April 4, 2025

St. James Baptist Church to Relocate for Airport Expansion

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News Summary

St. James Baptist Church, the oldest continuously operating cultural institution in Mitchelville, is set to relocate due to airport expansion safety concerns. The move, prompted by a runway extension, will see a new sanctuary and community facilities open by mid-2027. Funding efforts are underway, with over $4 million secured, while challenges in coordination and negotiations persist. This significant change marks a new chapter for a church with deep historical roots in the community.

St. James Baptist Church on Hilton Head Island Set to Relocate Amid Airport Expansion

A Historic Move in Mitchelville

St. James Baptist Church, an iconic institution with roots tracing back to the 1880s, is preparing for a significant relocation due to airport expansion in Hilton Head Island. Recognized as the oldest continuously operating cultural institution in Mitchelville, South Carolina, the church has thrived in its original location for over a century. Recently, local leaders, church officials, and a consultant convened to share a comprehensive timeline and funding strategy for the church’s move.

Safety Concerns Prompting the Decision

The decision to relocate was prompted by safety concerns following the Hilton Head Island Airport’s expansion of its runway by 700 feet in 2018. Located within a federally mandated runway protection zone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has deemed it unsafe for the church to remain in its current location. This has led to a major shift in plans, as church officials strive to ensure the safety of their congregation.

New Location and Future Developments

The plans reveal an exciting future for the church, with a proposed new sanctuary expected to open by mid-2027 just two miles away on Union Cemetery Road. This new site will not only host the church itself but will also encompass a fellowship hall and the relocation of the historic Cherry Hill School, built in 1937 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2012.

Funding the Relocation Project

The relocation project comes with a hefty price tag, estimated to cost about $12.7 million. Funding is being sourced from various avenues:

$4 million has been secured from the state budget, thanks to concerted efforts by local officials.
An additional $750,000 is earmarked specifically for the construction of the fellowship hall.
Both the Town of Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County have pledged contributions of $150,000 each.
Beaufort County has also solidified $3.5 million and is in pursuit of an additional $2 million from state appropriations.

Despite initial hesitations, the church board, including member Herbert Ford, has reached a consensus on proceeding with the project, indicating a shift in perspectives regarding the relocation.

Project Timeline and Coordination Challenges

Although the progress of the relocation has faced challenges primarily due to lack of prioritization and coordination among local officials, recent developments have provided new momentum. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders and new state funding are propelling the project forward. The bidding process for construction could potentially commence in June, with projected awards by July.

However, the FAA emphasizes that the church’s relocation timeline remains flexible, dependent on whether any land-use changes are proposed by the airport. Church leaders and local officials maintain regular meetings to monitor progress and promote cooperation.

Addressing the Community’s Needs

While the church continues to operate within the federally mandated protection zone, community leaders are taking steps to honor its historical significance. The proposed new facilities aim to meet both the church’s mission and the broader needs of the community.

As negotiations between Beaufort County and the Town of Hilton Head Island continue, tensions have surfaced, with indications that the county may move forward independently of town officials. The complexities of these negotiations reflect the intricate dynamics at play in balancing community heritage with safety protocols.

In a historically rich area that has seen decades of transformation, the relocation of St. James Baptist Church is a testament to resilience and adaptability. It marks a new chapter for the church and its congregation, as they seek to balance the preservation of their past with the safety and growth opportunities of the future.