Cumbernauld church asked to lower music at monthly midnight services

A new African Pentecostal church in Cumbernauld has been asked to reduce amplified music at its monthly midnight services after residents said the choir’s songs woke them. The dispute matters because it pits neighbours’ concerns about noise and parking against the congregation’s right to use the church at any hour.

The Celestial Church of Christ took over the former Kildrum Parish Church, which closed in 2023, and holds services until 2am once a month. North Lanarkshire councillor Adam Smith said the church had been asked to make the music quieter and more acoustic; the church has promised to install soundproofing and glazing, with noise levels to be monitored. Residents also raised concerns about obstructive parking during the church’s August opening ceremony, while the council said blocked access is a matter for police.