Solid Rock Church in South Carolina Sold Amid Controversy Surrounding Pastor’s Personal Tragedy
In a significant development for the Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the property has been sold for approximately $2.1 million. The sale, finalized on February 13, 2024, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the community, particularly given the tumultuous events surrounding Pastor John-Paul Miller and the tragic death of his wife, Mica Miller.
The church, which has been a fixture in the Myrtle Beach area since 1958, was sold to Salem Woods Holdings LLC. Local reports indicate that the church building, situated on a 2.3-acre property, is likely to be demolished to make way for new condominiums. This decision comes at a time when the church has seen a decline in attendance, compounded by ongoing protests outside the church since Mica Miller’s death last year.
Pastor John-Paul Miller expressed his frustrations regarding the situation, stating, “The city of Myrtle Beach did not come through for us; they did not protect us, they did not stop the harassment.” His comments reflect the challenges the church has faced amid personal and public scrutiny.
Mica Miller’s death by suicide in April 2023 was a pivotal moment for the couple and the church community. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and her passing led to allegations from some of her family and friends that John-Paul Miller was partially responsible due to alleged abusive behavior during their marriage. The couple had married in 2017 after both had previously divorced.
Following Mica’s tragic passing, John-Paul Miller has maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing related to her death. He has not faced criminal charges, but the FBI conducted a search of his home last November as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her suicide.
The fallout from this personal tragedy has not only affected the Millers but has also impacted the church’s standing in the community. Reports indicate that protests have been a regular occurrence outside Solid Rock Church, highlighting the community’s divided sentiments regarding Pastor Miller’s leadership and the events that transpired.
In a startling revelation, during the tumult of their divorce proceedings, John-Paul Miller admitted to posting a private photo of Mica online, which he later regretted. He described his actions as "evil" and apologized, stating he was hurt by the public airing of their personal issues.
As the church property is set to be redeveloped, the future of Solid Rock Church remains uncertain. The sale marks the end of an era for a congregation that has weathered many storms over the decades. The community is left to grapple with the implications of this sale and the legacy of the Millers’ tumultuous relationship.
For those interested in the broader implications of church properties being sold and redeveloped, you can explore more on Christianity Today or stay updated with local news through The Sun News.
The story of Solid Rock Church serves as a reminder of the intersection between faith, community, and the personal challenges that leaders can face. As the dust settles on this chapter, the future of both the church and Pastor John-Paul Miller remains to be seen, with many in the community watching closely.