Tenant: Owners want jokes over Jesus

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The low-key spot at the end of a strip center off Highway 183 near North Lamar attracts big talent to Austin.

Capital City Comedy Club has plastered stand-up comedian and sitcom star D.L. Hughley's name, of The Hughleys, across the tall marquee out front.

The night Hughley is scheduled to step on stage, the church next door, Fresh Oil Family Fellowship, has planned a protest against the comedy club in the parking lot.

"It's called the 'Jokes Against Jesus' march," said Bishop Nathan Thomas.

In September, Thomas' church set up shop in the space next door to the comedy club. The wall located directly behind the church band and the pulpit is the same wall comics stand in front of to deliver their jokes to large audiences.

Club co-owner Margie Coyle said sound from evening church services bleed through the walls during the week.

"We thought, 'What a great fit,'" said property manager Brett Pearson. "The space sat empty for a while."

Pearson was under the impression the church would only be worshipping on Sunday mornings.

When he found out the seats inside the church were filled on Wednesday nights, too, - when comics take the stage - he contacted the church.

Thomas said he agreed to stop using the microphones and cut off the music early. The church has also moved worship times to accomodate the club and considered changing days as well.

Coyle said the noise level has improved since the congregation first moved in.

There is no denying the Sunday service Thomas leads is loud.

"It is a high-energy, high-impact service as most African-American charismatic set-ups are," said Thomas.

Pearson said disrupting other tenants is a violation of the lease. Though he is not forcing the church out, the property manager did ask the church to provide a move-out date.

"If that's not force, it's the strongest arm-twisting I've ever seen," said Thomas.

The congregation said they shall not be moved and plan on taking the property owners to court.

"There ain't no judge in the country that will fail the people of this church," said Thomas.

The church is organizing a protest in the parking lot Saturday at 7 p.m., just one hour before showtime. Another is set for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.