Chaos erupted at a Toms River Council meeting on Wednesday as some in the town fight to save a local church.

The Council was scheduled to host a second reading of an ordinance that would seize Christ Episcopal Church by eminent domain and turn it into a multi-purpose recreational space instead of adding a homeless shelter to the existing church.

That second reading has been pushed back. In fact, Wednesday’s agenda didn’t include talk of the church. However, the board couldn’t escape the topic. They heard from members of the community in support of the church.

"You will be displacing, not just one church, but two. On the property is Christ Episcopal Church, which has been there for 160 years. It has faithfully and lovingly served this community,” said one Toms River resident.

"Why would someone do that to a church? Why would anyone even consider that? It’s a church, a sanctuary, and a place where we pray,” said another resident.

"Do you really think God wants to see you take down his house? What would Jesus say? What would Moses say? What would Mohamed say?” added a third resident.

Just 20 minutes into public comments, the meeting got so heated that even the mayor was heard calling a council member a “clown.” The board moved to have a recess.

The town isn’t zoned to allow a homeless shelter in the area. The church would need a variance from the zoning board to add a 949-square-foot space to their building.

The zoning board is scheduled to meet on June 12, followed by a vote on July 30 for or against a seizure by eminent domain.