RIDEOUT – In 1914, Clay County was a much different place. That was the year that a group of Christians likely walked or rode horses to a small chicken coop to hold worship. Now, 103 years later, although that chicken coop is gone from the plot of land, the century-old church that sits there is getting a 21st century upgrade.

“There’s something powerful about holding on to heritage and holding on to what God has done over the last 100 years,” said Nathan Mattox, senior pastor of Rock Bible Church.

From the corner of County Roads 220 and 209, “that little white church on the corner” has become a county landmark, and Mattox knows it.

Since Mattox took over the pulpit in 2009, the church has continued to flourish, often exceeding the capacity of a building built in the early 20th century. Back in the old days, those church members could have never imagined that the Rock Bible Church would be on the verge of outgrowing its sanctuary.

While the original sanctuary will remain intact, the rest of the building has been gutted and is being remade to accommodate the church’s growing number of visitors and children.

Some changes include a new foyer area, conducive to social gatherings. Also, the sanctuary entrance has been flipped to make it easier for guests to navigate through the church without disrupting service. Another change includes an upgraded children’s area, which will be more secure and private.

Youth have always had a special place in Mattox’s heart. He is a former Clay County teacher and youth pastor. Mattox, 34, is also much younger than the average senior pastor stereotype that comes to mind. He hopes, one day, when the church grows beyond the current facility that it be turned over to the youth department.

“On a given Sunday we may have 60 to 70 children,” Mattox said. “One of the biggest things is raising the next generation for the next hundred years.”

The current renovations are scheduled to be complete between October and December this year, with a grand opening celebration eyed for November. In the meantime, the Rock Bible Church is trading a chicken coop for RideOut Elementary School’s Cafeteria, as an alternative place of worship.

When it seems like churches are falling by the wayside at every turn, Mattox and the Rock Bible Church congregation are bucking the trend.

“What scared me the most, was that I didn’t want to be last pastor of this church,” Mattox said. “All of this isn’t because of me, all of this is because God decided to work and move in this church, and I’m just excited and holding on.”