Symbol of controversy

Monday, May 30, 2005

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The dome is no longer displayed on the structure.

A controversy in Madeira Beach has apparently been resolved.

Residents got upset when the Christ at the Sea church broke the city's zoning guidelines by displaying religious items -- a dome known as a cupola with a cross.

However, now the roof shingles where the dome was attached are by the roadway and the cupola has been taken down.

"Well, I'm glad to see it come down," said local resident Ann Bunting. "It was out of character with the neighborhood. If you look around at the other homes, you don't see similar things and I'm glad to see it down."

Most people in the area had the same reaction.

"As you can see, it's a little residential area and just to have a big dome with a cross on it, how about if everyone else stuck one on top of their house," said resident Byron Holsombach.

The structure once housed rental units, but the city allowed it to become a limited-use church if no religious symbols were displayed.

The dome was torn down Monday.

On May 23, both sides went to a special master, who ended the controversy by deciding the cupola must come down within 10 days, along with a few other changes.

The man who runs the Christ at the Sea Foundation, Miller Newton, says it's only a small chapel with monetary services, not an official church like neighbors say it is.

Nevertheless, residents are glad the cupola was taken down Monday.

"The other religious insignia aren't as intrusive upon the scenery, but the cupola did stick out and was totally inappropriate," said Bunting.

According to the church operator and neighbors, it doesn't look like there will be any more legal battles in the case.