PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) – The church doors remain closed and the Praise Assembly congregation has tried to practice its right to religious freedom with a parking lot service. However, it appears that some neighbors in the community have called law enforcement with complaints.
“An officer came and he let us know that the only reason he was here was that a call came in and said we were here disturbing the community, playing music too loud. That’s the only reason he came here,” Pastor Donald Tubbs said.
Tubbs said the church itself has been there on Fulton Avenue for more than 30 years, but he recently bought it five months ago.
“Some of the same people from this community have been to this church and I know that is a fact. Now that we’re here, that’s a problem,” Tubbs said.
After the police call, Tubbs went to the city manager of Pascagoula to get permission to continue his church service in the parking lot.
“It’s something I prayed for and I did it the right way. I went before my orders, I called these people. I called the town hall, they know what I’m doing . I spoke to the policeman, they know what I’m doing. I’m here to spread this gospel,” Tubbs said.
The pastor confirms that the parking lot service will continue and that during this time people need the most positivity and encouragement. If nothing else, Tubbs wants peace and respect from his community.
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