History of Son Rise Church of Christ

Click Here: View Pictures of the Early Years 

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.

SonRise has been fortunate to have a number of Youth Ministers to help throughout the years. Daryl Woolard (1999-2002), Jason Woolard(2003-2006), Eric Pruitt (2006-2007), Josh Curry(2008), Aaron Everett (2009), Jared Hedges (2010) Corbin Kuhn(2011). Joe Cartwright (2012-present)

2005 - The Church built a new gym with kitchen, stage, apartment, and classroom.

January 2011 - Jason Woolard was hired as Associate Minister to be groomed into the lead Minister ministry