The Delano Avenue branch of the Church of Christ is located in what some would describe as a den of sin. The church is flanked by a motel and a strip club off Hagley Park road, St Andrew.

Although this could be a source of contention, the parties have so far managed to co-exist in somewhat of a harmonious fashion.

The church was established more than 20 years ago, but recently, these establishments have set up shop along the avenue, bringing to the area persons seeking something other than salvation.

Major problem

Peter Brown, assistant pastor of the church, told THE STAR that the church once had a major problem with the strip club as its music would often disturb services and meetings. He however admitted that this has not been the case for sometime and the owner has been considerate. He however added that there was still some discomfort.

Brown said, "We do have a problem because we don't feel comfortable knowing that these practices are going on nearby. On one and two nights, you know the go-go club is there, so some of the girls will come outside in their panties and that type of behaviour, and we don't really appreciate that. And you know people will say things like since it's a church why is there a motel and a strip club nearby."

He said those in the church try to spread the word to the club's patrons and visitors. "We try to talk to dem and encourage dem to be a part of the church, but it's not so convincing," he said. "As far as the noise though, they realise that we don't like it and they try not to play it so loud, especially on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays when we have our services. The owner also told us that he would talk to his workers, so they wouldn't play as loud when we have our worship."

He said no one has been turned off from attending the church because of its location.

When THE STAR contacted the owner of the club, he said the church usually calls and complains if the music is too loud. He added however that this has not happened for a while. He said, "Mi mek sure when dem a play dem turn di music low and there are times when dem have dem service, dat mi tell dem fi turn it down or turn it off."

He said he has even gone as far as to erect a notice in his music room, so new selectors can be made aware of the situation. As it relates to girls parading near the church, he told THE STAR that he is hardly at the establishments and has no knowledge of that. He said he offered to purchase the church and help them to relocate but the offer was not met with much agreement.

He added, "Di problem is seh di pastor live dere too. But mi all offer fi sound proof di pastor room, an mi nuh memba wha im did seh." He told THE STAR that in the past, he has also offered to pay for the pastor and his wife to spend the night at a hotel, if they are disturbed by the music.