority rule. Those who find church bells pleasant far outnumber those who do not. Thus, the ringing shall go on.
October 5, 2010 at 1:18 pm
You have got to be kidding. Church bells are not noise? Come on now, organized religion IS A BUSINESS, and that business has to subscribe to the same noise ordinances as other businesses. It’s not as “simple” as you make it out to be, Mr. Kenney. For as many people this means “so much to”, there are many people who couldn’t give a rats tale about THE BUSINESS of organized religion and who’s lives will continue to be annoyed by loud noise that seemingly violates city ordinances. Don’t those folks deserve quality of life without excessive noise. They pay taxes too. ALL businesses need to follow the noise ordinances. NO EXEMPTIONS.
October 5, 2010 at 12:51 pm
You re an Idiot
October 7, 2010 at 12:09 am
Move if you don’t like it. I have to read your dribble and that is offensive to me but you have a right to write it.
October 7, 2010 at 3:30 pm