SOUTH POINT — For Aaron Childers, it’s simply an example of God’s grace.

That’s the way the pastor of Solida Baptist Church explains how the church he leads has survived the vicissitudes of 185 years.

“To go for 185 years, it has to be God’s hand of blessings,” Childers said. “There is no other reason and conclusion.”

The church, originally called Solida Creek Missionary Baptist Church, was established in 1823 by missionary John Lee, who was the brother of Gen. Robert E Lee.’s grandfather. It was located about a half-mile from the present structure, north of the village of South Point, in a log school house.

On Sunday the congregation will mark this special anniversary. The celebration starts with Sunday school at 9:30 a.m., followed by morning service at 10:30. Then there will be a dinner at noon.

At a special homecoming service at 1:30 p.m. different members of the congregation will read parts of the church’s history.

“It is kind of our life past, present and future,” Childers said.

There will also be a wall of memories showing off items brought in from the church family, everything from old photos to Bible school projects from years ago.

“Anything that would be a type of history,” Childers said.

It’s been seven years since Childers took over the reins of the church that has a membership of 250. He started attending the church as a teen-ager and took over as youth pastor six years before he became the church pastor.

Staying true to its roots, Solida Baptist remains a missionary church, supporting such work as well as having its own bus ministry missionary program.

As Childers considers the divine direction the church has followed, he sees a bright future.

“That is very exciting for me as a pastor,” he said. “It is going to continue.”