"We like to have our places of worship close to where we live," said Montreal Bible and Gospel Halls member John Fossey. "We want to have something local for our families who live in Beaconsfield and in Baie d'Urfé."
Church members propose building a one-storey bungalow-type structure accommodating approximately 40 people on the south-east corner lot at Beaurepaire and Wildtree drives with parking relegated to the neighbouring Beaconsfield High School parking lot.
The evangelical Christian group, which is also known as the Plymouth Brethren, traces its beginnings to the 1830s and along with its international affiliates, the groups observe a schedule which sees all members worshipping twice weekly, Sunday mornings and Monday evenings, at the same hour. The projected 5:30 a.m. Sunday services had both residents and at least one council member expressing concern.
"We need to understand about tolerance and compromise," said councillor Rhonda Massad. "The (residents) could compromise but I personally would not be comfortable having my windows open on Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m. and then a group of people arrives, opening and closing doors."
Massad said she would need a guarantee from the church that services would not begin at that hour.
"Sleeping is customary at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday," Massad told Fossey. "I respect your way of life and I would like you to respect (the citizens') way of life."
Further vocal protests centered on allegations that Fossey was not providing any proof that the congregation would not increase in size, despite reassurances from council.
"You're not a lot of members today," said one resident. "What happens when you grow to 50, 60, or more?"
Massad pointed out that the building will not expand due to the space constraints of the lot size. "There's really no room," she said.
"It's not 40 adults going to these services," said councillor Karin Essen, "they pray with their families. They'll only be going in a few vehicles."
When council was questioned why they were entertaining the group's request, Massad pointed out that it's an issue of tolerance.
"They made a request, they have every right to do so," said Mayor David Pollock. "They paid the fees and filled out the application."
The Montreal Bible and Gospel Halls had applied to the city's previous council to build a number of homes along with a place of worship. When that proposal failed to pass, the group sold most of the property to private developers, retaining only the remaining triangular lot.
Council has adopted the first-draft by-law of the zoning change. If the H208 zone residents decide they want to have a register, a minimum of 12 signatures is needed to open a registry and council, at a future meeting, has a right to either refuse the by-law amendment request or hold a referendum.
"It's a request of a zoning change," said Pollock, "not a guarantee of a zoning change."
