Summerville, SC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Ashley Ridge Church in Summerville, SC, is preparing to move into a new permanent building after 15 years of holding services at a local high school. The new facility, costing nearly $10 million, aims to accommodate a growing congregation of about 1,200 members and will eventually include an expansive children’s center. Despite challenges from rising construction costs, the church is excited about its new home, which is set for a grand opening in September.
Summerville, SC – Ashley Ridge Church, after a 15-year stint of holding its services at Ashley Ridge High School, is set to open its new permanent building next weekend. This new facility marks a significant milestone for the church, which has seen its congregation grow to approximately 1,200 active members. The building’s opening comes as part one of a larger project that will eventually include an expansive children’s center.
The total cost for the project is estimated to be just under $10 million. This amount includes the purchase of 12 acres of land on which the new building is situated. Originally, the church had plans to construct a permanent space around three years after its establishment. However, financial constraints and rising construction costs, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed these plans.
For more than a decade, the church had been transporting equipment to Ashley Ridge High School each Sunday, requiring a setup and breakdown of all materials weekly. What began with just one trailer for these activities quickly escalated to multiple trailers as the congregation’s numbers grew, reflecting the church’s increasing popularity in the community.
Currently located at 9815 Delmar Highway in Summerville, the church is positioned near the popular high school and has been benefiting from rapid growth in the surrounding area. The new permanent building is designed to accommodate a larger number of congregants, addressing the limitation of the former venue, which only held 300 seats.
Many members express enthusiasm and relief at the prospect of moving into a dedicated facility. Plans are already in place for a larger building that could host up to 1,000 individuals, alongside amenities such as an outdoor amphitheater and a church-operated food truck area—efforts aimed at enhancing community outreach.
The construction project has faced considerable challenges, especially due to the rising cost of materials influenced by the pandemic. The cost of construction materials increased significantly, from $250 to $365 per square foot, impacting the budget considerably.
Ashley Ridge Church is characterized by its high-energy worship services and a strong commitment to the ministry for both children and students. Their mission places a significant emphasis on community involvement and outreach, illustrated by initiatives like their food truck service, which provides meals to those in need. Pastor Jenn Williams has noted the vital importance of having a dedicated home base to facilitate better service to the community.
The grand opening of the new facility is tentatively scheduled for September of this year. As the only church currently in the developing Summers Corner community, Ashley Ridge Church anticipates further growth due to ongoing residential development in the area.
Key Features of the New Church Building Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Project Cost | Just under $10 million |
| Land Area | 12 acres |
| Current Congregation Size | 1,200 active members |
| Current Venue Capacity | 300 seats |
| Future Building Capacity | Up to 1,000 people |
| Additional Facilities | Outdoor amphitheater, food truck area |
| Construction Cost per Square Foot | Increased from $250 to $365 |
FAQ Section
What is the opening date for the new building of Ashley Ridge Church?
The grand opening is tentatively scheduled for September.
Where is the new church building located?
The new building is located at 9815 Delmar Highway in Summerville, SC.
How much has the total project costs?
The total cost for the project is just under $10 million.
What are the future plans for the building?
Future plans include a larger building that can accommodate up to 1,000 people, along with an outdoor amphitheater and food truck area.
What was the size of the previous venue?
The previous venue had a seating capacity of 300.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Ashley Ridge Church Settles into Permanent Home
- Post and Courier: Portable Church Moving to Permanent Location
- Count on 2: Ashley Ridge Football Eligible for Playoffs
- HSSR: Lewis Has a Seasoned Group of Ashley Ridge Coaches
- Charleston Business: Summerville Congregation Breaks Ground on $8M Church Building
- Wikipedia: Church
- Google Search: Community Church Construction
- Google Scholar: Church Growth and Community Building
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Church
- Google News: Church Development Projects
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