[SOLVED] Comments showing after creating new post page

Hello:

I created a new static home page and new post page based on the excellent instructions on this page. However, once I did this, even though I have things set to not show comments, the comments are now showing. Before I did this, comments were hidden.

On the Wordpress Settings/Discussions, I have unclicked the box for "Allow Comments". When I create or edit a post, the box for "Allow Comments" is unchecked. The new post page is set to Private, as I only want people to access the comment via a link (the comment is actually an event description).

I must be missing something. How do I eliminate comments from showing on posts given this new configuration?

Thanks!