High Tide Church breaks ground on new building in Dagsboro
High Tide Church held a groundbreaking ceremony May 16 for its new building being constructed on Nine Foot Road in Dagsboro.
Approximately 150 people attended, including church leaders and members.
High Tide Church Pastor Andy Ehlers of Dagsboro opened the groundbreaking ceremony with welcoming remarks and prayer, which was followed by music led by Worship Pastor Chris Hardy, of Ocean City, Md.
Ehlers then highlighted the significance of 12 large stones - symbolic cornerstones - being incorporated onto the High Tide campus. Reading from Biblical books of Joshua and Acts, Ehlers said, “Jesus is our cornerstone, and our new High Tide Church home is built upon the truth of Jesus.”
Participating in the ceremonial groundbreaking were church leaders and the building committee members, which included Terry Davis, Les Grow, Kristi Kitchen, Pret Dyer, Lew Reeves, Tanya Ehlers and Pastor Andy Ehlers.
High Tide Church has been a staple in the community almost two decades. “For nearly 20 years, High Tide Church has gathered together, but we’ve never had a building of our own,” said Ehlers. “God has always given us a place to meet and worship Him, but we feel God is calling us to construct our new High Tide home.
“Church is not just the building; it’s the people,” he said. “While we’re excited to finally build a structure we can call home; we know the building is a tool to be used to glorify God.”
The 10,000-square-foot, single-story facility will be a central location from which the congregation can more easily meet to worship, centralize its food pantry that serves the community, and conduct Bible studies for all ages including teen and children’s ministries. Construction is expected to begin in mid-202, and wrap up by spring 2022.
“We’re so appreciative of the locations across Sussex County that have provided us a place to meet over the years,” said Ehlers.
The church currently meets at the Roxana Volunteer Fire Company in Frankford. Prior to COVID, the church had been meeting at the John M. Clayton Elementary School in Dagsboro, since 2013. From 2005-13, the church congregated at the Roxana Volunteer Fire Company; and from October 2002-05, at the Lord Baltimore Elementary School in Ocean View. When the church first launched in July 2002, the congregants met at the Ehlers’ home.
“We know this building is God’s plan for our church,” said Ehlers. “Despite the challenges we’ve faced during the last year with COVID - online-only services, and then a combination of online and multiple services with limited numbers of congregants, and some people losing jobs and loved ones - our members have willingly given during these difficult times. Our MORE campaign has hit its initial milestone that has enabled us to start construction, and we’re excited to make this building a reality.”
For more information, go to hightidechurch.org/home.
