Maine Town Battles Chanting Christian Group Over Noise Complaints

A quiet corner of western Maine has been rattled by the arrival of 700 chanting Christian men. Residents in Kingfield are now scrambling for solutions to keep this religious group from coming back. Locals were taken aback when Legendarios, an evangelical movement rooted in Guatemala, first pitched camp last year. Three more retreats followed over the summer. The latest gathering drew a crowd of over 700 attendees based on social media updates.

Kingfield is home to fewer than 1,000 people. These neighbors are used to hikers and skiers passing through, not massive groups of worshippers causing a ruckus. Members arrived in multiple tour buses at Deer Farm Camp. They dubbed the spot 'Patriots Valley'. Neighbors say their actions created a huge disturbance. The crew reportedly cleared paths through the woods without permission. They were also accused of marching and chanting around the clock, day and night.

A spokesman for Legendarios insisted they broke no laws. He noted he had clearance from the landowner and spoke with members of the town's Shiloh Pond Committee, which manages parts of Deer Farm Campground. Kendrys Vasquez, a local leader for the group, claimed they never intended to cut new trails. 'There were opportunities to make the space a bit better,' he told reporters. The goal was safety for everyone while respecting the natural beauty of the area.

The Legendarios movement launched 26 years ago in Guatemala and now lists 19,741 members across the United States. Their website describes it as 'an initiative combining adventure with powerful encounters with God, designed specifically to challenge and transform men.' Vasquez said crews pick out quiet locations so members can connect with nature and god. But locals argue the activities are anything but peaceful. Lance Dutson lives near the campsite. He says the group chants and barks constantly. 'This pond acts kind of like an amphitheater,' he noted, explaining how sound carries everywhere.

The town's select board is weighing options to hire a lawyer and block the group from returning. Everyone wants answers on who will pay for this disruption.