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The Rising Story
From Son Rise
The ministry of Son Rise Church of Christ in Kill Devil Hills is
threefold:
First, to serve the local community through a church patterned after the
New Testament. Second, to minister to tourists who choose to vacation with God, not
away from Him. Third, to serve our sister churches by providing facilities for
retreats.
Our dream of a ministering local congregation is coming true as we now
have an active church family of around 80 people. We now have Elders and
Deacons, a Choir, a Ladies Quartet, Children's Church, a shepherding program
and other activities of hospitality and discipling.
Our attendance has shown steady growth with an average of approximately
100 to 150 during the summer months.
As the Outer Banks attracts thousands of tourists each year, it is our
joy to have many Christians worship with us every week. Each year we
have had over 1000 out-of-town visitors, many returning year after year.
Large and small groups of youth have stayed with us while visiting the
Wright Brothers Memorial, the NC Aquarium or the Lost Colony. From
Ethiopia to New Hampshire, missionaries have visited with us, presenting
their work while being able to enjoy our many attractions here on the
Outer Banks of North Carolina.
We exist to serve and glorify God by communicating His Word, celebrating
God’s presence through worship, involving God’s family in fellowship,
educating God’s people through discipleship and demonstrating God’s love
in ministry. We thank the Eastern North Carolina Christian Men’s
Fellowship and all the many churches and individuals who have encouraged
us with prayers and monetary gifts.
The congregation here at Son Rise, encourages you to visit with us in
worship to our Risen Savior, whenever you are visiting the Outer Banks
of North Carolina.
History of Son Rise Church of Christ
August 1986 - In Pepper Kight's cottage, 1816 Apache Street, Kill Devil
Hills, several met to discuss starting a New Testament Church in the
area.
April 26, 1987 - First meeting took place at the home of Haywood and
Nina Swain, 511 Landing Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC.
June 1987 - Melvin Styons began preaching, supported by ENCCMF. The
church met in The Golden Corral Steak House in Kill Devil Hills from
June 1987 until October 1990.
January 1989 - Homer Styons started full time ministry with support from
individuals and churches through the Eastern North Carolina Christian
Men’s Fellowship and New Church Evangelism. With the continuous support
of so many, the Son Rise history has been a success to the glory of God.
We can surely say with Paul, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always
pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first
day until now.” Philippians 1:4-5
January 1987 - Charter signed by 17, two more were added later
June 1988 - three lots were purchased for $27,000
September 1989 - two lots and a house were purchased for $70,000. Soon
two more lots were purchased for $20,000 making a total of seven lots.
November 1990 - We started meeting in our building on our church
property.
April 7, 1991 - The congregation approved the paving of Goldie Street
and one loan of $60,000 to pay off the mortgage of around $40,000 with
$20,000 to go toward paving Goldie which would cost $25,000.
June 1991 - The Town of Kill Devil Hills closed our doors, forcing us to
meet outdoors all summer, while we acquired proper building permits.
Each Lord’s Day was beautiful, large crowds came as we followed the
theme of Phil. 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good
work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus.”
August 1992 - Church adopted By-Laws and received tax exempt status
March 1993 - Non-Profit mailing permit received.
December 1993 - Debt free, paid off $60,000 debt that paid for parking
lot and renovation of the house.
February 1995 - First Elders and Deacons elected and ordained.
December 1995 - Two additional lots purchased at $26,000 bringing the
total cost of our old building and property and street to around
$226,000. This does not include Attorney fees and interest.
March 1996 - Construction of new meeting house began with Pepper Kight
and around 35 men framing the new building in just a few days.
April 1997 - We began worshipping in our building.
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