Church members were all smiles at the groundbreaking for the new church building.

TIFTON — After a decade of planning and working, Greater Mt. Moriah Church broke ground on a new location on Dec. 18.

Pastor Terrance Singleton and First Lady Mechile Singleton, along with deacons and deaconesses from the church, armed with shovels and overflowing with joy and excitement, broke ground at the new location on New River Church Road.

Singleton said that the new facility has been in the works for years.

“It took a whole decade to get to where we are,” he said. “Everybody didn’t make it. I’m not going to complain about who didn’t make it, I’m going to celebrate those who did and look forward to who God is sending along the way.”

Singleton said that it was difficult to be patient, but he had to remember that God’s timing is what is important, and that everything needed to move forward with breaking ground was provided when the time was right.

“Ten years is a long time,” he said. “But guess what? The best is yet to come.”

He said that he was truly grateful and excited about the church moving forward.

“Some mornings I get up and I pinch myself,” Singleton said. “I’m reminded of Solomon. He said he didn’t want riches, he didn’t want money, he didn’t want fame. All he wanted was for God to give him wisdom on how to lead God’s people. That’s my daily prayer also, and I tell you it’s a blessing and a thrill to be the pastor of Greater Mt. Moriah.”

The groundbreaking was attended by members of the congregation, friends, family and supporters of all ages. Everyone in attendance sang congregational songs, voices harmonizing despite the lack of musical accompaniment.