Clifton Church Celebrates Grand Opening of Historic Building, Gains Company Status

A happy congregation gathered on Sabbath, June 30, to celebrate the grand opening and dedication of the Clifton Company new church building, marking a major milestone for the faith community, which began as a mission group just 18 months ago and has now officially gained company status.

The roots of the Clifton Company trace back to April 2023, when members of the Adamsville Church – specifically the Williams, Richardson, and Majo families, along with Pastor Dennis Miller – received approval to start a mission in Clifton. The initiative was supported by the Adamsville Church, and paperwork for the mission was submitted and approved by the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference in December 2023. The newly formed group began holding worship services at Columbia College on January 13, 2024. In a remarkable show of support, the college charged just $20 per room, well below its typical $500 daily rate.

As the mission group grew, the need for a permanent location became increasingly clear. After months of searching, a providential encounter occurred when church leader, Shermin Williams, was stopped for speeding in Clifton. When she explained she was searching for a worship space, the city’s police chief escorted her to a vacant, historic Methodist church building. That moment opened the door for the Clifton Company to purchase the building on March 19, 2025.

The June 30 dedication service marked a milestone of the group’s journey. The celebration included Sabbath School and worship, followed by a fellowship meal under tents behind the church. Afternoon programs featured a concert, testimonies, and refreshments shared among members and guests.

During the dedication, Mike Hewitt, Vice President of Administration for the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, surprised the congregation by announcing the church’s official transition from mission group to company status. Today, the Clifton Company welcomes more than 45 attendees each Sabbath.