(WWJ) Onlookers snapped pictures and called 911 when dozens of people were spotted attending church services -- some in their Easter finery -- at Floodgate Church in Brighton yesterday.
"Those calls got called into Livingston County 911 dispatch center," Brighton police spokesman Brian Oleksyk told WWJ on Monday. Livingston County 911 dispatch center confirmed they received calls about the church service, but declined to say how many calls or how they responded.
The pastor of the church, Bill Bolin, did tell local media ahead of time that although services are also available to stream, he planned to hold in-person services. That's despite the governor's order to stay home, stay safe, a mounting coronavirus death toll in Michigan, and evidence of a health catastrophe if social distancing measures aren't followed.
"If I didn't make available the ability to minister to these people in a viable fashion, they would be five weeks without being connected." Pastor Bill Bolin told WXYZ's Ross Jones.
In media reports, Bolin had compared coronavirus to a flu, despite evidence that it's much more contagious and many people with the virus go undetected.
"Sooo. Those that know me well, know that I am a Christian. I love the Lord. Please, my intention is not to offend anyone. I received an alert from Livingston County News that a Brighton Church will be holding services. This grieves my heart so much. Though I resisted the fact that this disease is as serious as it is in the beginning, I now realize it is soooo contagious and it is taking the lives of all ages. Not only from the virus but from other emergencies because hospitals are full. Now, I understand that some feel the govt is over reaching, however, we need to be wise!" Facebook fan Jennifer Nadzan Miller wrote.
Eyewitnesses counted cars for about 60 parishioners on Sunday.
Whitmer's executive order bans large gatherings including at churches, but she said parishioners would not be penalized for holding in-person services. She urged church members to watch services online rather than go in-person, something that most churches implemented.
For his part, Bolin told WXYZ the church has taken measures to mitigate the spread of disease, like adding space between members by removing rows of seating, increasing cleaning and banning food or drinks. They even canceled the Easter egg hunt, though it was at the last minute.
"Because we are a close community where we know each other, the likelihood of us following the rules and not exposing someone to illness, known illness is pretty slight that that would happen," Bolin has said.
