Notice trees cleared along Highway 17 near The Market Common? A local church is expanding
Solid Rock Church has cleared a plot of trees to build a new church along Highway 17 near The Market Common.
Pastor John Paul Miller said the church is in need of a bigger space than its current lot at the old Air Force base chapel in The Market Common, 803 Howard Ave. Since 2020, the church has grown by hundreds of people and now has 700 members.
“There is not a seat available during service,” Miller said. “People stand around.”
Solid Rock also has a private school, Faith First Academy, a summer camp, and other activities that require more space. Faith First Academy currently has around 55 kids and offers kindergarten to ninth grade. Each year, an additional grade will be added until it is a kindergarten through 12th grade school. During the next school year, 10th grade will be added.
When it comes to the new property, Miller said everything is going to be bigger. The church currently sits on a 2-acre lot and will build on a 14-acre lot.
“There will be a bigger gym, a second-floor classroom, a bigger sanctuary, soccer field and everything,” Miller said.
Church members raised around $1 million for the new project. Construction is expected to start in 8-10 months and is expected to finish in 2025. Miller said he hopes to move into the new church in the fall of 2025.
