Controversial Church 'Nightclub' Awaits Court Decision
A minister at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany, N.Y., who was charged for operating a non-alcoholic dance club without a permit or occupancy certificate in July, is currently awaiting the court's decision which is expected by Oct. 10.
Neighbors had filed a complaint about the noise caused by the New Age Cabaret, a ministry of The Artist's All Faith Center, which sent the Rev. Maurice Drown to court for operating a nightclub in the basement of the church without a permit, according to the United Methodist News Service. The ministry, founded by the Rev. Joyce Hartwell, holds hundreds of shows to help youth express spirituality in an artistic manner and provide a hangout venue apart from risky social behaviors.
After losing its lease on Pearl Street in Albany last fall, All Faith was welcomed into Trinity United Methodist where they entered into a facility-sharing contract.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"These musical programs are (Hartwell's) worship experiences," said Drown, UMNS reported. "We spend $40,000 a year at this church for people to perform because we do it Sunday morning...It's people gathering and expressing the spirit inside them.
"It is a worthy, spiritual endeavor. If you get to know any of the kids, you would be encouraged. They are 14, 15 and 16."
Since 2000, Hartwell has helped youth plan more than 600 shows in Albany, providing a venue for various types of performances including music and "an opportunity for socialization in a drug-free environment," as Hartwell explained.
Police officials, however, didn't equate the shows and socializing of New Age Cabaret with being a "church event."
Some of the lyrics said and sung by the participating youth may be "controversial," as Drown agreed, but the ministry has helped youth adopt a "straight-edge" lifestyle – abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, drugs and casual sex.
When complaints from the neighborhood began to emerge, Drown made adjustments to the church accordingly including soundproofing the church hall and changing the church entrance to keep kids from congregating on the sidewalks.
Still, the changes didn't satisfy the neighbors who filed complaints with the city. In August, the city said the citation was about city code violations and not constitutional issues like the First Amendment.
Drown said, "The issue is: does a church need to seek permission from a municipality in the fulfillment of its mission?"
While many criticized the program, others showed support for providing a safe place for youth and simultaneously bringing them into a church environment. Drown was supported by more than 50 people from the interfaith community when he went to court in July. He said he will appeal if the judge decides to support the case and not dismiss it.
