Safety at the sanctuary

Photo by: Rami Daud

The Vindicator (Youngstown)

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The Rev. Kenneth Simon, pastor of New Bethel Church, discusses security measures at the church at 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown. The size of the church called for a security system to be in place to monitor building access. Doors are locked when no service or event is taking place.

Photo by: Rami Daud

The Vindicator (Youngstown)

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New Bethel Church uses a “buzz-in” system to enter the office and church through its Cleveland Street side. All visitors must be “buzzed in” to enter when the church isn’t open for services or an event.

Photo by: Rami Daud

The Vindicator (Youngstown)

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Located on the corner of Hillman Street and Cleveland Street, New Bethal Baptist Church can only be entered through its Cleveland Street entrance outside of services and events at the church. All visitors must buzz in to enter the church.

‘Open door’ policies at churches have changed with the times

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

Churches’ traditional role as a place of sanctuary where the door was always open is at odds with the reality of life.

Suffice it to say that these days, some churches use security systems. Others rely on locks, lighting and alert neighbors.

The Rev. Kenneth Simon, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown, said the safety of members and guests is paramount. He said the church uses a security system; visitors to the office must get “buzzed in.” The church also employs security personnel occasionally when there is a large event at the church.

The church established a security committee on the trustees board to oversee security issues inside the church and on church grounds.

The Rev. Mr. Simon said the church has an annual review of its safety procedures and policies. Those involved have attended annual meetings addressing security.

“There was a time when anyone could walk into the church,” Mr. Simon said. “The times we live in dictate a trend toward security measures.”

Mr. Simon said he wished churches could go back to that “open door” situation. But, he noted, places of worship must be cognizant of the safety of office staff and members in the building. “Times are hard. People need money. There is a drug culture out there,” he said.

So, he said, it was only prudent “to take precautions.”

He said that security should not interfere with the church mission — “to help people.” “We have to be conscious of safety measures while ministering to the needs of people. There has to be a balance,” he said.

The Rev. Deborah Dockstader, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Girard, 890 Churchill Road, said the membership faced a unique question about “open door policy” when a service was being conducted.

“The front door is out of line of sight for the Sunday school teacher and from the sanctuary,” the Rev. Ms. Dockstader said about how the building is constructed. “We had quite a discussion. ... Should the door be locked when the service began?”

The membership decided that locking the door wouldn’t be “welcoming.” “What would that say about us?” she queried.

The membership came up with “simple security” of bells on the door.

Ms. Dockstader said the church uses a three-pronged effort for security. “We have wonderful neighbors and floodlights,” she said. Members come and go at different times at no predictable pattern, she added.

“We want to believe we are safe in God’s hands,” she said.

Amariah McIntosh is pastor of Phillips Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 718 Albert St., Youngstown, and chair of the crime and safety committee of ACTION, Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods.

“Keep your eyes and ears open,” Pastor McIntosh advised clergy and members of all houses of worship. Ushers and greeters are probably the first to see a potential problem at a worship service or event, she said. They should have basic training on what to do in an emergency including performing CPR.

“Exercise due diligence,” she said. She added that a “team effort” is a good idea for overall church security and a safety measure for adults working with youths.

She advised churches to be “proactive” in security measures and not reactive.

The Rev. Dr. Lewis Macklin, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist, said “having great neighbors” in the vicinity of the church at 505 Parkcliffe Ave., Youngstown, has proved to be an asset. At times when he has stopped at the church late at night, a neighbor has made contact with him to make sure everything is all right.

“Be alert, be aware, be attentive” is the advice that the Rev. Dr. Macklin has shared with church members.

He said he has encouraged members to carpool to services and church activities. “There is safety in numbers,” he said. And, he added, it’s good stewardship of car and gas resources and a help to elderly members.

But, Dr. Macklin said, he and other pastors deal with real-world issues daily.

“There was a time when sacred places remained so ... criminals had a code and didn’t bother them,” he said. “That respect and reverence has eroded,” he said, adding that churches can fall victim to vandalism and theft.

Lou Carsone, acting police chief in Hubbard, said some churches occasionally request a police escort to make an off-hours deposit.