SOUTH POINT -- Solida Baptist Church in South Point is celebrating its 185th birthday Sunday. And for Pastor Aaron Childers, it means a lot to be a part of a place that has withstood tragedy to see how good God really is.
 

“I’m excited to be the pastor here at Solida,” he said. “It’s an old country church that God has kept his hand and grace upon for 185 years.”
 

The church was founded by missionary John Lee, the great-uncle of General Robert E. Lee. It was first housed in a log cabin schoolhouse about a half mile from its current site, two miles north on Solida Road.
 

Childers said the church moved down toward the Ohio River, where the post office sets today.

The church moved back beside Solida Creek, with a new building constructed in 1929.
 

Forty-two years later, in the early morning hours, lightning struck the church, and it burned to the ground. In 1973, a new sanctuary opened and served the congregation until 1999. Childers, who grew up on Solida Road and went to Solida Baptist Church, said the church was growing and an addition was needed. That year, the older building became the fellowship hall as a new auditorium opened to the congregation.
 

Today, he said, there are about 160 members, plus a children’s and youth ministry.
Childers, like many members, have spent most of all of their lives at Solida Baptist. For many it’s a second home.
 

“I was saved in that church 33 years ago,” said long-time member Sandra Blackburn. “I grew up here in Solida, with the church just two miles from my house.”
 

Childers added that many current members have families that date back for generations at the church.
 

The church’s anniversary celebration takes place Sunday with its regular 10:30 a.m. service. Another service follows at 1:30, which will include a video tribute a memory table.
 

For more information on Solida Baptist Church, call 740-894-6040.

AP Video