Light of the World Christian Church held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new worship center it plans to build on its campus, located at 5883 Highway 155 North, Stockbridge.

The church, under the leadership of Archbishop Ruth Smith Holmes, plans to construct a 20,000-square-foot edifice that will seat 1,000.

Sunbelt Builders, located in Covington, is constructing the building and will begin work sometime this year, church officials say.

“This new Light of the World Worship Center will be a symbol of the presence of God in the community and will be for worship only,” said Archbishop Smith Holmes.

Once the new edifice is built, the church plans to transform its existing sanctuary into the Jimmie Lee Smith Community Center, named for the ministry’s founder, the late Archbishop Jimmie Smith, who served as senior pastor until he passed in January 2008.

The community center will provide various services including a barber and beauty shop, indoor walking trail, exercise equipment, personal and spiritual development classes, adult care, children and youth services and other activities for the entire family.

Archbishop Jimmie Lee Smith and Archbishop Ruth Smith Holmes established the Light of the World Christian Tabernacle International Incorporated Association, which oversees ministries.