The bill was signed into law by Gov. Bill Owens on April 16. Despite the statewide attention and threats of legal consequences, First Born members stand behind their faith and show no sign of turning to medical doctors in medical emergencies. Aside from the name on the front, the building lacks the expected signs of a house of worship. There are no crosses, no stained glass, no statues, no candles. The services are informal.
Members stand and sing at random.
At a March service, members read from the Bible, repeatedly referring to the trials of Job, and found strength in the ancient lesson of unyielding devotion despite the loss of all earthly possessions. Church elder Merrill Morris, a truck driver dressed in workman jeans and boots, fell to his knees at the start of the service. He cradled his head on an oak pew and invoked a rambling prayer. He called out supplications for Randy and Colleen Bates, who face trial and perhaps prison if convicted of abuse charges. Morris prayed for the local authorities prosecuting the couple.